Crazy Cousins

These three cousins stayed really busy the last few days. We have some pictures of them on the train, but we of course forgot the camera, so Geoff had to take them on his phone and I can't get them over to this blog! These pictures are of our snack time after a hard day, and Chuck E Cheese fun. The girls rode the carousel about 15 times, and Landon enjoyed whacking the mole. We were there 3 hours, and Geoff even joined us to play some games. The kids loved playing outside on the playset, and this where they played best together. When they were inside playing trains or dolls, the competitive urge came through a few times and caused some power struggles. These were short-lived, however, and peace ensued after a few tears or screams. Lucy left us this afternoon, and through tears of exhaustion (some sadness, but mostly exhaustion) Landon says "I wish Lucy could stay forever, but she'll be happier with her mommy". Claire was in agreement, as she went in to lay down and rest. I'm sure Ling agrees also!

Instant Play Date

We have been hosting our neice, Lucy, at our home since Friday. The kiddos have been having SO much fun together! We have played outside, inside, upstairs, downstairs, in bedrooms, bathrooms and, oddly enough, the hallway (raceway). We rode the train in Eureka Springs, took a trip to WalMart (hey, it's Bentonville, and that's what you do around here) and today we are going to...wait for it... Chuck E Cheese!!! Am I crazy? A little, but it's SO much fun for me too, watching these kids have fun! Anyway, we'll post some pics and details later.

Sweet Dreams

This evening, after playing some Wii and watching Dora, the kiddos crawled into bed with me (our ritual when Daddy's gone) and we turned off the lights. Landon and Claire started singing Twinkle, Twinkle...and then it was a whole concert of night time songs. When we ran out of songs to sing, Claire started the trend of making up silly words to those songs. What precious moments laying in the dark with my babies listening to their sweet voices singing and giggling. It's the best send off to sleep we've had all week!

Honoring Mothers

Claire's preschool class put on a little program this morning to honor their mothers. It was very cute, from singing special songs to having a special snack together, the girls had it all planned out. The girls also took pictures of their mothers to school so they could paint a portrait. They all turned out darling! And as you can see, Claire is going to be a fashion designer since my face and hair are nondescript, but I'm wearing a fabulous dress! The whole thing was very sweet and we all got bear hugs at the end (based on a story they acted out). I'm a lucky mother to have such a sugar bear for a daughter!

PS: Because I can't leave Landon out...their parent's day out class did silhouette's of them to give the mommy's. They turned out so cute, but I still have no idea how their teacher got them to stand still long enough to complete it!

Sometimes they are so sweet...

Here's proof that even though we have rough days, toddlers and preschoolers have hearts of gold!

* Monday when we were hiking, Landon ran up to his sister and said "I hold your hand sissy". Claire took him by the hand, and with big grins they were off together to explore.
* Yesterday, Claire was running to tell Landon something and tripped and fell. She started crying (she got some strawberries from the hardwood) and Landon came to her aid. He very gently caressed her head and said "It be okay sissy, I kiss it", and kissed her knee.
* Claire was being a bit of a cranky-pants this morning as we were getting ready for school, and most of this attitude was directed toward Landon. Landon was playing in his room, and after I told Claire she'd been rough on her brother this morning, she walked in, and gave him a huge hug and said "Landon, you're the bestest brother in the whole world, and I'll never trade you in".

And best of all...
* Last night, I was having issues getting Claire and Landon to stay put and go to sleep (Geoff's out of town, again). In the middle of all the running around, we all met in the hallway. After a few giggles, both kiddos attacked me with hugs and kisses, telling me "We love you Mommy!". That made it all better...although no more easier to get them to bed!

Staying busy

Monday is usually a catch up day for our family: running errands, cleaning up the house, finishing laundry, prepping for the rest of the week. Yesterday was beautiful though, and I couldn't bear just doing the mundane day-to-day things as usual, so we stayed busy all day enjoying the great outdoors! We did run to Walmart first thing for milk, (if you know my son, he drinks a gallon every two days!), but on the way we stopped at a small park to play and check out the river running close by. Then we came home and played outside for quite awhile. After lunch, we decided to go on another outing to Tanyard Creek, which is a nature trail in Bella Vista. It was gorgeous and green, the kids enjoyed putting their feet in the water and reading about the plants we saw along way. They also enjoyed the waterfall we hiked up to, although the hike back to the truck was a LONG one. We still had not had enough so we went for a bike ride in our neighborhood after dinner, and then enjoyed popsicles before heading in for baths and bed. The popsicles, and I think the down-time, were enjoyed by all, as can be found in the picture. (And the helmet is still a fashion statement, even when we are not riding bikes!)

It's just one of those days...

I was awakened last night to a pretty loud thunderstorm, although it didn't last long. However, this morning, things were soaking wet, so even though it was beautiful outside, we really couldn't go out and play. So we made cookies! This is always a good past time for these kind of days, and something we haven't done in a while. The kiddos obviously enjoyed the frosting part best. Our day kinda went downhill from there. We went to a play gym at Gymboree, but had to leave because Landon was throwing a fit. Then, after we got home, Claire and Landon both just could not get along, no matter what craft, game or activity Mommy was trying to play with them. Finally we decided to plant more flowers. Once we finally got out of Lowes (they wouldn't leave the water features), they were a mess while trying to fill pots! Now, I know that usually our blog is filled with all the wonderful things and silly quirks about our children, and I do believe that those things are what generally is going on around here. But, as my daughter said after timeout was over "Mom, it just must be one of those days". Amen to that, honey!!! I love you two with all my being, and always will!