Pearl Girl

Pearl is so grown up to me lately. She reads chapter books, rides the bus by herself, and is becoming quite the independent spirit. She's been so busy since school started, I feel bad that she has almost no free time. Well, Saturday was a stay at home day and she played outside and imagined to her heart's content. Sammy left with Jared to run errands, and Max was sleeping, and I was folding laundry when I caught her playing "vet" with her little stuffed animals. It was quite the elaborate set up, with an x-ray machine (her camera), some surgical gloves (frilly Easter gloves) and other assorted equipment. I was glad to catch her, and glad that she had just a little bit of time to imagine and play - after all, she is still a little girl. For a little while, at least:) Love my girl!

Sam

Sam had his first day of preschool this week. He was SOOOOO EXCITED!!! I'm not sure what was most exciting... that he was going to Evan's school, or that he got to ride in Evan's car!!! He's looking older to me this year, and I think his cute little backpack will only last one more school year... what a big boy! He still melts my heart and he can get pretty much anything when he uses his eyes on me! Love him.

Max

Max has had a fun week. First, he got to paint the table with his very purple blueberry smoothie. Lest you all think I'm a great mom, I only ran to get the camera and let him continue smearing because my housekeeper, Ernestina (whom I adore) was going to walk through the door in about 15 minutes.

Later on, he was trying so hard to play with Sam. He just didn't realize that he's a boy and not a car. Cute adorable sweet little boy! Oh how I love him so!

Aah, now he gets it!

Taekwondo

I can't believe it's taken me so long to blog about Taekwondo. The kids started in June, and it took a month or so to get uniforms, then it's hard to get pictures because I'm chasing Max... anyways, here are some. They are totally adorable. They have been learning valuable life lessons like saying "yes sir" and yelling before you run at someone to kick them:) It's a good thing for them to be involved in. Pearl had her first belt test a few weeks ago (now she has a white belt with a green stripe) and she broke a board! So amazing for my little uncoordinated children! The teacher is so patient and kind, but very strict, perfect for my little Sam. He adores punching, but you should have seen the look on his face during the class where they each got a stick and started learning sword forms... pure joy. Pearl wasn't so sure at first, I mean, no pink and no tutus are involved, but there are some big girls there so she figures it's acceptable. She's especially enjoyed it since her belt test... just needed some success (isn't that always how it is?). I would highly recommend it to parents looking to teach their children respect, control, and strength.

Swings and other assorted playground equipment.

And... ta da!!!! the gravel pits are complete! Grandpa got the swingset up this week (we love him and thank him very much) and the kids are in HEAVEN!!! Sam woke up first thing the next day and ran out to play, and Max has eaten several meals in his swing while he watches the kiddos. Sam also loves to finally have someplace to put the awesome digger he got from Grandma and Grandpa Hulbert for Christmas last year. I love that they are so entertained outside... who needs a tv when you have a yard like this?

Airplane.

So, I knew the gravel pits were coming. I wanted to make sure we had something to put in right away. So, against orders, I ordered the airplane and the swing set. What? They weren't that big to store, and they only sat on Gary's front porch for like 2 weeks. So, with the pits in, I'm thinking we'll get it up right away and we can play. Yeah! Reality check - Jared doesn't come home from work until like 8:00 every night. So, after evenings of fussing and complaining, I got him to at least get it started for me. The next day he left for Korea, and what did I do? Of course, I put it together myself! I will admit, there were a few screws at the end for Gary to tighten and fix, but overall, I did it! The children highly approve.

It is called the Sea Duck and many fun adventures are had.

Max is always so proud of himself when he can sneak a chance to steer!

I will say this, after my experience putting the airplane together (with the children constantly asking if they could get on yet and sitting on parts) I didn't touch the swing set. I figured I would leave that one to the professionals. Good thing, too, after watching three of the strongest people I know lift it into place.

Scotty.

I love being so close to nieces and nephews. Seriously, it takes so much of the playdate pressure off. Plus, I get lots of models so I can take MORE pictures! Here are the ones I got of Scotty recently. Yes, he really is that cute:)