Less Than a Month Left before the 2013-14 School Year!

The new school year is just around the corner and we can’t wait!  We already purchased a few school supplies, but we are waiting for the better sales to get the rest.  We don’t need too many things, but some supplies for our science experiments and history projects.  I’m also going to make up some special activities for Daniel too.

Nicholas finished his library reading program already!  The final prize was a book.  The librarian asked if Daniel did the reading program too.  I told her that I didn't think he was old enough, but she said as long as we were reading to him that it was fine.  So, Daniel received a new book too.  I’m pretty sure he liked it even though he kept trying to stick it on the library shelves.  I am happy that both boys seem to like books a lot.  Even though our library program is done, we’ll never be done reading here.

After the library we went to celebrate at D & D.  I needed to stop there for other reasons, but I knew that donuts would go over well and that we could celebrate a job well done.  Daniel was pointing at the donuts the entire time we were there.  Anytime we see food, we hear about it now.  Needless to say, they both enjoyed their donuts.

Today we mailed our notification form to the school district to let them know that we are homeschooling Nicholas.  Since this year makes it “official”, we’ll also have to either test him or get an assessment done at the end of the year.  Nicholas is a pretty good student, so I have no worries about this process.

Some people like to know what we’re studying, so here is our intended curriculum:

All About Reading Level 2

First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind Level 2 (grammar)

All About Spelling Level 3

A Reason for Handwriting

          Mystery of History Vol. 1 (Ancient History)

         All about Ohio Workbook

         Horizons Math 1, Book 2

         Horizons Math 2, Book 1

        Apologia Zoology 1 and Zoology 1 Junior Notebooking Journal

He will continue to take a class at the art and music school.  We also have another program that he will be starting in September.  I’ll talk more about that program then.

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Nicholas is excited too.  I can’t wait to see all we learn!

14 Months Old

Daniel turned 14 months old on Thursday!  I’ll probably keep track monthly of what he can do for a little bit, so I don’t forget.  He’s such a fun, little guy.  He’s definitely keeping his eyes on Nicholas and loves to copy whatever he does.

He is wearing his backpack like his brother.

Daniel is also our climber!  Thanks to my sister for teaching him how to use that skill more often!  He loves to hold onto our hands and then climb up on the furniture.  He no longer will sign “please” to get up on my lap.  Daniel just grabs my hands and lifts his foot up to climb.

One of the many places I find Daniel.

He’s been an eating machine lately.  He’s still not going to blow up the growth charts, but he’s packed on a couple of pounds since his 12-month appointment.  Daniel also isn't too picky.  He’ll eat anything from eggplant burgers to salsa chicken.  He does have a sweet tooth though, so don’t eat any cookies or brownies in front of him.

Daniel is also our little escape artist.  He is always trying to find a way to escape our little play area and head to the kitchen.  He also helps us take his pack and play upstairs each night by pushing it toward the stairs.  He may be small, but he’s definitely mighty.

Time for bed.

Some of his loves:

Books

Nicholas’ toys

Cheeri*s (especially leaving them all over the floor)

Walking everywhere, especially where you don’t want him to go

Throwing everything in the trash

Everyone’s ears, including his own

Gabby – ears and tail included

Testing his boundaries

He dislikes:

When he gets to the last sip of milk, he often cries.

When he can’t climb or escape the play area.

When his brother tells him “no”.

We’re having fun watching his personality grow.  Daniel will definitely be another one full of energy.  He keeps me active!

My Little Animals

We really enjoyed the nicer weather this past week.  We went to one of our local zoos on Thursday.  This one is a little smaller and perfect for younger kids.  The weather was perfect!

Nicholas checking out a  bird's wing span.

I thought this sloth bear was cute.

The lion exhibit was one of our favorites because they were actually awake and moving around.  We even got to hear the male lion roar, which was a sound I’ll never forget. 

Daniel also had a fun experience at the lion exhibit.  While we were looking at the lions I saw something fall from the corner of my eye.  When I looked down, I realized a bird had pooped on the poor boy’s head.  He didn't seem to notice.  I quickly got out some wipes and cleaned it off.  Later that day when I told Evan about it, he asked why I didn't take a picture.  I told him that I went into “mommy mode” rather than “blogger mode”.  I just felt bad for him and it was really gross.

Nicholas also had a fun experience.  We went to an animal show and got front row seats.  When it came time for volunteers, he waved his hand fervently.  To his surprise, he was picked.  They didn't tell the kids what they were volunteering to do.

So, here he is on the stage:

Then, they told the kids to put their hands out straight and I knew this was not going to go well.

Now, you’ll see some things missing from this picture and the reason why they are missing.

Snake!

Yes, Nicholas and the other little girl ran off the stage when they realized they would be holding a snake.    It was pretty funny.  We all enjoyed the show though.  There was enough humor to keep the adults entertained too.

Nana and Daniel in the play area.

The "twins" on a tractor.  Nicholas was happy they were dressed alike.

The next day we went to my aunt’s house to go swimming.  The weather was unusual.  They have a heated pool, but I found myself too cold to swim.  Nicholas was fine though and repeatedly jumped in the pool.  My mom brought Daniel’s kiddie pool, so he could sit there and get wet.  He didn't mind the big pool, but didn't want to be in very long.

A little snorkeling in 4 ft. water.

I was the only adult to have a bathing suit with me, so I figured I would be the only one going in the pool.  Apparently, my mom decided to model her own brand of “modest wear” and go in with her clothes.  I had already changed and they had just blown up a float for Daniel, so she went in.  Luckily, she had brought a change of clothes with her.

One float was not enough.

After everyone dried off and changed their clothes, we headed to see my cousin’s new house.  It was very nice and the boys enjoyed their tour.  Daniel especially loved all the ceiling fans in the house.  He’s had a love of ceiling fans since he was a little baby.

Daniel, Jessica, and Zoey

So, we had two very full days.  We spent our Saturday recovering.  Daniel didn't take that 2-3 hour nap that I was hoping for though.  Maybe he will today.  

Not as tired as they look after a long day at the zoo.

“I Love a Parade” and Other Things

I don’t really love a parade, but I have a son (possibly sons) that loves a parade.  Our city has a parade every year and our church usually marches in it and passes out popsicles.  Evan, Nicholas, and I marched in it two years ago.  Evan and Nicholas thought about marching in it this year, but we decided to actually watch it for once and support our friends from the sidelines.  I wouldn't say it was the most gripping parade, but Nicholas enjoyed it.  He especially enjoyed the candy they threw.  There were no other candy-eating-aged children that close to us, so he made out pretty well.

Waiting for the parade to start.

One of many attempts at a picture of the three of us.  It didn't happen.

Daniel seemed to enjoy it too and did a lot of pointing and grunting.  He wasn't even fazed by the fire trucks blasting their sirens.  I tried to cover his ears, but he moved my hands out of the way. 

Nicholas waved to everyone in the parade.

Evan and Nicholas will probably march in the parade next year.  I suppose someone could push Daniel in his stroller, but we’ll see how I can get out of it next year what happens.

On Monday, my mom and sister offered to take the boys so we could get some more things done around the house.  We did some window cleaning and some much needed cleaning and purging in the boys’ room.  Then, we went out to lunch before driving around the city looking at houses for sale.  We’re really trying to get an idea what is out there in our price range.  It was nice to spend some time alone.  We’re also happy to hear that a stranger complimented Nicholas’ behavior to my mom.  That’s encouraging to hear that some of the training we do around here pays off.

Once the boys came back home we had some outdoor time.  We finally put Daniel’s water table back outside.  He likes playing with it, but he also likes trying to leave the backyard and go anywhere his little legs will take him

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Today I've been busy with laundry while the boys are up to their usual fun. 

Ear pulling 

Biting

Chilling in the toys

And smiling for the camera

It is just another day at our house!

4th

Yesterday was not only Independence Day, but also the 4^th anniversary of Nicholas’ homecoming.  I wish we had some pictures from that day.  If anyone does, let me know. 

Daniel looking patriotic.

Nicholas spent Wednesday night over at my parents’ house.  He had been asking them for a while if he could sleep over, and it finally worked out.  Even though they kept him busy, including church and fireworks, he still only slept 6 hours.  My parents said that this is the best he ever did.  Sleep overs have always been a struggle for him, but he’s getting there. 

It’s not like we were sleeping here either.  We tried to get Daniel transitioned into Nicholas’ room.  That didn't go over well.  He lasted until 1 AM.  We were exhausted so back to our room he went.  He really needs his own room.  Hopefully, that will happen sooner than later.    I know there are techniques we can do to remedy this situation, but it is just easier keeping him in our room for now.  Nicholas is a great sleeper and I don’t want to ruin it.

My mom never let us sit on the counter when we were little, but this was her doing.

Anyway, their lack of sleep on Wednesday night was my gain on Friday morning!  They both slept in.  Daniel slept until almost 7:00 (this is great for him) and Nicholas slept in until 9:00 (although he will tell you it was 8:59).  Unfortunately, I got up when Evan did for work, so I didn't get any extra sleep myself, but I did enjoy the alone time.

Always finding a stray Cheeri* on the floor.

Still tired after about 14 hours of sleep.

He wanted to keep his fork from lunch.

Trying to pose "normal".

I think Daniel missed his big brother.  He and I had a lot of quality time, but Daniel and Nicholas have a special bond.  However, Daniel is not going to be left behind.  He wants to do whatever Nicholas does.  And, he also loves to hang on his brother.  Nicholas sometimes likes it when his brother plops down on him.  Other times, he acts like a 2-ton elephant is on him.

This is a daily occurrence.

Yes, he is pulling on Nicholas' ear.

Finally, here are some random facts:

Nicholas already received his 2^nd prize for the library reading program.  I think he should be ready for his final prize in the next week to week and a half.  I enjoy seeing him with a book in his hands by his own choosing.

Daniel finally made an attempt to sign something to me.  I ask him to sign “up, please” when he wants to sit on my lap.  I help him sign it every time.  Today I helped him with “up”, but he put his hand on his chest for “please”. 

Nicholas asks some great theological questions.   Most of them are in the car.  Just the other day he asked me, “How can I hear Jesus if he is in my heart?”

I ordered some more home school curriculum today.  While a lot of people are counting down until school starts again because they’re ready for their kids to go back, I’m counting down because I can’t wait to get started.  We have less than 6 weeks (we’re starting early)!

So, that’s life lately.  Our July hasn't been as exciting as June was with day camp and a vacation, but we’re hoping to do some fun smaller activities this month.