Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Beth's Poetry Party

Beth's third grade class hosted a "poetry party" this afternoon. The class recited poems as a class, and each student chose one poem to read to the audience. Even a few parents were brave enough to share their favorite poetry with the class! Beth was so excited about her day - but she was most excited that Daddy could join the fun! We're so blessed that Phil has the flexibility to come to special events at school during his work day. It makes it extra-special!

Here Beth reads her poem:

I'm Wrestling with an Octopus by Jack Prelutsky

I'm wrestling with an octopus and faring less than well,

one peek at my predicament should be enough to tell.

It held me in a hammerlock, then swept me off my feet,

I'm getting the impression that I simply can't compete.

I'd hoped that I could hold my own, but after just a while,

I ascertained I couldn't match an octopus's style.

It flipped me by a shoulder, and it latched onto a hip,

essentially that octopus has got me in its grip.

I tried assorted armlocks but invariably missed,

and now I'm in a headlock and it's clinging to my wrist.

It's wound around my ankles and it's wrapped around my chest -

when grappling with an octopus, I come out second best.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Quite a Pair!

These sweet boys never tire of being together. They were born six months apart and are the best of friends. What a blessing for these precious cousins to grow up together and spend so much time together! I pray they will always be close friends...



Friday Night Fun

Zachary came home with us after school today and the kids had a great time playing together. The weather tonight was so beautiful and we enjoyed being outside. Beth kept busy making a "welcome home" sign for Phil on the front walk. He returns from Minneapolis tonight. Yeah!





Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Our Precious "GEM"

Beth is so excited that she is old enough to attend GEMS! GEMS is a girls club at our church - the acronym stands for Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior. Beth loves the singing, doing crafts, and having Bible lessons with the other third graders. Of course, just being with her friends is a treat, too!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Happy Birthday, Ainsley!

Sweet Ainsley Marie turned two on Thursday and we celebrated this milestone today. Ainsley enjoyed all of the attention and her Elmo cake. She wasn't too interested in opening presents, but she especially loved the books she received! She plopped right down with them and had a great time! We're so thankful for Ainsley and the progress she has made since her surgery in June. She is talking constantly and is getting so big!


Wednesday, September 10, 2008

"Teacher for the Day"

Allie couldn't wait to get to school this morning! She was excited to be "teacher for the day" - she got to do all of her work at her teacher's desk today. She earned 20 tickets for her hard work and good behavior and this was her reward. I peeked into her classroom this afternoon and she was all smiles! What a fun day!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

From the Mouths of Babes...

As we arrived home from church, Phil was getting the kids out of the van. Allie was taking her time and Phil said, "Come on, Allie Grace, I need to go check the football game." Allie placed her hands on her hips, looked at Phil and exclaimed, "Daddy! Need? Or want?" (Picture Mommy laughing hysterically in the background!). She totally nailed him! And I have to admit - it made my entire day!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Saturday Smiles...

Since school has started and I'm working three days a week, I just haven't been taking many pictures for the blog! Here are just a few pictures to give you a glimpse of our week...
While I was working in the front yard, Nathan decided to wash his car. This is now his favorite activity and he has washed his car every single day! Of course, he cannot wash the car without getting completely soaked from head to toe. But he has a great time -and I get something accomplished too!

Nathan is my little buddy on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He calls them his "mommy days." We did a little outlet shopping on Thursday and he got to "pretend" to drive a truck outside of one of the stores. Nathan is usually a very patient shopper and I love spending time with him.


We had a great day today. We got things done around the house and in the yard, then went swimming at Ryan and Angie's house. We all had a great time!


Monday, September 1, 2008

Green Thumb

When we go to the coast, I always enjoy seeing all of the flowers. Different plants thrive in the coastal setting and everything looks so beautiful! At this point of the summer, I have no desire to be out in the heat working in our yard, so it's such fun to sit outside and enjoy the beauty of their landscaping.
My mom definitely has the gift of a green thumb!








Morro Rock

We drove into Morro Bay on Sunday evening to enjoy some fish and chips for dinner. Before going to the restaurant, we walked out to Morro Rock on a great boardwalk path right next to the bay. We even saw several otters eating their dinners while we were walking - which made the girls very happy! As you can tell from the pictures, it was quite breezy, but we had a good time. (And the fish and chips were yummy, in case you were wondering!).







Tree Huggers

Apparently our kids are more interested in trees than in playground equipment! At one of the parks we visited this weekend, they discovered that climbing on trees can be even more fun! It made for some fun photo opportunities - and even Nathan actually asked me to take his picture. That doesn't happen often, so I gladly acquiesced!





Playing at the Park

On Saturday, we headed to the coast to escape the heat once again. We are so blessed to be able to join my parents at their "little house" so often! On Sunday, we went to the park and just enjoyed being outside. It was a glorious afternoon - and everyone had a great time!