Carolyn's Weekend of Sun & Space

Carolyn found a super cheap flight deal; so she came to spend a long weekend with us. We were all thrilled to have her company and share our mundane routine together.

As always, there was lots of reading!

Amelia asked her to help with the roasted chicken.

Colleen snuggles on a warm day

We went to a free family event at a planetarium. 

The show was geared to older kids, but it has since sparked lots of conversations in our house.

Passing some time in the Lego store at the mall after buying some summer tennis shoes.

Mall picnic!

This guy. He makes me laugh all the time.

After school, we headed to a local park for more sunshine. Colleen was SO happy to be swung!

If you need hard-boiled eggs peeled, Austin is your man.

Glow-in-the-dark ring toss provided loads of entertainment!

(Obviously I'm using flash for these photos.)

Then we just had fun waving the glow sticks and rings around in the dark.

On Saturday, we attended a family lecture on the sun at Duke Farms. It was fun and informative. We had hoped to get to look at the sun through a special telescope, but it was too cloudy. So we opted for a short hike to the orchid house, preceded by a picnic snack.

We were instructed to smell all the 'fragrant orchids' as labeled. So we obediently sniffed our way through the greenhouses.

Since we opted for the kids to skip rest time, we knew the whine factor would be high as we hiked out of the estate. So we came prepared. Amelia cracked us up with her bright yellow shades and lap blanket. 

 Austin and Carolyn spent a lot of time on puzzles.

Colleen was in the middle of a no-sleep phase. Taking only 2 30min naps each day leads to one cranky baby. So Daddy wore her all afternoon, even while grilling!

Carolyn was game for lots of other activities, like the Light Brite.

They worked a long time on this word find puzzle!

Carolyn came with us to Amelia's Lego Club meeting. The theme was "valentine's day" and Amelia chose to copy a photo we found online. She actually did most of the building alone, figuring out how to make the heart.

We love visitors! Thank you so much Carolyn for entering into our chaos, giving up all personal space and being part of our family for a weekend!

Taking Advantage of Strange Weather

This February has been super strange weather-wise. We swing between snow and 70 degrees. As soon as the upswing starts, we head outside to play, along with our friends and neighbors.

This girl has fun running around in her walker in the garage (since our driveway is a hill). I tried putting on some shoes, but she just kicks them off.

Making an obstacle course for the big kids. Amelia is doing pushups; Austin is doing a sponge toss.

She can't wait to get out there!

The big kids asked if she could come and crawl around with them.

Some special club happenings

Avik LOVES babies.

All my children playing with my shoes.

At least they chose the red and gold ones.

We met our friends Michelle, Henry & George for a Costco date. Austin had fussed once or twice about his ears; Michelle brought her otoscope and checked his ears. She gave him the all-clear!

I'm pretty sure Costco folks go home and talk about us.

George is on the approved-suitor list for Colleen. He already loves her.

One more little boy will be added to this chaos sometime in March!

 

Amelia randomly lets Austin help her with her homework (following her directions, of course!)

I turned the corner and found this! Colleen is pulling up on walls, cruising on furniture and getting into everyone's business.

A little painting project

Amelia and I attended a 4H dinner; they had all the kids come to the front to complete the pledges.

Both kids started new swim classes when we came home from Alabama. Both kids LOVE it and are gaining new skills each week. After only 4 weeks, Amelia was moved up a level. I'm hopeful that this summer will be a lot more swimming for us (if the weather permits!)

Because pillowcases make great sleeping bags.

On a super warm Sunday afternoon, we headed to Duke Farms for a picnic lunch after church.

Long walks lead to naps!