March: Watch the Castle Grow

Dustin began Project Castle in March.

At the beginning of the month it looked like this:

And by the end of the month, this:

The kids are loving each stage of the building process!

February Snapshots

Schoolwork marched a long nicely.

Sometimes, when you skip your nap, it is really hard to stay awake
to watch a documentary on the Trojan War.

Satisfying work: showing the same number with
four different manipulatives

The Ladies' weekly Bible study at church added a homeschool room this sesmester, so we jumped into that. The boys bring their work and there are two tutors to help, so the kid/teacher ratio is better than at home. Claire loves getting to sing songs and play; Samuel pretends he is a three month old baby and naps on my back while I get to study James. It's a win for everyone!

Assyrian Siege Tower

Elijah helps with the littles while I do phonics with Josiah

Lots of little fingers!
Claire likes to do her piano most mornings, too;
she is faithful about counting the beat--at least someone
is listening.

We took a trip out to Phoenix to see cousins and my grandparents.

Settlers was the game of the weekend

We spent the Saturday with my grandparents, and explored Calico Goldtown.

Dinner was a a pizza place with an organ + lights, puppets, etc.

Aunt Elizabeth took the boys to ride horses, too!

Claire was in tears when it was time to head home.

For Valentine's Day, we had a fancy dinner at home -- complete with the real silverware (thanks to Elijah's request!) and lobster tails, which Claire & Josiah adored

Decorating Valentine Cookies

This month, Claire and Samuel worked on navigating their relationship as Samuel transitions to toddler play.

But lest it seem like Samuel is growing up too fast, naptime looks like this everyday.

And because we live in southern California, lots of beautiful days for outside play.

He has been captured and is waiting for his
brother to rescue him.

We're continuing to enjoy Dustin's every other Friday off -- we headed up to the Getty Villa with dear friends, who are gracious enough to do art museums with little people. It's always so beautiful there!

Claire says that baby Dionysus "has no diaper,," and
disappointedly remarked, "Can't hug baby."