Learning at Home

In efforts to simplify life, we withdrew Everett from preschool a couple weeks ago. I was having to get all 3 children dressed, fed, and out the door by 9am to drop Ev off and then go pick him up 3 hours later. It was interfering with naps and taking a toll. I was willing to keep doing it though for Everett (even though the thought of Thatcher coming next month and adding him to the mix completely stressed me out). However, after praying about it and talking to Everett we decided it was the right choice. So far it has been great! Everett learns really well at home and I am so happy to have extra time with him. It has also made for a more peaceful day. So, since that decision was made I have had to be more intentional about making play dates when possible and getting him around children his age. We have also started both boys in AWANA and I am looking into a gymnastics and/or music class for them.
I am so grateful they love to learn at home doing.......
Lots of puzzles.......
 

 

 

And painting/artwork.......
 

Learning on the iPad (Everett playing with the BOB books app)
 

Reading a lot of books.......
 

And Ellie getting upset when she can't join in on the "big kid" fun (like when she was trying to destroy their puzzle)......
 

or when she was trying to destroy their BINGO game boards....
 

 

And during Hampton and Eleanor's nap time Everett and I have enjoyed spending a couple of hours on "seat work" and lots of one on one learning time. We are currently focusing on learning to read-which he is doing great! 

Christmas Toys

The children have been pretty much housebound since Christmas. We have just chosen to stay home and there are so many new fun toys to play with! The boys "big gift" this year was a Melissa and Doug train table, so they have definitely have already invested many hours of play on that. They have also had fun doing some new puzzles and playing with a few new games.

And these Mickey Mouse figurines they got from my mom have definitely been a hit.

 

And the art easel they got from Gigi. While my mom, aunt, and sister were here we broke it in. Hampton and Everett loved painting!
 

 

Funny the difference between how a 2 year old and a 4 year old paints. Everett was definitely more methodical. Today we painted as well and Everett painted letters, whereas Hampton had a more of an abstract art (ha) perspective!
 

And Sassy got this purse for Christmas and I just could have died today when I caught her walking around with it on her arm like a little lady on a shopping trip. Funny how these things don't have to be taught. It is just innate.
 

 

 

From Aunt Mary's Camera

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gingerbread Houses

My mom, aunt, and sister have been visiting this week. Today we went to the Grove Park Inn to see their gingerbread house competition. So fun! And we have visited the past couple years so it has become a tradition. Other than enjoying the beautiful and creative gingerbread houses, eating pastries and sipping hot chocolate, and admiring all the gorgeous Christmas decor-no meltdowns from any of the children! A success in my mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Merry Christmas

We've had a lovely Christmas. The past few years we've had our Christmas at home with just our little family. This year was another wonderful Christmas of a blend of eating good food, enjoying each other, and plenty of laying around. It is what we always need and anything goes. And today it involved plenty of Christmas movies. Funny side note-Hampton saw Ralphie from A Christmas Story today and said, "Look! It's Hampy!" Even he sees the resemblance. Such a fun day.

 

This year the boys got Annies fruit snacks and granola bars, a box of crayons, Hershey kisses, and M and Ms in their stockings. They loved it.
 

For breakfast we enjoyed sweet rolls and pigs in a blanket. Yum!
 

And each child got a new book. Everett got a new Bernstein Bear book, Hampton got Little Blue Truck Goes to the City, and Eleanor got an Eloise Wilkin storybook.
 

After breakfast the children opened their presents. The boys' big present this year was a new train table with trains. They loved it! Everett got a new board game, a puzzle, and a stamp set. Hampton got a peg board and a few puzzles as well. Eleanor received a baby carriage and some stacking letter blocks.
 

 

 

 

 

The boys have been playing with their new table non-stop. It was a hit!
 

We spent the rest of the day watching movies and playing with toys. After dinner we had a chocolate chip pound cake and sang "Happy Birthday Jesus." It was a fantastic day. 

Happy Christmas Eve!

The children at our candlelight service last night.........