Stage!

The girls think the playroom in our new house is for putting on plays.  On moving day, C asked why I was putting toys in there.  "No, Mom, this is the PLAY room."  

Greg stayed up until 1am the week after we moved in putting this together... It is a work in progress (c has plans for a trap door and pulley system).  :)  the girls don't haves beds,yet, but they have a stage!  (Priorities, people)

Easter photo

We had been in our new home for a few days... I managed to find each of them a matching pair of shoes.  I called that a success on this Easter day. 

Miss Independent

From the moment SJ could move, she has wanted to be independent.  Doing her own thing in her own way and not needing Mama's help.  Then I got called to be the sunbeam teacher of her class last year, and another little girl in her class needed lots of attention.  It must have touched on a jealous nerve in her somewhere, because for two hours every Sunday she wanted to stay close to me... Sitting on my lap and giving me impromptu hugs and kisses throughout class time.  I soaked up every last bit.  

Picnic

This was our last week attending church right next to the Temple, so we decided to have a picnic lunch there.  This is what we did one year ago when we first moved here, as well.  Closing on our new home in 1 week!  Wish us luck!

The many outfits of SJ

This girl has strong opinions and likes to dress herself.  Here are some samples, so we won't forget...

She calls this her mini mouse hair. (The bandaid is from an accident in our crowded primary room involving some squirmy sunbeams and a metal chair.  There was lots of blood involved, but she is ok)

There are lots of SJ self portraits on my phone...

She outdid herself on this day.  Tinker bell dress, polka dot sweater, polka dot pants, purse, rain boots and an Asian hat.

Princess dress and crown amidst winter clothes and rock collections... She fell asleep on the walk to pick up C from school.

She even likes to dress baby S and I, sometimes...

Picking out shoes is the hardest part...

Science

C wanted to participate in her school's science fair.  The topic she chose was "how fairies fly."  I let Greg take the reins on that one.  They did a great job.

4 year old Fear factor champion

Greg helped organize an Asain potluck dinner at church.  The main game/entertainment of the evening was a version of Fear Factor.  SJ really wanted to participate as her dad's teammate.  Here is a list of the rounds.  As you can see, they increase in difficulty.  

1. Dried mango

2. Seaweed

3. Clams

4. Chicken feet

5. Chicken hearts

6. Chicken liver 

7. Pig's feet

Guess who made it to the very end .  Yep, our SJ!  Life is never dull with her around. (she had her face painted with dolphins).

Overheard

Last week c told me she doesn't like music class at school.  

Me:  what, why not?!?

C:   My teacher doesn't sing very well.  His voice is kind of off pitch and screechy.

At the Disney store a couple of weeks ago, SJ wanted a dress that cost $60.  I said no way are we spending that much money here.  She then said, "why don't we just ask if they'll take $2 for it."

I'm afraid we might be creating little monsters.

Frozen

 After much deliberation, C decided she wanted a "Frozen" party to celebrate her 7th b-day

 She got a big-girl bike (with hand brakes and gears!) for her b-day.

New Years

 We had a fun family party and counted down well before midnight.

Baby S was hilarious trying to blow up a balloon (above) and pop a balloon (below) like her sisters. 

Yoga baby

Baby S likes to do yoga with me.  She does a pretty cute downward dog but is even better at sitting on me and bouncing while I hold a pose.  

Little tidbits

Baby S likes to carry her own umbrella when it rains. 

Greg and I had a fun date to tour a chocolate  factory. It was great because I like chocolate and cooking and Greg likes manufacturing.   Doesn't Greg look great in a hairnet?

Wow

Snowflake lane:  These people really know how to Create some Christmas magic(they would call it holiday magic, but I'm stubborn and will continue to call it Christmas).

Everyday

I'm realizing I often post about holidays and fun events, but neglect the everyday ordinary things.  Our days are filled with bundling everyone up for the walk to and from school, preschool pickups, violin lessons, and playdates.  Here are a few other ways we spend our time...

SJ loves to play hair salon.  Everyday, she asks to style my hair and for me to put makeup on her. 

Baby s  is in the collecting phase of life... She carries around fistfuls of things she collects around the house all day.  She is reluctant to let go of anything and will shift and stretch and cram in order to keep everything in her  grasp.  Buckets and bags are proving to be very useful tools for her.

After almost a year of stopping at the park everyday after school, c has decided it is more fun to play at the soccer court.  Here is is with her class "pet" that she was allowed to take home for one week.

All 3 like playing in forts.  The forts may or may not drive me crazy, depending on how long they entertain and how many times I am requested to help repair.

Plus a Bonus picture of Baby s's favorite hangout.

Thanksgiving weekend

We had lots of fun over thanksgiving weekend.  It's always nice to have an extra long weekend with everyone home and nowhere to be.  We ran in a turkey trot (C did the whole 5k!  SJ alternated between sprinting and riding on the stroller).  

We also went to a Christmas parade and Greg took the big girls ice skating while baby s an I watched.  

Halloween fun

Neighborhood Halloween Festival

We love seeing these girls so excited to do things together... they were holding hands as they waited for the trolley to pull up.



Ward Halloween Party (Kelly, Greg and I stole your Price is Right costume idea)

 

And, of course, trick-or-treating:

Merida (from Brave), Octopus, Merida

Vancouver island

On the first weekend in October, we went to Vancouver island to visit my cousin. She has three girls, close in age to ours.  They had so much fun together.  We went to the farmers market, on a treasure hunt at really cool park, and spent a few hours at the beach.

The ferry ride through the San Juan islands was beautiful.  It was a lot of traveling, and not a lot of sleep, but we had a great time.