Sunbeams: Megan and Matthew are now in Sunbeams. This means we get to escape the germ sanctuary that is Nursery. I was a little concerned about how they'd do, especially Matthew since he just turned 3, but they really like it. Matthew sings the songs he is learning all the time. Megan was really sad to miss Sunbeams the week she was sick. They're even already participated in Opening Exercises: Megan said the prayer and Matthew smiled really big while daddy did the scripture. I will say that the 11 o'clock church time is challenging as it means either missed naps or naps in the car on the way home from church. This can lead to super tired kids in the evening. There was even one night that Megan was eating toast in her sleep--her eyes were closed, her head was nodding and yet she was bringing toast to her mouth and chewing it up. It was really funny!
No naps=tired kids!
Honesty: We are focusing on the value of honesty this month. The kids have really gotten into it, pointing out situations where people are (or aren't) honest. Sarah even wrote a bunch of stories about honesty.
Helpers: I have two little helpers with me during the day and boy do they love to help! They like to spray windows and clean sinks, sweep and vacuum floors and help make food. We have tasked Megan and Matthew with setting the table for dinner, which they usually do well and willingly. One interesting thing is that they usually give me a small fork. They get big forks, but I get a little one. What do you think that means???
The color of tongues: Megan's tongue is pink. This is a fact confirmed just about every night. Megan will stick out her tongue and ask U what color it is. When he says, "Pink," she says, "Pink?!? Again?!?" It seems like it is the most incredible thing to her and it really cute.
Colors: Megan likes blue. She pretty much chooses to be the blue piece in whatever game we are playing. Matthew, on the other hand, likes red, and generally chooses the red piece. It's a good thing Santa is all-knowing and gave Megan a blue toothbrush and Matthew a red one.
Well-dressed baby: Megan has really liked dressing her baby up in all the matching outfits she got for Christmas. It's cute when she picks out an outfit for herself and brings along the one for baby as well. There are some days baby changes outfits a lot. For instance, one Sunday morning, she was in her nightgown, then a play outfit, then her dress, then the play outfit and then the nightgown again.
Sarah's activities: Sarah is continuing to make lots of bracelets and rings with her Rainbow Loom. She spends lots of time reading and keeps asking if there are more books like her favorites. A few books she's enjoyed lately are Our Only May Amelia and The Trouble with May Amelia by Jennifer Holm and The Keeper of the School series by Andrew Clements. She continues working on her gymnastics, both at the gym and at home. She really likes her school chorus and is often singing us new songs she's learned. She's also enjoying learning the piano. She can even play the "Mickey Mouse March."
Airplanes and Grandpa: Grandpa flew through Phoenix on his way to a business meeting and called us from the airport. For the rest of the day, anytime they saw a plane, Megan and Matthew got really excited and pointed at it saying, "Grandpa on that plane. My grandpa!" We sure are glad the next time he flies into Phoenix, he'll be staying with us for a few days :)
Outside: We've had pretty nice weather for most of the month and so spend a fair bit of time outside, playing, observing the wildlife, riding bikes and the such.
Here are some pictures Sarah's taken of the wildlife around our house lately: (I think that's a baby roly poly on its mama's back!)
And here's some of the other wildlife we've seen:
Excited Megan! Sarah took this photo.
Either Megan or Matthew took this photo of Sarah. Not bad...
Megan enjoying the grass and leaves. She was totally oblivious to the fact that she was the subject of a photo shoot.
Other wild creatures enjoying the patio.
Costumes: The kids have really enjoyed dressing up. For the better part of a week, instead of having a Megan and a Matthew in the house, we had a Rabbit and an Eeyore. (And you better call them that if you want them to respond!) Sarah likes joining in on the fun when she is home.
Science Night: Sarah's school had a science night. There were different math and science games set up in the classrooms, gym and library. In addition, the science projects were on display.
Sarah with her class science experiment. They experimented with what medium would best make a tarnished penny shiny again. In Sarah's group, it was the hot sauce. Who knew?
Sarah playing one of the math games.
Megan found a Tangled doll. She loved her and wanted to bring her home.
Music: We love having lots of music around our house. From Sarah's choir renditions to Matthew and Megan singing Primary and Frozen songs to U's crazy made up songs, there's often someone singing. In addition, it's not uncommon for someone to be playing the piano or the guitar. It's fun to hear:)
This little guy can really belt out the songs!
Rock Star Sarah.
Matthew loves singing while he strums the guitar.
A few other photos:
Megan loves both her Spunkys!
Megan and Matthew helped daddy put together his new Lego set.
Megan and Matthew thought it was a treat to sit in the front seat of the van when daddy pulled it into the garage.
What happens some nights after we put Megan and Matthew to bed. Good thing they're good picker uppers, too.
Matthew sleeping on his couch at naptime. (Lest anyone think Megan is the only one with funny sleeping positions.)
We sure do love our family and feel very blessed to have our three kids :)
