Church Pictures-Christmas Edition

Building and Learning Together

I love any toy that has an educational value to it. Add in the bonus of captivating the children for hours and I'm sold. No matter the cost! I introduced a set of Lincoln Logs to the children around Thanksgiving time as we were talking about how the Pilgrims lived in 1-room cabins. We then built our own log cabin together. 

 Now Legos are always a huge crowd pleaser any day of the week. We recently invested in another big tub to continue to promote creativity as well as following a set of instructions. The big boys have really improved in their ability to follow the instructions and create on their own, with little to no help. And Eleanor has recently graduated from playing with Duplo Legos to the "little Legos" and does surprisingly well! We even attended a monthly Lego Club at our library that was super fun! Thatcher Reid continues to enjoy Duplos, which are perfect for little chubby toddler hands. 

 Another fun activity we have enjoyed more recently are board games. I just now learned about the cooperative games and picked up a couple. With cooperative games there is no winner or loser, rather everyone works together to win. It is wonderful! Below are the big kids playing their new game called "Count the Chickens." 

We love learning and playing together and anything that does not involve a screen (which is fine in moderation of course) is a win-win in my book!

Our Fall Party

We had the joy of having a fall party with our fellow homeschooling friends yesterday. There are not too many things I think my children miss out on being homeschooled, but seasonal parties would be one. So my dear friend Jenny and I were happy to collaborate and throw a great party. 

Below are the little ones getting started on a canvas painting piece. I used aluminium foil, scrunched up, which they dipped in the paint to create textured leaves for fall trees. It turned out super cute. 

 And Jenny led the other craft station where the children got to decorate and paint their own little pumpkins. 

 After crafts it was story time. Jenny made a fun fall trail mix and they ate and listened to some theme related stories. 

 Game time! First up is a race where they had to run with a ballon between their legs. 

 Then had to blow a leaf across the floor using a straw. 

 Popcorn relay race! My children had a tough time understanding the concept of a relay race, but got it in the end. 

After some outdoor play, they then came inside for some warm apple cider. A fun fall day!

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!