Sunday was Grace's first official day of Nursery. She screamed for the first hour and then they brought her to me. I took her back to Nursery and she sat on my lap the remaining time. But at least she learned something. (see video below)
We have 11am Church and Nursery is from 12-2 (Nap time) add to the mix my very dependent child and what do you get? An interesting adjustment to Nursery. (I'm seriously contemplating holding her back til we move.) I just wish the Nursery schedule would change to work better with 11 o clock church. Right now they play for an hour and a half and then they have a lesson and snack time right before they leave. If they would have a lesson and snack time first I think Nursery would go a lot smoother for more kids. Tough choice: I want to to obedient and encourage my child to attend Nursery but I'm not ready to add another battle to my week. thoughts and ideas are welcomed.
And to end on a happy note here is a cute movie of Grace
We celebrated James' birthday the only way we now how; with FOOD.
We went to church and I taught the lesson. I'm so nice. I also made cupcakes for the class which was very yummy. We came home and enjoyed the afternoon together as a family. Then James made a wonderful dinner, Crab, Shrimp,Broccoli and Quinoa.
After dinner the girls helped me to decorated James' birthday cake. Gwenevere wanted Papa to have a Wallace and Gromit cake, I believe she wanted me to make one for James last year and I didn't do it so this year I decided to tackle the challenge.
Cute little helpers
"I wasn't eating the frosting, don't I look cute."
The finished product
Then we had friends come over for cake and Ice Cream. We are blessed to have so many wonderful friends. Thank you for coming everyone, and thank you friends who couldn't make it but sent birthday wishes from afar.
I didn't take a picture of all our friends but I did get a picture of all the kids, proof that we have a lot of friends.
We enjoyed the visit with everyone and once they all left James unwrapped presents.,
James got a new wool shirt, a bike light, and some shampoo
The day after James' birthday he was trimming up his beard and ended up cutting it too short so he shaved his beard for the first time in months. It looks pretty good if I may say so myself.
We have loved all the visitors lately. We seriously can't get enough.
Alisha arrived the day after Grandma Sharolee left. Gwenevere and Grace were so excited to pick her up at the airport. Big hugs were exchanged and lots of talking took place on our way home from the airport.
Waiting for a call from Aunt Alisha
Wednesday we took Alisha to the Tacoma Art Museum. We rode the Link (train) downtown. Gwenevere was happy to sit next to Aunt Alisha.
We thoroughly enjoyed the art but Gwenevere's favorite art piece was the big dog.
At the top floor of the Art Museum they have an art room with several art project ideas.
We went around the whole room and Gwenevere decided she wanted to try Print making (Jill would be so proud).
(movie)
James even joined in on the fun, his prints are the ones in the middle.
Grace enjoyed dumping out the crayons and yelling scissors
Thursday we decided a trip to the zoo was in need. I forgot to bring my camera but Alisha brought her's. I must say the animals were crazy that day. I have never seen them act so strange. First the wolf cubs were playing tag. It was fun to watch. Then the Walruses were bumping into each other, swimming backwards and pressing their faces to the glass. It wasn't their normal "loop around the pool" kind of day. It was a bit creepy but very entertaining. Then the Penguins were having swimming races, two or three at time would jump into the water swim really fast act like they were catching fish and then jump out of the water and then do it again. It was truly an entertaining day at the zoo.
Friday Alisha took a bus trip to the Lakewood town center for old times sake. Then we went Swimming. Gwenevere has talked about going swimming with Aunt Alisha ever since we found out Alisha was going to come visit. So this may have been the highlight of the Alisha's trip for Gwenevere.
Alisha keeping us entertained as we drive to the swimming pool
great teeth shot
Saturday we went to ballet came home and had some friends come to play. We enjoyed hanging out and relaxing.
Sunday we went to Church, and then had friends over for dinner
Monday Alisha took pictures of the girls while they rode their bikes in the parking lot.
then later that night Alisha and I had a girl party while we watched the Bachelor and ate cookies.
Tuesday morning we took Alisha back to the airport. She was excited to go home and see how her basketball girls were doing. She's hoping they will make it to state this year.
Tuesday night for dinner James and I were already planning the next time Alisha could come to visit. hehehehe Thanks for coming and spoiling the girls. Gwenevere loved her birthday presents. And we loved having you back in our home. It was fun to visit with you again.
This little girl is so happy to be in Primary. She was getting pretty bored with Nursery near the end.
I was worried about being in Primary with Gwenevere, mostly just because I didn't want to be that Parent who favors their kid over the other kids. (I probably already do it, but I'm trying hard not too.)
Well, today after Gwenevere was ready for Church she came up came up to me and said "I hope I get to give the talk today in Primary." I have never felt so proud of my little girl. I too have looked forward to the day when Gwenevere will give her first talk. I told Gwenevere that her friend was giving the talk today, but maybe someday she would be called to talk in primary. Secretly I'm praying that day will come soon. I want her to always feel excited to share the gospel.
I can already tell Gwenevere is learning so much about the gospel in Primary. She asks me questions throughout the week about Heaven, and Earth and the plan of Happiness. It's so precious.
Today in Primary we where singing "Fallow the Prophet" in the chorus of the song it says "Fallow the Prophet, Fallow the Prophet, Fallow the Prophet, Don't go a stray."
When we finished the song, Gwenevere ask the singing time lady "Why we can't go straight?" She had the entire primary presidency laughing. I'm so glad to know my little girl can sit still, sing songs, and learn about the gospel. I know I have a terrible singing voice but I truly believe the Primary hymn book is the best tool for teaching children the gospel. Gwenevere is trying so hard to learn the new songs in Primary and I will sing with her now matter how terrible it may sound.
Gwenevere, I love you. Thank you for teaching me so much. Thank you for being patient with me as I strive to be your loving mother. You have given me growth beyond what I thought was possible, forever I will love you.
Sunday evening Grandma Sharolee, Austin and Dan drove up for a visit. We where all excited to have them come. We enjoyed Sunday evening hanging out making jokes and playing together. Grandma brought everyone birthday presents, we are so spoiled. Grandma gave Gwenevere a very fancy tea set (thrift store find!!!) She gave Grace a baby Elmo which Grace LOVES. And to top it off Grandma gave James and I some fancy chocolate.
Gwenevere's favorite part was having Grandma sleep in her bed with her. I'm not sure how much sleep Grandma got but Gwenevere had someone to help her keep her covers on so she slept great.
James stayed up late playing computer games with his brothers. He thoroughly enjoyed the male bonding time. Being in a house full of girls, it's not everyday that he gets to shoot at things and have someone with him enjoying it as much as he does. I know he enjoyed spending time with this brothers.
Monday morning we made a wonderful breakfast. Gwenevere requested that Grandma bring her waffle makers. It was a genius idea. I still don't know why we haven't pick one up, I guess we're too cheap to buy a new one and I haven't see a nice waffle machine at the thrift stores in forever.
We then took off to show them some sights of Tacoma and then we went to the North West Trek in hopes to see some Moose. Indeed we did. It was awesome. I must say we love having visitors (wink wink) And here are some pictures to prove it.
Oh and how can I forget,
Grace fell in love with her Uncle Austin, his phone and his drums.
She fallowed him around the entire time
When Austin left, Grace kept asking "Where's Austin?" and calling for him "Austin, come. Come Austin."
Gwenevere asked me to take a picture of her by the moose table.
Very lovely Austin
Some of the animals
It was cold but we all had fun. Thanks for visiting.
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