Living in the Moment: November 2014

In November, it occurred to me that since we are home schooled, we should celebrate that freedom. Plus I really needed to get away so I reserved a local cabin at a campground. I was going to just go with the kids because I thought Peter would have to work, but he was able to come so that was a bonus! A fellow homeschooling friend joined us in the cabin next door, so the kids loved having some extra playmates.

The roomy little cabin had electricity and heat so it was very comfortable even though it was rainy. My main goal was to relax, let the kids explore and read aloud a whole book. We read the Boxcar Children and the kids loved it! We also did a 500 piece puzzle, played chess and at lots of treats. I had brought some dominoes and Dallin ended up building with them a lot of the time.

Here are the boys building a "shelter".

He always let Logan crash into the towers after he built them.

When we got home, we watched the cartoon version on Netflix. It was very close to the book so they liked it!

Dallin and Eden are taking an entrepreneur class, so he had a big idea to start a leaf raking business. He had me take some pictures of him in action for his fliers.

He ended up getting hired right away by a neighbor.

I think anticipation is partly what makes family traditions so special. Our annual trip to Great Wolf Lodge is a perfect example. The kids ask about it for months and it builds and builds as they wait for the day to finally come.

This was a great year. The kids had a blast with their cousins. I was so happy to not be 8 1/2 months pregnant this time too! Every year seems to get a bit easier as our kids get old enough to not need as much supervision. They are all pretty comfortable in the water. We held Logan the whole time and mostly looked after Lily and Luke while the other kids rode a lot of slides and such.

Peter's parents and Lucy came this year too, so they were super helpful with everyone too. Here's Logan with aunt lucy. He is ready to swim!

Morning cuddles.

Eden loves painting her nails for every holiday. This is her Thanksgiving theme.

We read the second Boxcar Children book and Tanner was really into it. He colored away while I read. I think he is the biggest fan of the series. This is a great character building series. I love how the children are so kind to each other and look after on another. I could tell that after reading these books, my kids were being nicer to each other.

Sweet Lily made herself busy too. She kept looking at the cover while I read so she could spell it.

And Carter drew his lego sword that he built.

Logan started to think about walking.

And our amazing Lily turned 5! We had a little birthday party at Grandma's house.

She opened some gifts. For an activity we dipped things in chocolate, like pretzels and ritz cracker peanut butter sandwiches and such.

For FHE Lily got to pick a restaurant so she picked Papa's Pizza. The kids had a great time playing in the play structure. Logan had fun loving on daddy.

Another OMSI field trip. We sure do love that place. This time, one of the young women from church came along to help out. It was great!

Dallin used every last block in the place.

Slime!

Lily's favorite thing turned out to be the imaginary play chipmunk area. She collected acorns for a long long time.

Luke joined in too. It was such a treat to just watch them. I love watching their childhood.

My baby turned 1! I can't believe that has happened so quick. Take note that he is the first of our babies to not really enjoy destroying his cake! He kind a played in it for a minute, but then kept looking at us like "Please clean me up!" He didn't like how his hands were so messy so he kept wiping them on his head and belly.