A Lazy Sunday

Last week a virus reared its ugly head and intruded our family. It started with Thatcher Reid and then quickly went down the line of our family, only sparing Eric. It was a nasty stomach virus, but it was swift. And within days we were all recovered. But come Sunday we were still in the process of respite and decided to skip church. Sickness takes its toll and we were all exhausted. But we had a lovely Sunday. It started with pumpkin pancakes. 

 And play ice-cream shoppe. 

 And a lunch picnic. Which I may do more often!

Dining Al Fresco

We are not summer people. Not at all. So when the temperature starts to cool, that is when we head outside. And a couple weeks ago we even ate dinner outside. The kids got to "decorate" their own individual pizzas and we had a pizza party! Grateful we have a lovely deck to do so. 

Eleanor Turns 4

Our sweet and sassy Eleanor Jane turned 4 recently. Oh my. What to say about Ellie. She is sweet, but definitely has some sass. She is 100% girly, but is tough as well. She is agile and fearless, already trying to scale the monkey bars. She is funny and loves to intentionally make us laugh. She is bright and surprising me recently with what she knows and how much she is able to retain. She fits so well into our family and keeps up with the boys. Thatcher is her buddy, especially. They share a room and I believe that has drawn them even closer. She is a beautiful girl. The pediatrician said she is in the 50th percentile for her weight and 95th percentile for height. He said as an adult she will more than likely be 5'9-5'10. So she will tower over me! 

A few weeks ago the children and I went on a day trip to Charlotte where we visited the American Girl Store. I let Eleanor pick out a Bitty Baby for her birthday and a couple of outfits. It was so fun for her and for me! A very special memory and we hope to return soon. Then for her actual birthday my mom came to visit, "Noni" and threw her a very special princess party for her and our family. We ate pizza, birthday cupcakes, opened gifts and played "Pin the flower on Rapunzal." Eleanor had a very special birthday and we were excited to celebrate her four years of life. I think 4 is going to be wonderful!

Eleanor doing some ballet moves.

Where she fell asleep on the top of the stairs during nap time.

A princess tent for her birthday.

The day of her party.

One very happy princess.

A new outfit for her baby, Lilly Emmy. 

And oh yes, she gets into EVERYTHING! Here she is covered in marker. She said she was cold and was drawing "sleeves." 

We love you Eleanor Jane!

Day with the Burkes

Yesterday was a great day-because we spent it with our Burkes. We love love the Burke family. Our kids ages and genders almost directly line up and when they see each other, they just go with their counterparts. And I love any time I get to spend with Amy. So yesterday Amy and I had eight children under the age of seven. It was loud and crazy, so good thing we are completely used to loud and crazy. Plus, there are times when my children (who are quirky, active, extraverted.....) need to be told to "calm down their crazy" but not with the Burkes. It is a party!

 Wyatt and Everett

 Silas and Hampton

 Thatcher and Jasper

 Clara and Everett having a fun conversation over lunch.

 Feeding time at the zoo!

 And my big boys loved playing Star Wars on their Wii. 

A fun day was had by all!!!

Rainy Day Fun

The other day the storms came rolling in early in the morning. The weather forecast predicted storms and rain all day, so it was time to look for some fun rainy day activities!

We first started out by making a tie die banner. 

 I used rolled and twisted baby wipes and the children colored all of the sections. 

 And this is what we ended up with! I then used tiny clothes pins and made a banner. I hung it on the mantle in our playroom. 

 I then set out to make floam, however it did not turn out quite right. So the children just played with shaving cream. 

 Since they smelled like shaving cream, they then played in the bath. 

 After nap time the boys did some of their Beginners Bible activity book. 

 Then we broke out the Perler beads. Big chunky ones for toddler hands. 

 And tiny ones for the big boys. The boys made Minions. We have Minion Madness currently at our house right now!

 Then I made waffles with a side of fruit for dinner! A perfect way to end a rainy day at home.