Father's Day

Happy belated Fathers Day to the few (but very important) Dad's that may read my blog :-)

We enjoyed the day up at the cabin and the kids were incredibly excited to share with Tim their gift and cards. Unfortunately, Evan kind of gave away the present when he brought it home from daycare as he was so excited about it! But, Tim acted surprised and I think he thought it was pretty cool.





A quick snapshot of my three favorite people.

 

And, because I love self-portraits, here is me and Dad!

And me and my Dad.  See the early morning mohawk he is sporting??

 And, their gift - a tackle box!  Their hands are on the front (obviously) and they decorated it with stickers.  On the inside, they glued some cork and wine corks so he can put his hooks in there!  Pretty clever!


Evan explaining the present...



{Tim and Evan were going shopping at Gander Mountain earlier in the week, as Tim needed to fix Emma's fishing pole and he was going to buy Evan a tackle box.  Evan's response? "But Daddy!" (with a big smile) "I already have a tackle box!"  and then Emma got all upset because she thought he gave the present away, which he kind of did, and it was all over.}  So, I will not be surprised if Evan starts using this!

Emma's card to Tim was very sweet, as was Evan's. Theresa told me as the picked the kids up from daycare.  "When I asked Evan what he wanted me to write on the card it was "My Daddy is the best Daddy ever!"

Papa at Kindergarten

And, because I didn't have a picture before - here is one of Emma and Papa (my Dad) in her classroom. If you remember, in May my Dad went to her classroom during "Farm Week" to talk about being a farmer. 

She was so proud to have him come in and it was a good learning experience for the kids.  I was talking to the mother of one of Emma's friends at her class picnic and was told me how much her little daughter enjoyed having Dad come in to talk.  In the Mom's words "She doesn't really share much about school or talk about her day, but we heard a LOT about the farm and about Emma's Grandpa."

I am just glad Dad agreed to come up and do it!  Secretly, I think he really enjoyed it as well.

Proud Papa



The last day of school

While school has been out now for two weeks, I am just getting around to posting the pictures of the event.  As the Heuer household is usually up by 6:15 due to a little Man coming in "MAMA! Did I sleep good?" we went to go buy many sprinkle donuts to commemorate the event.

Breakfast was at Kristen's, as that is normally easier with the babies - so we brought the donuts there, made ham/egg/cheese omelets, and celebrated the end of school.  The girls were bouncing and excited as there was a picnic/park day for the Kindergartners and a play day for Kyra.  Eggs were eaten, sprinkle donuts were enjoyed, and then it was outside to meet the bus for the last time this school year.

First - a picture taken on the steps.....



A year older... a lot wiser.



Flashing the 6!





Evan with donut all over his face.





And then some climbing on a rock.... because, well, why not.




On the bus.  For Emma, the last time on the bus this year.

 Around 10 that day, the kindergartners boarded buses to head to a local park.  They got to run, play games, and play there until around 2 when the buses would return them to school.  I made my way there (along with Kristen) around 11:30 to have a picnic with the kids and do a craft.  Our craft?  Fun summer visors to decorate!

While the weather was inconsistent, (downpour one minute, sun the next) you couldn't bring the kids down.  They were running and jumping around everywhere.

Lunches were brought from home and eaten on the picnic tables there.  Then - the crafts.  The school asked for parent volunteers on these, so while we had the visors, others brought hair spray paint, tattoo's, moon sand, colors and books, and lawn games.  The kids were excitedly going back & forth, laughing, and enjoying their last day of kindergarten together.

Emma opted to get the crazy hair and here she is sporting one of our very cool visors! 



And Emma with her teacher.

Around 1:30 or 2, Kristen and I packed up our craft supply and got ready to go.  Emma wanted to come home with us and Kaylee opted to do the same.  I snagged a picture quick of Emma and her teacher.  Then, as I was being emotional about the last day (no - not crying!  I wasn't that emotional) I kept asking Emma "do you want to go say good-bye to your friends?"  The answer was always, "Nope, I am good."  and she walked away from the park without a second glance.

Then, it was packing the kids to head to the farm, as Tim and I got ready to head to the cabin with our friends.  They were excited, we were excited, it was great.

Life as usual

Still here - still going strong.  Our evenings have been filled with outdoor time and it is wonderful. The kids enjoy going for bike rides to the little cul-de-sac close by and we do that often. Then, they pedal furiously up and down the drive-way, over and over, while I pull weeds or water flowers.  Then, they tear off in the gator and go to the backyard to climb on the monkey bars, go down slides, and swing higher and higher on the swings.  It is wonderful!

I have them starting to do small chores for an allowance.  They helped me weed a row in the garden last week and picked up the house and their rooms.  I figure a good weekly rate is $2 - $3.  They get excited to have some money and I start to teach them responsibility.  I need to get a chore chart going or something like that to keep track of everything, but I feel it is time to get then involved with the cleaning of the house and taking personal responsibility for things they do.. toys they throw.. paper they shred, things like that.

This past weekend we were at the cabin and it was great! Yes, the water is still a little cold, but that doesn't stop them one bit.  Evan got out on the lake on his beloved skiing trainer and I got a spin around the lake on some water ski's.  Emma is happy jumping off the dock and swimming to shore.  Then, doing that again for like an hour straight.  I am hoping to get a diving/swimming platform soon that we can float out a bit farther to give her (and myself) something to swim to for practice.  She is doing so well in swimming lessons and we can see that with what she is now doing while in the lake.

Evan enjoys jumping off the dock as well, but is equally interested in playing on the beach, pushing his trucks, jet-ski rides, and "pushing" people off the dock.  His real love at the cabin? Fishing! Fishing for sure.  He wakes up and wants to go fishing usually.  I think I surprised him a bit this past weekend when I told him we were going "jammie fishing" at 7am.  The house was quiet, I was letting Tim sleep in for Father's Day, and Emma was still sleeping.  Evan is, well, loud in the morning, so it is best to remove him from the situation at times to let the rest of the cabin sleep.  He loved jammie fishing and really thought it was cool to be on the dock in his little yellow Transformer jammies.  We were hoping to catch some nice fish that we could eat for breakfast (Tim loves fish for breakfast) but no luck.

During the week, the kids stay home with Tim now, except for Wednesday's when they go to daycare and I work from home.  They enjoy the time at home, but really wish at times they could be at daycare as well.  They miss seeing their little friends and as I have been told, their little friends miss them too!  Evan's little bud is the only boy there (well, old enough to play) and he is so excited when Evan arrives so they can vroom cars and play in the sprinklers.

Tim's search is still on and, like I always say,we are just hoping something happens soon.  It makes it difficult for decisions to be made when the future state in the Heuer house is unknown.  As Evan prays every night "Please let Daddy find a new job so we can buy a gator - big, like Papa's!". While I am unsure that the gator will ever happen, the new job part would be really nice.

 The weekend prior (June 9&10) the stars were aligned and it worked out for Emma and Evan to spend the weekend with my parents so Tim and I could go to the cabin with J&MJ - our neighbor friends.  Emma and Evan headed to Wausau with Nana and Papa to play with Andrew for his birthday and go bowling. Then, Sunday they headed to Durand to attend the FunFest parade and bring home about 10# of candy.  They had a great, great time and are eager to head back to "ride the gator and tractors" (for Evan) and "just play" (Emma).  Tim and I got to relax and not have a schedule.  We went for a pontoon ride at 11pm to see the stars, at too much good, good food and just, well, did what we wanted.  It is so much more relaxing to have a weekend there and not be on constant watch that the kids didn't wander down to the lake or are wearing life jackets and playing nice.  I cannot thank Mom & Dad enough for letting us have one weekend to enjoy the cabin like that!  (but, I hope a nice dinner out with us will help :-) 

Just a quick catch up - I hope to post pictures soon! 

Not a good sign....

I was trying to find my iPod Touch yesterday, when Emma declares "Oh Mom, it is in my jewelry box!"  So, I look in her room and sure enough, there it is.  Now, it has been roughly a week when I used it last and I have been trying to find it ever since.   So, last night, I plug it in to charge it as I was unable to turn it on. I just assumed the battery was really low, or nonexistent, so I wasn't overly concerned that I saw no reaction by the iPod at the charge.

This morning, however, I was a bit more puzzled as to why it wouldn't turn on.  Nothing - Nada - no signs of life - whatsoever.  I ask Emma and I get the typical "I didn't do anything!"  I ask Evan and hear "well, I washed it, then I plugged it in because it wouldn't charge."

Ummmm.... he washed it???!!

"Evan - what did you say?  You washed my iPod?"

"Yup. It was all dirty with fingerprints on it, so I washed it off to clean it.  Then, I plugged it in.  But (sigh) it didn't come on"

With slow and steady nervousness, disbelief, and anger coming over me; I asked slowly again.  "Evan?  You WASHED my iPOD?"

"Yup. Just a little bit. Just a few drops to get the fingerprints off."

Then I deliver the schpeel about never washing an iPod or anything that has batteries, how that was wrong and he should have came to Mommy or Daddy, and how I was upset and it cost a lot of money... yadda, yadda, yadda.

I get the sheepish "Sorry!" from him and then he runs off.

He told me later that he washed it in water (like submerged I assume) and while I haven't looked into it yet a lot about probably fixes, I am assuming it is a lost cause. 

Not good and I am not sure how to handle it with the boy.  Now... maybe a good reason for me to get an iPhone?

The end of Kindergarten

How can my baby be done with Kindergarten?! How can I be the mother of a 1st grader?  I am too young to have a first grader :-)    Good thing that Emma isn't sad, isn't emotional.. isn't anything.  Me?  I am a wreck. Okay, that is being completely over-dramatic, but I am a tad bit sad.  The year went by so fast!  Before you know it, she will be in high school... driving... graduating.. and going to college.  Man!  I am way to young to have a child going to college ....

The past week, Emma has been bringing home her whole stash from kindergarten... her art supplies... her "rest" towel... her art projects...  and then, the sentimental things.  Her year-long art project book that shows different pictures she drew that corresponded with the months.  Her comment from her drawing from way back in September 2011?  "Mama, I couldn't have drawn that!  I draw people much better now!"  and she does. You can tell!  She got a little kindergarten memory book with pictures of their field trips, school events, and class. Then, she got a nice little gift from her teacher: a learning bucket!  It was a sand bucket with school work sheets for the summer, a magnifying glass for exploring, a level 3 reader book about whales, coloring pictures, and other random things. My favorite thing included in the bucket?  A book mark with a picture of Emma and her teacher and a little poem:



You're a very special person

And I want you to know,

How I loved being your teacher

how fast the weeks did go!

Please come back and visit me

As through the grades you grow

Try hard to learn all that you can

There is so much to know!

The one thing I try to teach you

to last your whole life through

Is to know that you are special

Just because you are you!

Isn't that sweet?  She got many special momento's from kindergarten and they were all so sweet! 

She is excited for the summer, for being back at daycare with her best little friend.  Although, due to circumstances in the Heuer house, they will only be going there once per week.  But that is okay, too.



Her kindergarten graduation diploma



Tomorrow is the kindergarten picnic at a nearby park and Kristen and I are going to help with some crafts and to celebrate the day.  All parents and siblings are welcome, so Tim and Evan may come for a little bit to have a picnic and play on the swingsets as well.

And then?? Summer vacation!  We will have a great summer!





Emma and her 1st grade summer bucket





Emma's big birthday bash

Throughout the year, Emma has been getting invitations for big birthday extravaganzas!  Kids invite the whole class to places like Pump It Up or the like.  Little girls having Princess Parties, Art Parties, Parties at their Daddy's Firehouse (as he is a fireman) and things like that. So, when the time came for Emma's party - guess what she wanted??  Actually - a low-key party at home, roasting hot dogs, and playing little games like a three-legged race and a sack race!  Lovely!  Thankfully there were no disagreements over her shindig and she was perfectly content to have her little girlfriends over to play.

The day came to much excited talk, bouncing, and "Emma - calm down"s.  "No, it isn't party time yet. Your friends won't be here for 2 hours!" But, it was cute. And, I was excited for the 12 little people to make their way over to my house for a 3 hour party.

They started to trickle in around 11 and then a mad rush of drop-off's and "we will be in the backyard"  "Any allergies?" things like that.  Then - chaos. But - good chaos.  I joked with my sister that my Sunday School teaching has prepared me well for 13 kids running around in my backyard.  Plus, all the girls were really good!  They seemed to get along well for the most part and just play.  They were swinging, running around, driving the gator and having a good time.

Tim was getting the hot dogs roasted; I was getting out chips, lemonade, watermelon, and utensils.  After the hot dogs, we roasted smores and let each kid roast their own marshmallows. This was a big hit and a good time-killer :-)   Tim was watching the girls (and Evan) around the fire and Kristen (who volunteered to help) and I were getting the chocolate and crackers ready.  After the smores, more running, playing, and girl screaming ensued.

  

Roasting marshmallows.



Evan was there and a good trooper throughout the girl drama.  I think Emma's friends liked him as he was able to sit on their laps and drive them around in the gator.  which was pretty darn cute, if you ask me.

Presents were next and this was the part that Emma was most excited about probably. After months of going to Target to pick out her friends birthday gifts, she was rewarded with Squinkies, Littlest Pet Shop toys, beach towels, a manicure set, a bracelet kit, a decorate your own messenger bag kit, many games, and other things.  I had to quietly remind her to look excited once, but I think she really enjoyed this part.  Personal thank yous are being worked on and on their way to those in bloggerland.





Seeing how many kids they can fit on a recliner doing present time.



After the food were the games.  Not everyone wanted to partake in three-legged races and sack races and opted to play on the swing set instead.  But, the ones that played had fun and got competitive as they hopped, fell, or ran across the yard to beat out the others.  I didn't have prizes for winners, but did actually acknowledge winners, which I am sure is to the chagrin of some "yea for participating" parents. All girls were given a goodie bag at the end with a little writing note pad, BFF ring, Shake It Up tattoo, and bag of chips.

Hopping along in the sack race.

The pinata came next and the girls (and Evan) each had like three different rounds to break open the butterfly pinata. Flying Candy meant running girls (and Evan) and munching and "how much did you get" and the like.  I told the girls (and Evan) they could each grab 8 pieces at first and then adjusted a few times to account for the left-overs on the ground.  Many came up to me afterwards with the "I got 10 pieces" and fun sentiments like that. 

While many kids asked me when they were having cake, Emma decided to forgo this birthday tradition and serve ice cream cones instead.  Birthday cake ice cream and cotton candy ice cream was served with about 20 minutes left to pick up time -- perfect!  The kids ate these outside and enjoyed their last few minutes of a fun birthday party in my mind.



All the kids!



Overall - It was a great, great day.  If the weather hadn't been so nice, I may not have as good of a report, but everything was outside, plates & cups were plastic, and the kids just ran and had fun.  Emma loved showing off her room, her monkey bars, and her home to her friends and we were happy to have them.  I don't know if we will do as large of a party next year, but as least Emma will have good memories of this one! 

A perfect day for a picnic

Evan loves his daycare days just about as much as his days at home.  Many times he wakes up excitedly "Is it a Theresa day, Mama?" (Meaning a daycare day) and sometimes he will do the typical Evan "OOHHH" (with great inflections for emphasis) if it is not.  Lately, since Tim has been home and the two of them have been working outside a lot, he really enjoys being home and helping Daddy shovel wood chips, plant the garden, and dig for worms.

This past Friday it was a Mama and Daddy day and while we were getting a few things ready for Emma's big birthday party the following day, we were also enjoying the beautiful weather.  It was so nice out, we decided to have a picnic!  Now, Evan LOVES making sandwiches and packing a lunch. I think he enjoys that more than the eating. So, he was busy making a peanut butter &jelly sandwich (his speciality), grabbing chips out of the snack drawer, bagging carrots, cherries, juice box, and moving all throughout the kitchen to get it ready. Then.. we head outside.

Yup, just as expected, he wasn't overly interested in eating - which is abnormal for him.  He loves eating and is a constant grazer during the day.  He just picked at this sandwich, cheese stick, and carrots, but was more interested in the flowers, the gator, or whatever else could take his attention away.  I could tell he was getting tired!

So, we headed in so he could take a nap.  And, of course - what did he want to do?  Eat!  "But Mama! My sandwich and lunch isn't gone yet!"  So, he took another 15 minutes to finish eating.   

Overall - still a great day for a picnic!

Mother's Day

Well, a bit delayed, but later is better than never....    Mother's Day!

We had a very nice day.  We relaxed at home and did exactly what I wanted - nothing!  I planted my flowers, spent time in the garden, and enjoyed the time with my two little ones who showered me with little gifts and nice hand-made cards.  Then, we enjoyed steak, mushrooms, bread, and strawberry shortcake for supper!



Emma loves self portraits!



My little pride and joys!




The nice cards and gifts.  Emma made me a little flower bookmark with her picture on it and a nice saying: Thanks for helping me grow.  Evan did the little picture frame and saying:
Sometimes you get discouraged
Because I am so small
And always leaving my fingerprints
On furniture and walls.
But every day I am growing-
I'll be grown some day
And all those tiny handprints
Will surely fade away.
So here's a little handprint
Just so you can recall
Exactly how my fingers looked
When I was very small.

 It was nice to have some quiet time at home and for the kids to say thank you!  As many of you know, being a Mom is hard, trying, scary, and tiring.  But, overall, it is wonderful, joyous, special, and the best thing in the world.

Bedtime antics - part 2

Evan has struggled falling asleep lately... ugh... I hate it when the kids have trouble with that.  Usually I have dishes to do after they lay down, homework, blogging, reading, relaxing, laundry - you know the drill - and when my little ones do not want to sleep, everyone suffers.

Lately, Evan has been giving us trouble.  I am wondering if we should start having him "rest" and not nap. Tim just thinks it is because it is so light out now when they go to bed.  Not sure, but I want to solve it.  He is always up so early - usually around 6:15 - so I want him to lay down better at night.  Anyway...

Last night he was screaming "Mama!"    then... "Mama!  I am not tired!"    then... "Mama! I don't want to go to bed!"   then ... more "Mama!"  over and over and over...  Emma got up a few times because she was tired and couldn't sleep because he was pounding on their shared wall.  I try to ignore it and Tim tries to ignore it.  Doesn't work. He did this for about 45 minutes.

Then, I go up and threaten to take out his duckie or glow-worm or his precious B out of his room to get him to stop screaming. This gets his attention because then I get the "Well, I won't be your Mommy if you do that!"   -- Hmmmm? --

I am not sure what he means by that. So, I ask him "Evan - what?  You are my son and I will always be your Mommy." 

He thinks for a minute and then says "No.  I won't be your son if you take my BB out!  You won't be my Mommy!  You are a mean Mommy!"

So, I give him a kiss, tell him I love him, and leave.  Then, I send Tim up the next time.

Memorial Weekend!

Memorial weekend was spent up at the cabin and the Heuer clan was very excited!  I hadn't been there for about a month, Evan couldn't wait to go fishing as we are constantly digging for worms, Emma was excited we were picking her up in the "carpool" lane right after school, and Tim was just happy to relax.  We left home around 3:30 so we were able to get up there early and start celebrating the holiday.

We got to the cabin, unpacked, and headed down to the lake. Evan brought down the bucket of worms, Tim went to go get the fishing poles, and Emma bounced down to play in the sand.  Emma started to dip her toes in the water and jump around a bit and was having a good ole' time. Then, I mentioned "Emma - do you want to go swimming?"  Eyes perk up, Evan yells "Whatdya say Mama?"  And then two sprint up to their room to change into suits.  Of course, I knew it would be cold, but I knew they would be getting in this weekend, so I thought I would make them happy. Happy, they were!


Cold face!  Evan was shivering when he got out.  They lasted about 20 minutes.

  

Emma having a good time and exclaiming "Ah!  I am cold"  (But, refused to get out!)


 

Emma trying to surf.. . .  on a knee board.  Nope, didn't work.



And, just Evan.

On Saturday, we celebrated Emma's birthday with some more family and had yummy brownies, ice cream, appetizers, and drinks!  Emma, Evan, and their cousins made it down to the lake, while the adults chatted, to go fishing and splash around again.

The rest of the weekend was spent visiting more family, playing in the lake, playing with puppies, going on a pontoon ride, going for a jet-ski ride, getting some sun, fishing, paddleboat ride, and all the fun stuff we normally do at the cabin!  Along with some of the not fun stuff like laundry, cleaning bathrooms, sweeping floors and non-exciting things.

Not the best picture, but it captures Evan doing one of his favorite things - fishing with Daddy!  He caught a few and was very happy!



The crazy face I get now when I want to take his picture.




For some reason, I just love this picture of her!  We were heading out on the pontoon!




Emma and Nana.




Proof that I was there too!





Nana celebrating her first catch of the season.



And Sage.  She came along on the pontoon ride and whined the entire time.

It was so nice to get away for awhile!  It has been a bit stressful around here lately, work for me has been crazy, Tim is still working on the job hunt, Evan is still finding his independence, Emma is well, getting older.  It is crazy, wonderful, stressful all at the same time.  That is why, it is nice to have a cabin to get away to every once in awhile.

The Kindergarten concert

To celebrate the end of the school year, the Kindergartners have a little concert.  "The Seasons of Kindergarten!"  It included popular tunes such as the Star Spangled Banner, The Wheels of the Bus, and A Tisket, A Tasket.  Then, some new songs to celebrate the seasons like Suzy Snowflake, Kindergarten Storms, and Oh Mr. Sun.  Some poems were added in and the concert was followed by lemonade and cookies!

It lasted roughly a half an hour it was really, really cute. They did little hand motions for some songs, clapped their hands, made "rain", and were so proud of themselves.  It was cute because when the curtain was pulled back the kids were waving and cheering and smiling at everyone that came to watch! 

Emma found us in the crowd!



Their little hats were trees of the seasons. Emma was winter.

 

The Star Spangled Banner



 

And all smiles after the concert and having a snack.

The concert was just another little reminder of how fast this year has gone!  It seems like just yesterday that I was tearing up as she was getting on the bus the first day! Now, she is practically a first grader!  I told her today that she only had 6 days left of school and she cheered! She is looking forward to summer.

Kindergarten Field Day

Oh - the celebration of the end of Kindergarten continues :-)

Yesterday was their Kindergarten concert (more to come on that).  Tomorrow is beach day.  Next week is picnic day and probably a pajama day, and a movie day, and whatever they can think up to celebrate. Don't get me wrong, I love it.  And Emma loves it. And, I completely understand.  Just being a volunteer Sunday School teacher gives me enough experience to note that kids go absolutely crazy at the end of the year... squirrley... giggly... over the top - you name it.  So, every day something new and it is a lot of fun for Emma to experience.

Today was field day!  So, from 9:30 - 11:00 they were outside playing bocce ball, running bases, playing on the playground and having a good time.  Parents were invited to cheer them on and me, to celebrate the end of Kindergarten and enjoy a fabulous reason to work from home, decided to go and watch.  Emma was happy and I was happy to be able to attend.

I got there a little late - so she was a bit nervous when I got there - but she hung out at my side the entire time and wanted me to help her with things and play the games with her. It was fun! Here are some pics commemorating the event:

Emma at the running-around-the-bases station!



Getting ready to run!  She didn't have the fastest time, but her teacher mentioned to me that she had a nice running gait.  Which, I thought was funny!




At the playground station. Which, was just about playing.



On the monkey bars.  She absolutely loves monkey bars.





The tire pull.





T-ball station.



And finally - the tug-of-war station.  Her class was crowned the champions of tug-of-war!

Then, finally, the end of field day brought Popsicles  Emma said they were the best part (along with the playground station) because the Popsicles were those ymmy red-white-blue rockets.

Bath Time Antics

Evan was in the bathtub tonight, playing with his boat and fisherman and fish.  He kept making the fisherman dive, yell for help, and then sink.  So, always one to help, I grabbed Emma's Cinderella doll and tried to "rescue" the poor, drowning fisherman.

So, I make Cinderella dive under the water and try to rescue poor fisherman.  But, for some reason, Evan would not let the fisherman come up to the water.  So, I look at him and say "Evan!  Cinderella wants to help your fisherman!"

Evan looks at me, skeptically: "Um, Mama?  I don't play with girls toys."

And then kept on drowning the poor fisherman....   tough crowd.

glimpses

There have been times lately, when I get small glimpses of what my life may become in the next months and years.  Take now, for example, it is 8:10, and the kids are outside playing and I actually have time to myself!  I am drinking a cup of coffee, watching the news and blogging!  It is wonderful!  The past weekend in the afternoon, the kids were getting along and playing together and I had like a whole HOUR to myself!  It is amazing and wonderful and somewhat sad!  But, sad definitely in a good way.  My babies are now getting older and a little bit self-sufficient.  That is allowing me to do the dishes without little ones hanging onto my legs and crying.  It allows me to clean the bathrooms or vaccum without rushing through the task to rescue my kid from the exersaucer! 

It is lovely!  And I am highly enjoying it!

Now - off to see if the Pioneer Woman is on today :-)

Yea me.

The sleepover

After months of begging, Emma finally got her wish - for Kyra and Kaylee to sleep over.  She has asked quite a bit in the past and usually because of activities going on, the cabin, or just wariness from me, I have said no.  However, last night we had nothing planned and I thought, "Well, what the hell!"

So, we had supper at Kristens last night since our prospective husbands weren't around and the kids and I came home with strict instructions "to pick up and make your room presentable for your friends!"  (Emma's room is usually full of clutter and toys and knick-knacks that you can barely see the floor!)"  Then, down to the basement we went with pillows, blankets, night-lights, pulled out the bed-n-couch, made popcorn, got movies and glowstations, and everything else that goes with sleep-overs.

The girls came over around 8pm, had cotton candy ice cream cones, and then went down to the basement to start the fun.  Yes, Evan was trailing constantly like an obedient little puppy and was distraught when he was told (after lugging down his sleeping bag, B, and pillow to the basement) that he was not going to be sleeping down there.  Yes, there were some tears, but after a big hug from me and promise that he could sleep in my bed last night, he seemed to be okay.

They watched Shark Tail, ate lots of popcorn, did the little girl scream when Sage wandered down, and then settled in for the night.  Emma came up a few times, but then after that, seemed settled in.

By the time I got to bed after organizing pictures and transferring from camera's to external drives (all the fun things on my to-do list when school is out), it was 11:30 and Evan was laying sideways in my bed and completely zonked out!  I got him arranged and settled in for a hopefully, long night of sleep.

This morning came early with Evan waking me up at 6:15 with his usual question of "Mom!  Did I sleep good?  Did I sleep long enough?"  Sigh... So, I got him ushered into his room with his leapster, so I could hopefully get a few more minutes of sleep.  Then comes Emma at 6:45 with the "We are so BORED Mom!  Can we watch Austin & Ally?" So, I get up, bring Evan downstairs, and turn on the big TV in the basement and all is well.  Per the girls, they all were up around 6am and were playing glow-station and dolls and were SO BORED!

Then, breakfast with mini-donuts (courtesy of Kristen) fruit, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and toast.  More TV and dolls and now they are outside!  It has been an easy and lovely morning and has quickly dispelled any concerns I had over the sleepover. (obviously, since I am able to blog at 8AM in the morning!  that never happens!)

They are now outside playing before it gets too warm and before the day really starts. 

And quickly -before I go to eat my breakfast -  

I worry about Evan and the fact that he may be ignored or not treated nicely by his older sister and cousins.  So, as he was trailing them downstairs, I ask:

"Are they nice to you Evan?  You make sure they are nice to you and play with you!"
"Okay Mom - They're pretty nice" ... then he stops and says... "Well... sometimes nice"
and then he bounds down the stairs.

Happy Weekend!