Little Dancers

Just for fun, I signed Yoyo and Kid 118 up for a hip-hop class this summer.  After the first night, their assessment was that hip hop is the exact opposite of ballet.  In hip hop, the teacher tells them to find what's comfortable and do that.  Their ballet teacher, by their report, says, "If it hurts, you're doing it right." 

So, the logical next question for me was which they liked better - ballet or hip hop?  They both gave me looks of incredulity at the audacity of my inquiry. 

"Mom!" exclaimed Yoyo, "That's like asking if I want a fly in my house or not." 

So, hip hop is fun, but ballet is here to stay.  There you have it. 

Afternoon at the Playground

I've been making a point lately of going places just for our littlest one.  It's way too easy to come up with one million reasons why I'm too busy to do things like take him to the park.  But errands can wait and the messy closets aren't going anywhere.  This little guy will not be 4 forever.  

Yesterday, we found a new playground, just he and I.  We had the place to ourselves, all the other kids were occupied with activities, so we had all the time we needed for him to gather his courage and brave that big slide.  

After the first run, he proudly climbed up over and over again, and by the end, he needed just a tiny push from me to get started.  

It was a rare moment of pure fun and togetherness for him and me.  

Time well spent.

May

I totally get why teachers save up all their field trips for May!!!!   The end of the school year is in sight, but those last few weeks!  Ugh!  This Spring, we've jumped on the yellow bus bandwagon and made some super-fun road trips...

This is Sauder Village in Ohio.  It's a historical village and worth the drive!!  We went with our good buddies and had a great day.

Next, Daddy braved the zoo overnighter with the oldest 4.  God bless him.  They all sleep on the hard floor in the aquarium.  Sounds like torture to me but the kids love seeing the zoo after hours, getting some behind-the-scenes interaction with the animals, and having a giant sleepover with their compadres.  I enjoy packing them all up and sleeping in my bed.  Here they are before...

...and after...

About a week later we visited Aunt Sara and Uncle Phil and COUSINS in Cincinnati.  

The Waffle House and zoo trip that will never be forgotten!  Don't ask why...  😄

Two more days of 'school' in this house, and then we switch to 'summer mode,' which means math, 4H projects, and whatever else we feel like.  

Yay for summer!  We're ready for you!

Dinner for Two

The text that came mid-Hobby Lobby run    said something like just to let you know... V and F have been cleaning the house and are making dinner.

An hour or so later, I arrived home to candles and kid-friendly margaritas on the table.  Just for me and Daddy.  

The menu included fruit and cheese kabobs, tossed salad with homemade dressing, PLC bagel sandwiches (pepperoni, lettuce, cheese), and ice cream for dessert.

Plus, the servers were extremely helpful and cute.  And they cleaned up most of their mess on their own.  

Sweetness overload.  

Happy Wednesday!!

Birthday Party!

My baby is 4.  I live in Denial City.  But here are some scenes from his recent birthday party!!  Of course, it's a basketball theme because that's his one true love...

 ...and here's his other true love =  Daddy!

 Distinguished party guests.

 His current favorite foods.

 The basketball purists in the house did not like the placement of the players on the cake. 

 Another favorite of the birthday boy is swimming!!

 

He was not a huge fan of fire on the cake.  That may bode well for his future...

 

Well, Little Guy, sweet 5th child, we love you to pieces and pray God will bless you with as much joy as you bring to us every single day. 

 

 





Catching up: Geo Fair!!

Every Spring for the past 5 years or so, we've participated in our local homeschool geography fair.  It might just be my favorite homeschooling activity.  Here we are representing Ecaudor!!!  This was a few weeks ago...  

My niece Julia (on the left) helped us with our display!

It's so much fun to 'tour' all the countries!  Each child gets a 'passport' to have stamped (or stickered!) at each location.

The best part just might be the food samples....

Or the traditional clothing...

Or maybe the fact that Grandma and Pada show up faithfully every year!!!

Next year...  Armenia!!!

He is Risen!!!

It is a stunningly beautiful Easter morning.  

I want to remember the Joy of the day, the unusual levels of cooperation with post- Mass pictures, and the gorgeous, sunny Spring weather.  

I also want to record a few tid-bits from the past few days that made me Laugh:

- after altar server rehearsal prior to the Easter Triduum, a certain 11-yr-old, for whom serving these liturgies is a brand new thing....   Me:  Did you learn what you're supposed to do?  Him: I basically didn't understand a word he said except, "Be there 30 minutes early."

-While discussing the cold morning air and whether to wear tights...  Yoyo (age 8):  If Jesus can get crucified on the cross, I think I can go bare-legged.

-Our 14 year old daughter begged to attend the Easter Vigil, then she happily got up and went to Mass again this morning.

-Crash (age 3) to his grandfather who suggested he wait until after lunch to eat cake:  I don't like you.

-Spike (age 13) played basketball for hours upon hours outside with his cousin in spite of cold, red cheeks and fingers.

-My crazy brother, affectionately known as 'Uncle Phil,' took all the kids on a wild mud-bogging adventure through soggy fields at my parents' house in their Ranger (ATV).  So many happy, exhilarated, FILTHY children.

This Easter will long be remembered as one of the best.