Crabtree Falls

On Sunday morning we all piled into the van with the addition of Ryan & Warrie after a yummy breakfast. Picnic lunch, snacks and drinks on board as well. We made a 2 1/2 hour drive from our place to Crabtree falls, for a hike and family photos. The weather was just right!!! There where great photos taken, and beautiful sights to be seen. Fall is in full swing out there w/not much green to be seen. 5 hours where spend up on the trail!

Disney On Ice

What fun! My sister scored free tickets about 3 years ago to the Disney Princesses on Ice she took Chloe and I along. Chloe and Molly had both been asking about going, but nothing came close enough these past 3 years. So Disney on Ice returned to our area for a 100year special show. My sister Jackie, called and said she was getting tickets and was taking the girls and me to the show. We kept it quiet from The girls for a few to we wouldn't be asked repetitively. Last night was out night to go, so we had diner @ "slide fries" (Chic-fil-a) and carried on to the show. The girls where spoiled with cotton candy that came with a crown, and then a snow cone that came with a neat little mug and spoon. We all enjoyed the show, and the girls have been pretending to be ice skaters and are singing song while doing so. Molly was disappointed to not see Tinkerbell at the production, but was happy enough to see Gimmeny Cricket, and Pinocchio. Of Course every princess there ever was, was in the show so both girls liked that too. Such a fun girls night, Tristen hung out w/Grandma R for a few then she was returned home to spend the rest of the night w/ Daddy and Ryan. I got some pictures of the 1st half of the show, but all of my batteries where dead for the second half.

Happy 30th Birthday to Stephan

This past weekend we celebrated Stephan's 30th with a casino themed party. There where friends and family at this event! It was a good time. I have some photos of the cake didn't turn out exactly like we wanted it, but turned out cool all the same!

Molly's smarter than she lets on!

So yesterday I worked from 730a-330p.... the girls went off to 2 different grandma's and after my drive to pick up all the kids, we took Chloe to dance. I decided it would be an off night for phonics, since Stephan was drilling the kids with their math work, and I was beat.. A beat mom does not go well with teaching especially new things. So I lounged on the couch and read while Stephan did the math stuff, and Tristen played about on the floor. Next thing I knew there was Molly smiling, with her last 2 readers in hand. She asks "Mommy may I read these books to you?" My answer, "Of Course!!!" She climbed up and surprised me with wanting to read even when I was allowing her to slack off, and not needing too much assistance. Molly likes to play dumb at times, and this can be a frustrating thing with homeschooling her, but the moments in life where she by her own will reproduces the fruit of all the hours spend learning, it is the most rewarding thing in the whole world! I'm thrilled with the girls desire to learn, and also with the fact they just want to be kids and discover through play and exploration!

Tristen Proof!

So we have not been so good about childreproofing the house. This house in particular has challenges that our past 2 homes didn't. No seperate room for the computer and all Stephan's "office" stuff. Tristen can also clear a bookshelf in no time flat. So out came the super play yard I purchased when Chloe was little, I didn't use it much with Chloe or Molly. Now it's a handy item. So in the open space of the family room. Tristen has a few toys in her play yard, and then pushes the play yard across the room to move closer to where everyone else is. I was checking mail and suprise Tristen was right behind me play yard and all! Had to snap a pic! She also tries to fit it into the kitchen! Just though I would share!

Lake trip and a little update.

This past weekend we had a 2 day trip to the Lake! We spent our time getting R&R! It was a much needed do nothing kind of trip. Something about being near the water the kids just chill out, and have fun. There where drinks, movies, games, and cat naps!

So a little update since I've been slacking.

Home school is going very well, I'm very glad I started the kids weeks before the public schools officially started. The early start has made it possible for some light days of school work, making it more manageable for Mom to work on days that Dad is not off by shipping the kids off to Grandma K's house! This is helping to speed up the debt payoff.. to make some of our dreams come true. All is well, Chloe is just flying through her 1st grade work, Molly is gaining more interest now that she's figured out the reason she has to practice her words and letters over and over is to accomplish the ability to read and write! Tristen, is still scooting, and has taken a few independent steps here and there no running yet, she enjoys her board books, crayons, and to play w/her toys while we have school. This fall we are looking forward to at least 1 more camping trip, and many trips to the zoo and parks. Coming up is Stephan's 30th bday party! And many other fun adventures in our little life! God has done great things for us!