Touch-A-Truck

We stumbled upon O'Fallon's Public Works Vehicle Day quite by accident.  But, it was perfect as Henry had just finished speech therapy and I was racking my brain for a tiny special treat to celebrate another job well done.

There's not much else to say other than the kid was beside himself when we walked up.  We stayed about 2.5 hours, but only because Charlie and I were DONE.  Henry could have stayed for weeks (months?) and still not have been ready to go.

#hegetsthatfromhisdad

Spirit Day 2014

One of the few days that Amelia gets to let loose at school each year is Spirit Day.  It is a super fun day filled with a morning parade, an entertainer, picnic lunch, and an afternoon carnival.  Each year there is a theme.  This year each grade level was given a color they were to incorporate into their parade costumes.  2nd grade was given green and after much deliberation, Amelia decided she would like to dress up as the Statue of Liberty! (As a side note, I have always secretly hoped she would want to be the Statue of Liberty for Halloween one year, so I was thrilled!).

For the past 3 years I have walked with Amelia's class in the parade and my mom has brought Henry to come and watch.  We pretty much followed the same plan this year (with the addition of Charlie).  The weather was beautiful and the kids were so obnoxious excited!

Unfortunately, I don't have a single picture from the afternoon because I was ready to get out of there before the real chaos hit! But, Amelia came home with snow cone stained lips and a bag filled with ridiculously cheap toys so suffice it to say that she had a blast!

Special Treats for Henry

Henry started speech about a month ago and we noticed him having bit of trouble with his "S" and "S blend" sounds.  Initially he did not qualify to receive speech services despite my concerns.  However, once we moved into a new school district and had him re-evaluated they decided there was a need.

He enjoys his time with his therapist, Ms. Melinda, and if he does a good job with her (which so far has been every time!), we do a little something special afterwards.  Some days it is the park or a trip past a railroad track (yep, to Henry that is a special treat!).  Twice we have discovered (quite by accident) two really cool vehicles to explore as his special treat!

And if you know Henry, you know this is right up his alley!

Happiest Baby on the Block

When I was pregnant with Amelia, a co-worker of Jason's let us borrow the Happiest Baby on the Block sample DVD.  We put off watching it until right before we had her.  It was probably one of our best parenting decisions to date.  We have used the 5 "S's" the author advocates so many times with all 3 of our children. 

Here, Charlie is demonstrating 3 of the "S's": Sucking, Swaddling, and Swinging.  Works like a charm every time.  We also use "Shushing" quite a bit and "Side Position" occasionally. 

Darah Wedding

Jason's brother, Dave, got married over the weekend.  It was such a fun wedding and we were all honored to be a part of their day.  Jason was the best man and Amelia and Henry were the flower girl and ring bearer.  I got to read at the ceremony.  It was a beautiful day all around and we had such a blast from the early morning hours until we closed down the reception that night.  We have some serious party-loving kids!

The waiting is the hardest part!

 I loved the idea they come up with to have Henry carry a basketball down the aisle since basketball has always been a big part of Dave's life.  Henry thought it was great too and I was just thrilled that he didn't drop it, throw it, or kick it while walking down!

These two pictures were the only photographic evidence that  Charlie attended the reception!  He stuck it out to the end, although he did put up a bit of a fight...

May Crowning

 

May Crowning is a special day for second graders.  Not only do they get to wear their First Communion outfits again, but they are released from school for the day immediately following all school mass (about 9 am).  This year, most of the second graders met up at a local park shortly after dismissal for an afternoon of playing and picnicking.  It was a lot of fun for Amelia, but unfortunately the only picture I have from the day is the one above sent to me by another mother.  Amelia was walking down the aisle carrying her flowers for Mary during the church service.  I think at this point, we were both pretty much over the big, uncomfortable dress and veil but it was nice to have one more special before hanging it up.

Luckily they had beautiful weather and with the help of other parents, Amelia was able to play until late afternoon despite having her two brothers in tow.  Second grade year has been so very special for a variety of reasons.  I'm a little sad to see it coming to an end!

Mother's Day 2014

Baby Liberty

Nothing to see here--just a baby trying on a Statue of Liberty crown.

Little Swinger

Swinging with my kids has been either hit (Amelia) or miss (Henry). Amelia spent more of her waking hours in a swing her first year of life than anywhere else I think.  Even in that brutal Chicago winter, we found time to swing every week.  Henry, on the other hand, cried every single time I put him in a swing his first year.  I think he was too much of a busybody to be contained in such a silly contraption. Today we were able to figure out which side Charlie is on.

I think he's a fan!  Look at those toes!