Easter

Hello strangers, it makes me sad that I haven't posted in so long. Of course, I didn't have a computer for a while and I still don't have a camera (thanks thieves!). So we will have to deal with these mediocre pictures from my phone. :/

Anyhow, this Easter I decided to channel my mom and do a little scavenger hunt for the kids to find their baskets. There were two kinds of eggs, one was Darth Vader and one was Elmo. When we found a Darth egg, Liam was the one to pick it up and open it. When it was Elmo, Livi got to be the lucky one. Because we all know how kids love to fight over who does something first. The last clue led them to the garage where their baskets were found! They were both so excited and edible. I love my yummy bunnies.

Then it was off to Tina's for brunch and an Easter Egg hunt with family and friends. Back home for a visit from Aunt Beth, Meredith and Kama. And then an end to the day with a viewing of Hop. If you count their basket from school, these kids ended up getting FIVE Easter baskets EACH. If only they had more people in their life that cared about them...

School Pics- Retro style

Chris circa 1975.. oh no, I mean Liam.. last week...

Oh school pics... how I love thee. Some of you may remember our last, amazing batch of school pics. Part of me wished to have a similar outcome this time around, but alas... my babes were on point. And although my kids were surprisingly into it this time, it doesn't mean these pictures aren't strange to me. Am I the only one that feels like these are the same props and backgrounds that were used back when we were kids? Why are these school picture companies so intent on sticking around the seventies. I know, I know- it doesn't help that my son has a haircut and shirt that makes him look like he's off to the disco after school. But the combination of that and this background just crack me up. It's kinda beautiful. I love every second of bad school pics and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I'm sorry, but when did I lose my 4 year old to this 8 year old looking model?

HA!

Oh- this must be bizarro world. This girl looks way to sweet to be my Livi.

Here. Hold these extremely plastic looking flowers because surely they will enhance the photo.

Simply perfect

Has never played soccer.

Dentist

Today was Liam's first visit to the dentist! Some people think you should take kids when they are one year old and I think that is frickin crazy. There is no way a one year old would have the wherewithal to understand and allow  a dentist what they need to do. Once my own dentist confirmed this to me, I wasn't gonna rush him in. So glad I waited because it was so NOT an issue like I thought it would be. He just laid there and watched his movie while they did their thing. 


Since it was a pediatric office, they were very good at explaining everything and coming up with names for all the instruments. He got x-rays and he got to see what his teeth looked like.  We even got to see the extra tooth that he apparently has.. in baby and adult form. What does that mean? It means there is a very good chance he will have to have a tooth removed when he is older.  Blah. But as Kama says, I will have enough time to forget he needs it before I am reminded again. For now though, no cavities and a great bite. And a great goody bag. 

An Evening of Hope

We had the pleasure of babysitting my 7 week old niece last night while Josh and Sarah went out for dinner and a movie. The kids would not leave her alone. Livi thinks she is one of her dolls which is terrifying because she tends to cover her babies up with blankets. Over their faces. And she also doesn't understand how gentle you need to be with little ones. So when Livi is around, you have to keep a close watch. Liam is just smitten with her. Asking all night "Can she talk?" "Is she potty training?" "Does she want some of my chicken?" And every time hearing, "No Liam, she is too little for that." 

This is what you get to look forward to in a few years, Josh and Sarah.

Smart baby. Keeping an eye on that crazy one.

Awesome Things Livi Says

Livi to Robin (of Batman and Robin fame): Here, you sit. You wanna sit? What happened? She pushed you?
Livi to Minnie: You push him? NOT NICE MINNIE!! NO PUSHING! NOT NICE!
*Minnie was then banished to the deepest depths of the bathtub waters. Poor Minnie.*

Pirate For a Day

Explaining the pirate rules of the boat

We got a voucher a couple of months ago for a pirate adventure. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I thought it would be something different to do with the kids.  So when we got there on Sunday and we were the only ones booked for the adventure, I felt kinda bad. A family with some vouchers couldn't have even covered the gas for the boat, much less the three people that were there to make our adventure everything it was (thankfully, there was a tip jar ;).

This didn't deter their enthusiasm though. For that I give them props. And for that I want to tell everyone I know with kids how amazing this was. The "crew" did such a great job staying in character and getting the kids into the act. My kids got their pirate tattoos, dressed up in their sash and vest and learned the vernacular. Then they proceeded to get on the boat where an elaborate treasure hunt took place. The detail that went into all this was nothing less than impressive. From learning about the different parts of the boat, to pointing out landmarks we saw that matched our map. There was even an evil pirate that showed up towards the end on a smaller boat that we had to attack with our water cannons. Water cannons! brilliant!

I highly recommend anyone in the area check out Bluefoot Pirates. Would be great for a birthday party too if this is a bit much to spend for just a day out. A great bunch of people that I would love to see succeed with this great idea. 

Heave, Hoooo

Pirate Pact

Following the treasure map to find the key

This crazy pirate stole our key! We had no choice but to attack with our water cannons.

With a little help from Davey Jones, we got our key!

What's in the chest?

Treasurrrrre!

Good job, Pirate Liam

Daddy's version of a treasure map later that day.

Liam glowing at his Daddy's enthusiasm.

It's less impressive when you find out that Mommy drew this. Eeek! Coloring by Pirate Liam.

School Decisions

When a paper came home from school asking if my child was planning on attending kindergarten next year, I threw it away. It didn't matter to me because it didn't apply to me. Liam just turned 4. He hasn't even been through VPK yet. Well, sometimes decisions you weren't planning on making yet creep up on you. Liam goes to a Montessori school. They don't go by traditional grades at the Montessori School and though I knew this, I always assumed that Liam would be exempt since he wasn't "of age" to be in elementary. I guess I always thought the true schooling wouldn't start until he was supposed to start kindergarten.

When I picked Liam up from school yesterday, his teacher asked if I had received the paper and we got to talking. I explained that I wasn't sure what we would be doing with Liam as far as education was concerned because of money. In my mind, Liam would go into VPK next year and I would be able to use some Family Central vouchers and save a little money. Then we would have a year to think about where we wanted to put him.

The teacher informed me that in Montessori schools, they push the children and determine what grade they are in based on ability. They feel he is ready for kindergarten. THEY FEEL HE IS READY FOR KINDERGARTEN. I have to say I agree. It pains me to see him grow so fast, but he has mastered his letters and is doing well with numbers. He grasps the concept of math and loves to sound out letters, even asks me how to spell things. So now we have the decision to make as to what to do with this kid.

Here is my dilemma (and bear with this ridiculously long post but this is my outlet). Montessori schools are considered private schools. They cost money. A lot more money than free public schools. We can afford it in the way that we save no money while they are there. So there is that. And it's not to say that I think kids who go to public school aren't successful in life. That is obviously just not true. But it is true that I am not impressed with the school he is zoned for and even if I was, I do believe that Liam thrives in the environment he is in. I believe every child learns differently. There is no "one size fits all". And my UBER sensitive, engaging boy benefits highly from interacting with others. He has done so well where he is and it's become a bit of a family. I love that everyone in the entire school knows who both of my kids are.

So herein lies the dilemma. I feel like if I put him in public school, I am not looking out for his best interest. But then I also feel it would be foolish financially. It's one of those things you need to make a large pros/cons list for. Still making it. I am supposed to call the director of the school tomorrow to talk more about everything. Keep you posted. Let me know if you have any insight.