sam the student

One of the younger girls favorite thing to do is play school.  Emmy loves teaching her siblings, and comes up with fun activities, reward systems, and even uses a "clip chart" to keep track of her student's behavior.  Sam is typically not invited (for obvious reasons), but wants to go to school so badly.  The other day I finally talked the girls into letting him attend.

Upon dismissal of the class, I was given this note:

Dear, Parents,Your son Samuel Wood was very bad today.  He got to Paerent contact! on the clip chart.  please sign and bring back.__________love, miss Wood   (sign)
His homwork is to work on talking

Obviously, we need to work on his classroom etiquette.   I especially liked his homework assignment.  I have since conversed with his teacher and together, we are working on a few goals for this very problem.

Thank goodness for great educators.

my little helpers

These two always beg me to do the dishes, and I always resist.  The other day I gave in, and they had a great time, although the rug was wet for several days!  Why is it that doing the dishes at this age is so exciting, and when they actually become big enough to help they act like I am asking them to climb Mt. Everest when I mention this job?  :)

(I love Sam's stool, an upside down mixing bowl.  We are all about sanitation around here.)

cute as a button

A few weeks ago, I was getting Claire ready for school and she requested curls.  Of course, I complied.  When we were all done and she was sufficiently pleased with herself, she ran to find her dad and exclaimed, "Dad, I bet you can't stop looking at me."

Being the buddies that they are, he assured her that indeed, he could not stop looking at her!

Shortly after preschool, I found her sound asleep in the chair.  It must be quite exhausting to look so cute!

"dude, there's an elf in my stocking!"

When Claire saw Santa at grandma's cookie party this year, I was surprised to hear her request.  

She asked for an elf.

"A real one please.  Red and green, with pointy ears."

When it came time for her to write her letter to the Big Guy, she repeated her request (along with the cutest elf picture I ever did see).  

She happened to see Santa at school once again, who happened to mention that a real elf might not be a good idea, on account of Santa needing lots of helpers and also he might get sick when warm weather rolls around.  Elves are accustomed to the North Pole, after all.  Brrrrrr.

Well, did she get her elf, you wonder?

My favorite part of Christmas morning was this:  Courtney and I were snuggled tight in our bed, when Claire came running in and hopped in next to her daddy.  In the most excited little voice, she whispered, "Dad, I just sneaked into the family room.  Dude.  There's an elf my stocking!"

I love five year olds.

a few christmas pictures

Big sister helping write letters to Santa.

 Christmas dresses (except Sam didn't wear a dress, don't worry)

 The kids opening their presents to each other on Christmas Eve.

 Ryenne was mad that Courtney saw what she got him for Christmas (beef jerky), so she gave him dog food instead to punish him for peeking.  

Annual Christmas Eve ugly sweater party

Quite possibly one of my favorite Christmas pictures ever.  

These days are disappearing way too fast.

Ryenne playing with a favorite family Christmas present- Kapla blocks.  Love these!

little things I want to remember

These two are quite the buddies lately.  And I love it.

The girls had little December reviews in each of their ballet classes.  I took mostly video, but saw this picture of Claire.  It's a little blurry, but made me smile because she was so proud of herself!  

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Smoothie mustaches!

  I smile every time I see this picture.  I'm pretty sure it captured Sam's first snowball fight!  I'm thinking Claire will probably be involved with most of his "firsts"!  He has loved being outside this winter, and sometimes brings me his boots and snow clothes before the sun is even up.  

Someone found his sister's fingernail polish.  For some reason, he has a thing with painting his forehead.  Every time he gets into paint or markers, he goes for his forehead.  

I'm just thankful it hasn't been the couch (yet)!

The girls have spent a lot of time working with their dad this winter, chopping and hauling wood for the stove.  I don't know how much chopping they actually do, but it's pretty cute to watch them out there with him.  He even rigged up a little ax for Sam and Claire to use :)  Then, they fill the sled with wood and haul it to the house where they can stack it.  They'll thank us someday, right?  

Claire and Sam have been spending a lot of tub time this January.  It's a great way to keep them busy and happy!  They like to wear their swimsuits and goggles when they go "swimming" and I love to hear them giggle.

I was sitting on the couch in the dining room the other day and looked over to see Emmy with her arm around Sam.  It made my heart smile.  Those sisters sure do love this little guy.

Sam has loved the swaddling blankets we bought when he was a newborn (so have I, where were these when I had my first four babies?)  In fact, he has used them all so much they are starting to fall apart.  I found Claire the other day with a needle and thread, sewing the tear in his blankie.  Good thing I have this girl.  (Sam calls all of his blankies "Blue".  Before naps or when he is sad, we all go on a hunt for Blue.  I'm thinking I better invest in a few new ones!)

Emmy's class has been studying cultures, and the kids were asked to bring a visitor who could teach their class about a different culture.  She was so excited that uncle Shawn agreed to come and talk to her class about Korea.  Kate chose Korea for her World's Fair project also, so he's been our go-to man the past few weeks!  Emmy couldn't have been more proud of her special visitor!

Sneaked in for good night kisses the other night and found this sweet girl.  Part (ok, most) of me wishes she'd never grow up!

the christmas train

Priceless.