Weeks 47 & 48: The current fun

This is the time of year when birthdays and holidays begin to collide...and it seems ridiculously busy. Trying to simplify has helped, but I would still rather hibernate until spring than do more shopping or add one more event to the calendar. This is how we had fun the past couple of weeks:

Played Wii U. We decided to give our one big family gift to them a little early.

Played well together most of the time over Thanksgiving break.

Painted.

And made funny noises apparently.

 

Zach broke something and Gabe drew a picture to place the blame!

 

Went to Target to find more stuff they want.

Went to the library.

Ate at least one item of the Thanksgiving lunch we made.

Celebrated Zach's birthday with a Wimpy Kid cake and a Legends of Chima Lego set.

Went to Ohio. Spent time showing their favorite games.

Made melted crayons.

Talked camera/computer stuff. Jen upgraded to the model I have.

Took the kids to a new indoor play area. They had a blast.

More hanging out and talking. It was a good weekend for that. Thanks Frank!

Had wonderful playtime with our friends!

Week 46: Veterans Day

Here are just a few pics from our week!

In case you were wondering, the boys want "everything from the craft store" for Christmas. Gotta love 'em!

It's getting to be hat weather around here.

Charlotte getting tucked in with all her babies.

She was still sleeping (like this) when I came to get her to go to the bus stop.

Zach was thrilled to be in the Veterans Day Parade with Cub Scouts.

Charlotte giving her input on Gabe's Angry Birds game.

Gabe happily wore his glasses to the movie. Actually, it was a surprise that he wanted to go to the movie at all.

Zach happily reunited some members of the monkey family that had been packed away in the basement. It's always fun to bring out new old toys!

Week 45: Warm and nice

Last week was mostly enjoyable for everyone except Frank. He had a bad cold the whole time (he's still feeling it), making him miss work Monday for feeling awful and then again on Friday for losing his voice. Zach and Gabe both had an off day on Thursday; Gabe got a scratch on his head from the playground fence and Zach ended up with a fever. I had to pick both of them up from school. So we had some crazy days but also some nice ones. The temp was in the 60's every morning and 80's or near it in the afternoons. Zach got his copy of the new wimpy kid book and read it in about 2 hours. Gabe read his first book for kindergarten homework and he was so proud. He practices sight words every day and eagerly points them out to me when he sees them written somewhere. And Charlotte walked up to the bus stop for the first time. She was cooperative for most of the journey. We hit Barnes & Noble and Chili's for some fun on Saturday.

Week 44: The best Halloween ever

With near-60 degree weather and lots of activities planned last Saturday, Zach said it was the best Halloween ever. We carved pumpkins on Friday during a three-hour school delay, then we dropped them off in costume for their parade and class parties. On Halloween we had a hayride, trick-or-treating, then a bonfire with hot dogs, s'mores, and hot cocoa. They loved all the time they got to spend hanging out and running around with their friends. Gabe wore his creeper head box for about 5 seconds (because it's just fun!) but switched to the foam hat thing I made him for ease of walking and seeing.  Charlotte ran around for a bit before the hayride, but when we got the stroller out she happily climbed into it and was content for about 3 hours, just playing with glow sticks. Even at the bonfire she just sat and watched everyone and waved her sticks around. It helps that we have girl friends who like to talk to her and entertain her. Being able to turn the clocks back that night was perfect because we were so exhausted from everything.

These weeks need to slow down because I'm definitely not ready for the holidays! October didn't cooperate but here's hoping for a slow November! I have a scarf I'd like to finish :)

This boy is in love with reading, big time. There's no use even talking to him because he won't hear you.

Charlotte said goodnight and gave Daddy a kiss, then ran upstairs carrying (most of) her babies. She likes to be holding them all (5 or 6) when I tuck her in.

I think I started this one last fall. Or was it the year before?