Sunday, April 27, 2014

Spring Break

I decided to get the kids into some better habits this week, so Monday morning after they woke up (& did family scripture study) we did chores and homework first thing.  Two glorious hours of well-earned play time, topped by an exciting time at the Childrens' Museum with Tess & Aubrey.





I'm working extra hard on just accentuating the positive things that the kids do this week, and trying to be as uplifting as possible. The kids are incredibly patient with me, and it's so interesting to realize how much parents have to continually learn and grow with their children. I'm also trying to teach the children that helping and hard work can be fun. They don't seem to mind it if we are all doing it together.



Thursday the boys spent all day at Gymnastics' Camp. I was worried James would be scared (he's so shy), but Alec stayed with him all day and when I arrived at 4, they had some free play time and were happily climbing near each other.

Then came Friday. Friday was the best, because Paul took the day off work! We took the children to Craig Ranch Park. It's a huge new park near our house, and it requires both of us to be there to keep track of all three children.




We had wanted to see 'Sherman and Mr. Peabody', but it turned out it wasn't playing at the theaters near us. We decided it was worth a trip across town, and left Evelyn napping with my mom. Well, it turns out I had misread which theater it was at, and we went to the wrong one! Making lemonade, we decided to have some frozen yogurt and a nearby shop.


Then the trek back across town to watch 'Rio 2' at the theater near our house.


The boys didn't mind a bit!

Then they got to have Nana babysit, whilst Paul and I went to the temple with my grandmother. 

Saturday morning was our ward egg hunt. Paul and the boys had walked around the block on Wednesday and invited our neighbors.


We also invited my brother Christopher, and his family.




Saturday night Paul & I had another night out! 


The performance was amazing!! I cried and Paul said it was, "pretty good". High praise from a non-musical fan!

Sunday, April 6, 2014

A 007 'secret agent' party

Is the theme Alec decided on a few months ago. Yes, the boys choose themes shortly after Christmas. Yes, it's probably a bit ridiculous.


James had a tummy bug on Wednesday and by Thursday have one and I both come down with it. It seemed to linger, and flareup mostly on Sunday for us. What this means is, that my well scheduled 'week of preparation' leading up to his party went down the tubes. Ah, well. One thing we definitely caught onto at James's party, is that the boys want to just run around and play for most of the party anyway! 

We still manage to enjoy General Conference on Saturday morning with the Legos, but then Alec had to be whisked away for his soccer game at 11:20 (they won again!), then gymnastics at 1. 

But, back to the party: we created an obstacle course, got the food and cake sorted, threw in a couple balloon popping games and the boys were happy as can be! Largely due to the fact that the obstacle course included two squirt guns. Prized commodities.

Preparing to manuevur through the 'lasers':



I even made them put their fake mustaches back on for a group photo.


Alec's uncle got a little carried away with the mustaches at one point.


He loved it! I'm really loving the fact, that he's becoming more self-confident. When things like this happen, he just takes off laughing and everyone simply joins in with him. He's just a fun kid to be around.





On to the, "Mom, how many more questions?" Questionnaire:

How old are you? 7
What makes you happy? Mom. James. Dad & Evy.
What is your favorite thing to eat? Pizza!
What is your least favorite thing to eat? Bananas
What are your favorite things to do? Play squirt guns, soccer 
What is your favorite scripture story? Ammon
What is your favorite movie? Atlantis
What is your favorite color? Red
What is your favorite song? I Am a Child of God
What is your favorite book? Non-fiction books about Sea Dinosaurs
What is your favorite sport? Soccer
What is your favorite animal? Lion
What are you really good at? Soccer, gymnastics, reading, math
Who is your best friend? James
What do you and your mother do together? Play and read books
What do you and your dad do together? Get ice cream and go to the park
Where is your favorite place to go? Flip N Out (indoor trampoline)
What do you want to be when you grow up? A paleontologist