#Optoutside Snow day

to be honest I was nervous about our snowbound adventure.   I kept worrying that we wouldn't have everything we needed.  The morning of as I we gathering clothes we realized we where short two pairs of snow gloves but other than that it's nice to know this family is ready for winter.  

We made a yummy breakfast, then James worked around the house cleaning out cars and doing dishes while I packed up snow gear.

then we loaded up the car, put an auto book in and off we went.   (thanks Mike Johnson for the book referral,  We are loving "Peter and the Starcatchers") 

Our drive took us to Mt Rainier.  Once we reached the entrance we found out that all snow play AKA sledding was prohibited.  I was bit sad but that didn't stop us from having fun.  

The kids started getting excited as we saw more and more snow

 We reached Paradise visitor center without the need of chains, yippee.  Then we bundled up and went exploring.

capturing a few pictures for Christmas cards

Look mom I'm stuck

this makes my heart happy

Wild about snow

Everett loved everything about the snow

Look a baby tree

Gwenevere wins the award for the most snow eating

Grace enjoyed exploring on her own and making snow angels

We lost a boot once or twice

Papa waist deep in snow trying to get to Everett since Everett got stuck

Putting back the last boot.  

after a couple hours of play we went back to the car.  Took off our snow clothes and enjoyed some yummy crackers and cheese as we drove back down the mountain.

Happy Black Friday.

Boy School

This year I decided I'll try to do three school groups.  One for each kid.  We call Everett's preschool Boy School, since it's all boys.  And he loves it. 

We do Boy School on Monday mornings at 9am.  YIKES I'm not usually a morning person let alone a Monday morning person so this has stretched me in many ways but it is worth it.  

I had this genius idea that I would teach 3 year old boys, but I'm realizing they are teaching me.  

Our two hour preschool usually has about 10 minutes of academic learning and the rest is simply sensory play and exploration.  

Everett loves to shadow T but never wants anyone to fallow him.  He will scream bloody murder and get all panic like if you chase or fallow him.  

We often start boy school in our PJs

I try to have a special toy out on display for the kids to start with 

It doesn't take long before someone requests to play outside.  Rain or shine.  I've committed to always saying yes to outside play at least once every school day.  

Everett has had this costume in his closet for two years.  I have tried several times to get him to wear it.  When his friend came to school dressed like a dino Everett asked to wear his dragon costume.   nothing is like peer influence.  LOL  He's been practicing his roar.

Everett talks a lot these days.  It's always fun to listen to what he has to say.  

I decided I wanted to focus on gross motor skills.  

they do a lot of running

and climbing

But mostly running

I still have so much I want to learn.  I really want to sit down and pick my SIL's brain.  She's raising boys and does a great job with their co-op preschool group. I feel like i'm in unfamiliar waters.  But I'm loving it.  

I love Everett and I'm glad I am his Mom.

Bedtime is never a struggle on Monday nights.  He almost missed trick or treating this year because he put himself to bed at 4:30pm  

Everyone needs a little Grace

Grace lately you've been my calm in the storm.  I love you more at this age then at any age before.  and that is saying a lot because I have always loved you a lot.

You are super helpful and have washed the dishes at least 7 times this week.  You like to cuddled and read  more then before and you are a great playmate for both your big sister and your younger brother.

I love you.  Thank you for being my middle child.


Today in the car you and Everett where having this conversation

Everett:  I'm a baby

Grace:  You have to grow up,  the only place you can stay a kid is in Neverland.  And that is were Captain Hook lives.  Do you want to be beaten by Captain Hook?

Everett in fear replied:  "no"

Grace:  Then you have to stay here and grow up like me.

long silent moment of remorse from the both of them.

then on to the next important matter in life

Grace:  Did you know we all will die?

Grace thanks for keeping us grounded in life.