Adam's 2nd Birthday Party

We had the grandparents over for a little birthday party for Adam.  We played a little game of toss the honey, (little yellow balls), into the honey pot.  He really got into this and had fun throwing the balls not only into the box but everywhere.  :)  Then we brought out a bubble machine and he and his sisters had a blast chasing and popping bubbles.  He opened his gifts after that.  He got a Pooh Bear train, a basketball hoop, a homemade Pooh crown from Ashley, and several other nice gifts. He loved his chocolate cake and the party ended with a tired little birthday boy taking a nice long nap.  

Snowball Battle in the Woods

The kids went out one afternoon with plans for a big snowball battle in the woods.  Alexis was on one team and Emily and Ashley on the other.  Adam just kind of tagged along with whomever until he got too cold.  They built up their supply of ammunition and then the battle began.  They didn't end up going very far into the woods because Emily and Ashley decided to use Daddy's target as a fort.  They had a lot of fun and I'm not really sure who was declared the winner.

Homeschool Gym

We enrolled the girls in homeschool gym this semester.  Emily and Alexis are in one class and Ashley in another, although the coach often lets them play in each others classes.  He is wonderful with the kids and they have a lot of fun and are learning a lot of new skills/sports.

Detective Ashley

We were solving for unknowns during Math play time today so we decided to play detective. She borrowed Daddy's hat, (that belonged to his grandfather), a magnifying glass, and a pretend phone. I pretended to be various silly people and animals calling in to Detective Ashley for help in solving their unknown number.

The Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Bear

Our family was cordially invited to a special wedding this morning, hosted by Ashley.  Mr. and Mrs. Bear were married for time and all eternity in the temple.  Afterwards we all went to a lovely reception where there were cookies, made by Mommy, and dancing.  Everyone had a wonderful time.

Chinese New Years

We had a little Chinese New Years celebration one night.  We played a few games popular with children in China, had a dinner of rice, egg rolls, chicken, and homemade fortune cookies.  We ate with chopsticks and when we were finished we watched "Mulan."  

Parachutes!

Ashley usually plays nearby and listens and sometimes participates in the science we do as a family.  But sometimes it's still a bit over her head and so we do our own science book together.  We use the "Let's Play" science series and we pick a different activity each day.  Today we played with homemade parachutes.  

Ammedments and Feeding the Birds

We're finishing up our study of the states and government and for a special activity today I gave the three oldest children some quill feathers and a jar of ink.  Ashley used it to draw with and Alexis and Emily used theirs to write their own made up amendment to the constitution.  Alexis' had to do with allowing younger kids to volunteer and work part time if they want to.  Emily's had to do with supporting families so that mothers can stay home with their children at least until they start school.  Adam was given some washable green paint and had fun with that.  Later that afternoon, I read "Big Snow" to Ashley, Emily, and Adam.  Since it was so cold and snowy they felt sorry for the wildlife around our house, too, and wanted to go feed them.  So they tore up bread crumbs and got some bird seed and Emily and Ashley went outside to feed them.  It was quite frigid out, so they were very quick about it and I gave them some hot chocolate when they got back in.

Alexis' 13th Birthday Party

We were supposed to have both sets of grandparents over today to celebrate Alexis' birthday, but a snowstorm prevented Nana and Papaw from getting here.  Alexis opened presents and the we sang to her as she blew out the candles on her peanut butter pie.  After we had some pie and ice cream we all played a hilarious game of Conga together.