Sunday, March 13, 2011

Waiting for Spring...

We are waiting for Spring...waiting and waiting and waiting.  Just when we think we've seen the last snowfall, we are hit with another one, bigger than the last. 

We can't wait to put on our rubber boots and get out to the park to run, play, collect sticks, rocks - whatever catches our fancy.  

Until then, we try to keep ourselves busy and have some fun.


Peek a boo! 

We built a snow fort in the backyard and after some design issues, we managed to put in some windows.
We can't play in the sand outside so let's play with Moon Sand inside!
Not one of my best ideas - especially for an admitted clean freak like me!  Oye!
Nutella (or Matella as it's become know around here) is so yummy!
Taking Elmo x 2 for a stroll
The picture of concentration.  Mr. Ants in his Pants was very determined to make himself a necklace.
He sat in one place and beaded for a good 20 minutes! 
Papaya was so excited to make her own necklace.
Check it out!  So proud!  He doesn't want to take it off.  :)
The finished product.  "I LOVE it!" she declared.
Ride 'em cowboy!
The dinosaurs that came to tea
Alakazoo, la magicado, la bippity boppidy boo!
This one is going in the keepsake box and pulled out at his wedding!
Perfectly perfect princess

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Gold Stars!

Although I'm in denial, it is becoming very apparent that I won't be enjoying "nap time" much longer as not much napping has been taking place.  Instead, Mr. Man goes to his room for "quiet time" - which is also a misnomer as he's anything but quiet most days.  Most of the time, I go to his room to find it torn apart, books all over the floor, bookcases knocked over, blankets ripped off the bed - you get the idea.  On this particular day, he was being awfully quiet so I thought I'd better check on him to make sure he hadn't knocked himself out.  My heart actually stopped when I saw him laying on the floor behind his door.  What happened?!  I was relieved to see that he was breathing and he had just passed out - probably while he was playing with the door stopper.  I thought twice about moving him to his bed but I thought permanent carpet indents on his face might raise some eyebrows...



In between working in town, waking up every few hours to check on pregnant cows, and taking care of the horses, Aunty Stevie has found time to crochet us some beautiful hats!  Mr. Man looks very handsome in his cap and Papaya is very stylish in her flowered cloche hat.  She loves it and has not taken it off all day (except for swimming). 

Thanks Aunty Stevie!!!
 Now to the gold star part of our story!

Chris and I attended Parent/Teacher Interviews with the preschool teachers today.  Both kids received glowing reviews from their teachers, Gill and Elizabeth.  It's always nice to hear good things about them and today we left the school full of pride.

Mr. Man is an outgoing, kind, friendly little boy who is helpful, confident, and loving.  He is very adept at communicating his needs and is very patient with the teachers when he's trying to tell them something.  He makes sure they understand and is thrilled when they get it.  :)  He's making friends and likes playing with the other children...well, most of them.  We're not sure what happened between him and another little boy named Jack but he's adamant about not wanting to play with him! 

Papaya is very ready for kindergarten.  The one thing that Gill was going to suggest we work on with her was doing up her zipper but she mastered that on Tuesday so that went out the window!  She loves books (no surprise there!) and her imaginative play is amazing.  She is helpful, kind, has lots of friends, and is taking a leadership role amongst the kids and organizes play.  She was the only kid in the class who could not only name all of the letters in the alphabet and the sounds they make but also give a word that started with each letter!  Oh, and she's left-handed, as is apparently only 10% of the world's population.  Go figure!

We know they're superstars but it feels great to have it verified by professionals!  :)