Columbus Day Fun

I considered another field trip like last year, but it was just too much for this year.  And the kids had dentist appts mid afternoon so it would have been a rush to get back. 
But we had such a great day.  It was great to have nice weather to be outside a lot.  
We did a little school review then headed out for bike rides around the neighborhood.  It was my first time to go with them again since the baby came.  He can ride in an umbrella stroller now.  It felt good, I felt good and it was nice to do something active with the kids again. :)  And wow, now we are in a real neighborhood and the kids are so confident on their bikes.  It was great!

I loved the chance to chat with them as we went on our way.  Lily blew a weed she found to make a wish, and told me that she wished she "didn't have a sin" and "didn't disobey", which was really helpful for me to see and know because she has been hard lately (I am hard too!).  It was sweet to have that little glimpse into her heart.  God is so faithful to show me these things.  The mouths of my babies who I usually think I am in battle with, break me.  So helpful.  Another day last week, I am struggling with being frustrated with them.  And Lily starts singing, "Lord, do not be far from me.  Come quickly to help me."  It's a song they sing at church, psalm 71:12 (love it, bless the kind lady who teaches them).  And just such a good reminder- we are all the same, struggling with sin and our attitudes.

We had to strip down a little.  It got hot!

 The kids liked this one larger cul de sac that they rode around over and over.  It has a few small puddles so they called it the "water park".

 We came back and played in the yard.  Mike was flagging our sprinkler system and they ran in to get suits on and just played and had the best time together.  I mean childhood, its so great!  They were covered in grass and laughter.

This guy started this a few weeks ago.  I'd forgotten about it!  The open mouth kisses!  Oh, my heart! 

 The kids were pooped from biking and running around outside, so we bathed and had room time.  They both fell fast asleep and had the hardest time waking up for the dentist. So sweet.

 I SEE YOU WHILE I'M SLEEPING, UNCLE WILL!!  

My bro slept/sleeps with his eyes open- Lily inherited his skillz. ;)

 And fun play time with Daddy last eve! We played the guitar and did airplanes.  

It is pretty fun to see the big kids love on & enjoy Benjamin.

 

First Day of Break

Peter was out of commission through yesterday.  But still some good snuggles.

And note the Peter Pan costume.  I love it.

We could tell he was coming around last night so there was time for the start of a last minute craft.  I have been thinking I really miss doing things at the dining room table (or little black table) with them.  I really loved going thru the alphabet with them.  It felt like a reasonable "curriculum" that gave us something easy and structured to do without having to come up with something regularly.

So these few minutes were a good refill for me.  Hopefully, there will be more "school" or crafting over break.  I really just want to sit and hang out with them over crafts and "school" and hope they are agreeable.... that's the tricky part.  ;)

Peter was feeling like his normal self today, so after baths to wash away the germs and crusties, he just wanted to play with Lily in his room.  I looked in from the hallway and saw this... oh, my heart.  Their two little heads peeking out... & now big bodies packed into the little tent together to play a game and read a book.  

And note that Lily set the tent up on top of her pink blanket.  Details.

These are the moments that I am in love with this joy of little kids.

The Pop UP Puzzle game and a Berenstain Bears book inside.  :)

 Peter had speech and then we went for a quick little trip to the grocery store.  

Lily had to sit in the cart with Peter.  I think they've missed each other so much, that they were both thrilled with the closeness.  :)  And I thoroughly enjoyed it too.

Oh, I love them and I'm glad they like each other.

Peter had his yellow belt testing later today.  Mike had the idea for us to go out to eat afterwards to celebrate (which we never do).  Sounded fun.  Peter wanted cheese pizza in front of the TV (like father, like son) but I convinced him we should go to Johnny Rockets (beside TKD) to get milkshakes with dinner.  It was a bit of a flop.  Everyone was tired.  The kids didn't really eat their food.  We were all just done.

But still a fun day to spend with the kids!