Wednesday, January 1, 2014

November Pictures

Our November:


On their boats; the wrapping paper rolls are cannons. Josiah is always excited to point out the "cannons!" when we are running errands.

Ready for future duets
A highlight of the month was going to the Civil War Reenactment in Moorpark with my fourth graders. We wandered through the encampments and ended up staying for two battles. Elijah declared he was done with the Revolutinary War and ready for the Civil War. This ended up not quite being true; but most library visits result in an equal amount of books from each war.



We splurged and got the boys rifles, which they play with most days. Right after the reenactment, we headed up to my Grandma's, so both boys were marching through the retirement home with their guns.



Grandma came to visit for Great Grandpa's surgery

Elijah frequently falls asleep like this; every night he pours over his Revolutionary War and Civil War books

Writing a report on the Revolutionary War


Josiah giving his report on the Revolutionary War

Caterpillars for our science unit on insects



Dustin helped the boys construct the ironclad USS Monitor, complete with a revolving turret 


Right before Thanksgiving, the boys and I headed to Phoenix, but that'll get its own post. We finished the month celebrating (but not photographing) Thanksgiving in Fresno. Dustin's brother hosted Thanksgiving, the boys spent lots of time playing games, and Dustin and I even went out to see a movie.




Sunday, December 22, 2013

Cousins!

At the very end of October, Heather and her kids stayed with us before heading out to the east coast. We enjoyed seeing with them and meeting baby Eleni. The kids play so well together most of the time!



It is so nice to be able to send the kids out to the yard to play

Travelling light in his Revolutionary War outfit
Must carry all the buckets!

Pomegranates!



Baby Eleni--one month, at the super cute, snuggly newborn stage (my favorite!)

One morning, the four bigger kids and I walked to the park
Second cousins came to play and stayed for lunch; 6 kids & 2 babies all total!

Sunday, December 15, 2013

October Non-trip Snapshots

Pictures from October, presented in chronological order:
Josiah just couldn't quite make it through our California Lapbook before falling asleep

The boys' favorite friend brought her bunny to share with my preschoolers when we were reading "The Little Bunny." They loved it!
Josiah and Mr. Clover



Preschool work tray time; Elijah is building a house. Sometimes he adds beds, ceiling fans, windows, etc. to be as accurate as possible.

Watercolors at preschool

Bath finger painting; they spent a lot of time in the bathtub  as Dustin and I tried to removed the wallpaper (using vinegar--so no harsh chemicals for them to inhale)

Fall colored playdough

Making pancakes, I think
Playdough at preschool complete with Revolutionary War outfit

More preschool: foaming soap letter practice

The letter "L"; the soap was a hit with all the preschoolers, including my child who doesn't like to get his fingers goopey
Counting bears on a trolley car



Reading Richard Scarry, which Josiah chooses every single night for bedtime

Making Wanted posters to go with our history chapter on Australia; Josiah told me his picture was of a train because that's what he wanted.


How Elijah does finger paints