Wonder Chess

I found this game at Barnes n Noble and thought it was such a great way to learn chess that I bought it. Each chess piece is hollow with a cap to put on the bottom. I put an assortment of fun candy inside the chess pieces and each time one is taken that player gets a treat. Jeremy already knew how to play chess, but now the kids and I are learning as well. GAME ON!

Winter Ends With a Blast!

Just four days away from the start of spring we were ambushed by snow. When it snowed in December I was too sick to take any photos, so I made sure to get outside and capture some this snowy Sunday. The children (and me) gleefully received the news that church was cancelled as we were putting on their snow pants to go outside.

MORE Snow Pictures

Jeremy was at the church for early morning meetings during the snowfall and our car was covered with a few inches of white stuff by the time he came home. He had to brush the snow off the car before he could park it in the garage. After he went inside to change, the kids came in and needed to be warmed up with some hot chocolate. By early afternoon the sun had come out and the snow was melting away. I wasn't too sad though because I'm hoping for a warm spring to thaw out my cold winter bones.

Floor Time

James spends a good amount of his time playing on the floor. Luckily nobody in our family has stepped on him yet. His newest baby work includes- practicing his rolling skills, drooling buckets, and smiling at everyone who stops to chat with him.

Grease Monkey's

Jeremy had some minor repairs to do on the van and the boys wanted to get in on the action. Not only do they gravitate towards grease and grime, they also enjoy helping their dad whenever possible because they love spending time with him. He's pretty much the favorite parent round these here parts. I guess my envy voice has a western accent.

Bath 'n' Bedtime with Baby James

This little cutie has terribly sensitive skin so he can only be washed once or twice a week a most or his skin issues worsen. James does love to be showered by his dad. It relaxes him and he sleeps so soundly after he's been in the warm water. He has begun to sleep in his big boy crib instead of his bassinet, and he looks small and precious in his crib.

Hair Today GONE Tomorrow!

Okay- my mom and sister were checking out the blog and they both said the boys were lookin' too shaggy and that I needed to get on the ball and cut their hair. Well, I've procrastinated in cutting it because it's been cold here. And I'll be the first to admit that they look like they could be junior members of The Beatles. But the moment I really knew I HAD to get it cut came when Madison did Grant's hair and started saying she had a sister after all. I whipped out that Flowbee pretty darn quick and said goodbye to those beautiful locks!

Welcome to the house of ill fortune...

That's what I would have said to anyone who knocked on our door over the past few days because we were all sick simultaneously. It was James's first time being sick and it was very sad.

Cherish the Rare Moments

Occasionally my children entertain themselves by playing together without bickering or causing each other bodily injury. When I happen upon those moments I try to remember the feelings of contentment I have towards them, so I can try to be kinder to them when they're being cantankerous. An amusing quote I like by Erma Bombeck- "When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they're finished I climb out."

He Looks So Innocent BUT...

WHAM! He zings me with a diaper blowout that somehow manages to spread as I futilely try to clean it up. James smiles and wiggles all the more after having zinged me. I'm not sure he's as innocent as he looks...

We love the PARK!

We love living by so many wonderful parks here in Washington. Sometimes we hang out at a park after school until Madison is done with her activities. Carter likes to turn over rocks or logs to hunt for bugs and Grant likes to check out the discoveries Carter makes. Boys, bark, dirt and various other things end up accompanying us home after a fun trip to the park.

Buddies

Grant hangs out with his friend Sam nearly every Wednesday. They love riding their scooters, staging army attacks, building with Legos, doing video games, and just being silly. It's good to have a buddy.