Sunday Smiles

learning about states and countries

Landon traveled to Egypt this week and did some excavating while William stayed state bound and learned all about California.  They both love doing these activities.  Its fun and educational all at the same time.

hanging in there

We are still here. I just have not been wanting to write. Not much to say. We have been staying home just doing day to day stuff. We also have been SICK.  Sore throats, coughs, runny noses, ear infections.  This has been keeping us up through the night, so our days have been slow.  

We have been snuggling by the fire, reading, playing games, trying to do some crafting. We have such a huge list of making to do before the gifting.  Not sure if we will get it all done though.  We'll just do as we can and try to enjoy the days as they come.

whew

So we arrived home from our trip nicely. One little problem: the boys are sick. Eric is on the mend and I am beginning my way down that path.  

Then this week we have the kids that I watch on occasion. It's been a long time since I have had them and this time there is a new addition. A six month old baby girl.  The boys are wonderful with her.  They love playing with her and are a big help when I need it.  It has been interesting when all five are here. I really am enjoying myself.

I am also trying to get at least one group activity done a day.  Yesterday the boys wrote in their circle journals.  Today we made Advent countdown calendars. I got the idea from Family Fun magazine.

I took plastic bubble wrap and cut it out so there were 24 circles.  Then the kids picked out the colored stickers and put them on. I wrote the numbers for some. Will also decided to decorate the outside around the bubbles.  The directions had called for white stickers and then to decorate them in holiday colors. But sticking with the motto of "use what we have", we used a variety of whatever there was. I think it looks festive and the kids are excited to hear the "pop" every day as they countdown the days.

Thankful

*Thankful to be home safely after driving 23 hours straight.

*Thankful to be sleeping in our beds tonight.

*Thankful the house is safe after being away for 2 weeks.

*Thankful for the warm fire Eric built right when we walked in the door tonight.

*Thankful for two weeks in the warm sunshine, making some pretty silly memories.

*Thankful for a peaceful week of open ended playing and lots of reading.

*Thankful for two wonderful people (parents to us, grandparents to the boys), that open their home with such hospitality.

Thankful my boys still enjoy being with their Mama.

all the little mickeys

We saw Mickey in lots of different shapes and places.

  

the last 8 days

This is where we spent the last 8 days. The boys were so very  excited and have been anticipating this trip for several months.  My in-laws have been counting the days to this trip ever since William was born.  It is one of their favorite places to go.  It was one of the biggest trips I ever had to plan. Usually we just exchange our timeshare and take it from there.  There was so much more planning for this excursion.  

It was quite the experience.  I can't say that Eric and I were loving the whole trip.  A bit overwhelming and way too many people and we went during the off season. I can't even imagine the summer months.  The boys had fun but, they too were on sensory overload.  Many of the rides were frightening for them.  One of their favorite things was seeing the characters and taking pictures with them. The days were exhausting.  We would leave our cabin by 8:00 and not return again until 8:00 or even later some nights.  Mid week we took a break from the theme parks and went to the water park. This was a huge hit.  Water is all they needed and it was so much more relaxing.  

I am glad that we experienced it and hope that they remember going with their Grandparents.  We may visit again, but just for a day or two and probably not for several years.  

I am learning more every day how I like simple things. Slower pace. Quiet times. Peace. 

Today the boys and I stayed put. We read, rested, walked the dog, played with cars.  It was pure bliss.