Watch Me Grow

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Birthday Boy

Every day this week William has been showing me the calendar, and how close we were getting to his birthday. He was so excited he wanted to go to bed at 5:30 yesterday so he could wake up and have his birthday. (He ended up going to bed at 7:00 as usual).

Of course he started the day with the most important thing to any three-year-old: presents!

He loved all his presents, and was excited to start playing with them right away.

His special breakfast request was "rainbow waffles." Hmm, that's a new one. Oh well. What's a kid's birthday without a little food coloring?

Following waffles and more playing, it was time to prepare the cake. Will requested this fire truck cake, which he and Esther were able to decorate.

I put a spoon in the frosting in order to better load the piping bag. William assumed that a spoon meant the frosting was for eating.

After even more playing, we were off to lunch at William's favorite place in the world: Chuck E. Cheese's.

We spent the afternoon relaxing at home. In the evening we had some very special "train" tickets.

We enjoyed a bus ride around the city past some of the more impressive light displays, all while listening to "The Polar Express" book on tape and some Christmas music. Then we arrived at the North Pole.

Santa's elves were serving hot chocolate and cookies.

When we left, William was surprised to see our van in the parking lot. He figured that someone must have driven it to the North Pole for us so we could take it home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM!!!

The Four-Poster Bed

We've got some amazing books for homeschool this year. One of our favorites is this:

Whenever Esther sees it in the work pile, she wants to read it right away. It's full of all sorts of interesting tidbits of ages past. Sometimes there is an accompanying craft or recipe too. Yesterday we were reading about "A French nobleman's home" which included instructions on making a four-poster bed.

Esther couldn't wait to get started. We've got a rule that she has to finish all her core subjects before starting a craft - otherwise experience has shown us that she will use all her energy on the craft and have nothing left for academia. She quickly finished the rest of her school work without dawdling or even wanting a recess. Then out came the scrap box, and Esther was in crafting heaven.

Esther wanted this to be extra-nice, so she learned how to sew in order to hem the curtains and make fluffy pillows.

After two days of fun, hard work, Esther finished this masterpiece. She did have some help, but really did quite a bit of it all by herself.

The dolls in her dollhouse are enjoying their fancy new bed.

Tomorrow there are instructions on making a model teepee. Esther can hardly wait.

Wilmington, OH

On Friday Cameron had an interview in Wilmington, OH. It's only four or five hours away, so we all drove together. Our kids are getting pretty good at the long distance drive thing. One tip for you who venture on such expeditions - kids books on tape from the library are lifesavers. We've listened to so many great books on these long rides, and for the most part they keep the kids entertained. The "Little House" books have been the favorites so far, but they like listening to just about anything.

While Cameron was interviewing the rest of us wandered around Wilmington looking for something to do. It's a small city, and we weren't finding much in the way of morning child entertainment. But what we did find was a bowling alley. That worked for us. This was Esther and William's first time bowling.

I like their different techniques.

First is William's gentle roll...

Then there is Esther's throwing approach...

After a few rounds a more experienced bowler had pity on us and had them bring out this ramp. The balls were able to go a little faster with the added momentum.

More pictures just because my kids are cute:

And finally - after a game and a half, William was getting tired. By the end he didn't want his last turn, so Alex took it for him. Esther did some great camera work for Alex's first time bowling.

We'd like to give accolades for the inventor of bumper lanes. That was a stroke of genius.

Proud Boy

Here's Alexander's moment in the spotlight. Tuesday he not only got up on his knees all by himself, but kept on going and grounded his tootsies too. It's not quite standing straight up - hard to do with such a low step for support - but we'll still call it his first time pulling himself up to stand. He was amply satisfied with himself for quite a while.

Hallelujah

Santa Fest

It was a member appreciation Santa Fest at the Detroit Science Center tonight.

The Detroit Science Center is a very educational place. Here are a few things we learned tonight.

1. If it's a machine, little boys WILL stop to play with it, no matter where you are actually trying to go.

2. Cookies make the world go round. Especially if you get to decorate them yourself.

3. Don't go to an IMAX movie right before it starts, or you will have to sit in the very front. (No pictures of this because, um, we were watching the movie.)

4. If it is a craft, little girls will take their time.

5. Socks are an insult to the beauty (and delicate flavor) of toe-hood. They will not be worn.

6. No matter how many times we've already seen Santa, or how long the line is, or even if Santa is currently on a break and won't be back for five minutes, it is imperative to visit the Jolly Old Elf. (pictures to come soon, whenever the Science Center processes them).

7. I'm not the only one who thinks my kids are cute. There was an ESPN cameraman taking some footage to be shown at tomorrow night's game. If any of you happen to be watching, keep a look-out for a clip of William eating his cookie.