Columbus Day

We made a family run to a local farm/pumpkin patch.  It was a gorgeous day and lots of fun!

I got to do a corn maze with these two. 

 And Ben in a wrap- oh my heart. Love any chance to hold this growing boy close.

In Search of Sunshine

We went out the afternoon that school got out to one of our favorite parks.
I wanted to just be in the sunshine (the winter body aches/stiffness is already setting in).

It was so nice to be out with them!  It felt like old times before our schedules were so clogged up with school.  (We love school too, just saying...)

 It was SO cold but they just don't care.  They had to do the playground too! :

We were so looking forward to break!  And its been so nice so far!! :)

Kindergarten Registration

We registered Lily for K this week!!!

I wasn't going to do it on the scheduled day because of our move but Mike thought we should go ahead and use the contract on our new house.  So we did and I'm so glad to have it under our belt.

It turned out to be a really sweet day.  Mike worked from home so Lily and I enjoyed having him with us.  And of course, I'm sure that 'Daddy coming along' upped the appeal of registering.

 I really love them.  I love how they love each other.

 It was the prettiest day.  Temperature was nice and warm, but not hot.  We'd already done homework.  So we spent the afternoon in the yard.

 Our front yard has the best afternoon sunlight.

 Lily has loved watering the inside of the daffodils that Paw planted a few years ago.

She puts water in the "pollen".

 Getting more water... such pretty light.  Soaking it in.

 Sweet Clovey loves sunbathing!

 Peter's turn to water.

I counted this our last non-crazy weekday afternoon and I just sat there and took it all in.

We had house inspection today and will start packing up this weekend. 

I went in for my 36 week visit and all looks good.  The little boy's HR had been low at my last visit so I was anxious to go in today and see my dr.  Today it was 135 and all seemed good.  So thankful for these last weeks of pregnancy.  Altho, after cleaning up for house inspection last night, I am beat today.  My parents have the kids for Aundrey's birthday weekend and I'm looking forward to a productive weekend with my man.

Getting Outside!

We've loved the warmer days this week.  Its always nice when they line up with days that our schedule is more free!  We went to a park and then rode bikes.

 Handsome Boy.  

Its the last days or weeks of those little front baby teeth. l

The ground was still so wet mid week so he did a lot of mud riding through this puddle.

It was sooo good to be outside in the sunshine this weekend too!

I found them playing this little game.  :)

And this afternoon... a game of Mr Shark, Mr Shark.

Preschool Sunshine

Lily and I stayed after preschool one day so that she could ride her bike.  She said after school that she didn't want to just go home and I didn't esp want to either, so we played in the sunshine.  Which is always welcome in December!

 She's been more hesitant to embrace the bigger bike, which makes sense b/c she is significantly higher off the ground than Peter on the same size bike.  But this day to practice on her own, I think boosted her confidence.  

 Every now and then she'd tell me she wanted to rest and she'd sit for a few seconds then get up and go at it again.  :)  So cute!  I told her she looks like a little Christmas elf in this outfit.

This school year with her is interesting and feels different than previous years.  She definitely feels "older" and no longer my sweet little doll of a girl.  Still such a sweetie but she has more of her own ideas and plans.  And she is so very capable (except when it comes time to clean up or put away).  Her spirit feels more independent from mine, no longer just my side kick.  Which is bittersweet but seems natural and I know is part of growing up.  I find that I have to make a more conscious effort to lay aside my plans and engage with her.  Which I'm not great at.  But thankful for this sweet afternoon with her.

summertime joys

We are enjoying these longest days of the year.  I LOVE this time of year.  Its been a cool in the mornings and eves, low humidity, and warm days sorta week.  Our friends sold their house and are letting us keep their slide til they get a new house.  My kids have spent hours on it.  

Catching *Flire Flys*

 Peter was our expert catcher.  Lily liked the idea but not actually doing it.  Big bro to the rescue.

Peter told Lily this week, "Lily, when I'm 6, I"ll still be your big bro."

letting them go

Then a campout on the floor in Peter's room.  Lily was a little afraid of the dark (she has a nightlight in her room).  Peter told her "Don't worry, Lily.  Big bro is here to keep you safe."

Crafts, Tooth, Trucks, and Hook

Its a long stretch to connect those four things.  But here are pics about each of them.  :)

In an attempt to think of a free Valentine craft, Lily and I painted pine combs and gumballs pink and glittery.  I was really excited about the idea but then felt like the were just ok, not great, kinda "meh".  

But we put them on the mantle anyway.  Kinda fun. 

 The kids made and painted these Valentines holders at the free Home Depot build.  

It was my first time to join them for one.  It was lots of fun.

We got our Valentine from Valentines.  Thanks, Nee Nee!

 Peter has a loose tooth!  Wiggling it during craft time.

The science/nurse person in me thinks its really cool.  He's gotten this little gap in a matter of weeks to make room for the new one.... so cool.

 Peter finished his dump truck from Maw and Paw.  He is thrilled!

Remember Halloween?  Well, its still one of the kids' (and Mike's!) favorite things to play.  They pretend they are Peter Pan, Tiger Lily, and Captain Hook nearly daily.  If you ask Peter his favorite thing to play, he'll say Captain Hook.  The child in my sweet husband LOVES it as much as they do.  I think its his therapy.

The play set is the pirate ship.

 Hook sent Pan down the plank.

 Hook chasing Tiger Lily and Pan trying to stop him.

 One final pretty pic... :)

Thankful for a fun low key weekend full of family time and outside time!