Ginger Walmart

Every year my children come home from school with papers describing some time consuming project that is requiring my constant help. Rarely (I won't say never though I can't remember it ever being stated) has a purpose or learning principle been explained. I spent a great deal of time pondering these tasks, complaining, and threatening not to complete them, but in the end I sit down with my children and begin the craft.



This year is no different. Austin came home two weeks ago, announcing that the entire second grade class would be building a three dimensional model of our town. She had volunteered to build Walmart (Have I mentioned that we don't have a Walmart? The closest one is 25 min. away.) Our only instructions were that it needed to be freestanding and we weren't allowed to use Lego's. Austin came home so excited. She was sure her idea was the best. She wanted to build a Walmart out of gingerbread! After all, the closest Walmart to us is brown. I told her that sounded like a fun idea, but that I wasn't sure that was what her teacher was looking for. (Note the loving response and the deflective maneuver.) Austin, never being one to be deterred, talked to her teacher the very next day and proudly came home and announced that Ms. Strickland said gingerbread would be fine. (Have I mention how much I appreciate Austin teacher? Ü) So I was stuck. Who could say no to this face?

Our Fourth is Five

Reagan’s Birthday makes her FIVE! After a morning of Texas sized French toast, a surprise showed up for Reagan. It was her dad coming back home to claim her for a date of bike riding in the park. What fun they had learning to ride and playing at the park until lunch time. Then they came home to claim Hallie and I for a lunch at Red Robin. After lunch it was time to pick up the girls from school and we were lucky enough to have our friend Coco come over too. Reagan chose macaroni and cheese with hotdogs for dinner, so I made my five cheese macaroni, which was a big hit, and a strawberry pie and ice cream for dessert. Yum! Reagan's presents included three Littlest Pet Shops, three new horses, a new backpack and a new Webkinz hedgehog. She also received lots of cards and phone calls from all of you. Thank you all for sharing in our girl’s special day.

A lazy Sunday Evening

So sorry that I have been neglectful with my blogging. Enjoy this video of Mark and Hallie for now.