Spring Break

Sean had last week off work.  I hadn't planned on taking a "spring break" but we took advantage of having him home to do so.  

I must say, this was the break I didn't know I needed. 

 It was wonderful.

We went to Kamloops and explored the Children's Museum.  We drank Starbucks and went swimming.  We visited the dentist (which my kids think is like Disneyland).  We played games, watched movies and enjoyed a slow paced week.

Sean is back to work this week and I miss him already!!

A week in pictures.......

Aiden

Aiden.  Monkey.  

The oldest.  The firstborn.

Studious, hard working, efficient and organized.

Aiden has strong ideas of right/wrong and the best way to do things.  Aiden leads well.  We're learning what it means to listen and accept other's ideas.  

Aiden works hard in school.  When shown what work is required for the day, his preferred method is to quickly work through everything to free up the rest of the day to do as he wishes.  When given a choice, he will always choose to work first, play second.

He tries to do things well and correctly.  Mistakes frustrate him.  He is inquisitive and likes to understand the world around him.

He loves to make faces for the camera:)

Aiden has taken to playing Lego with his brothers.  It seems the age gap is slowly closing and they are beginning to enjoy many of the same activities.  The little boys adore him.  They recently told me that when they grow up they want to be just like Aiden!

Aiden's first love continues to be Lego.  Each day he creates new creations.  Aiden appreciates free time each day to spend in this way.  If a day has been too heavily structured and he lacked time to build, he will set his alarm for early in the morning to make sure he gets some building time in before the day starts.

Aiden is hard working.  He loves to create forts, snow tunnels and more outside each day.

We recently discovered Carcassonne.  It has become a family favourite.  Aiden especially loves it and we play several times a week.  This is always his special time chosen activity.  We've started to explore the different expansion parts too.

Caileigh

Caileigh Bear.  Bugga Boo.  

Sweet and thoughtful.  Seven years old.  

Caileigh loves cooking and baking.  Each week the kids take turns having a kitchen day.  They help me plan and prepare meals, empty the dishwasher, set and clear the table and help with any other jobs.  Caileigh likes to add a dessert to dinner when she helps.

Caileigh adores younger children and they adore her!  She loves some of our younger friends that come to co-op and she's helpful in including them.

Caileigh's brothers and sisters all love her.  There have been times that Jordan has been hurt and he will request Caileigh before me!  They like her to read them bedtime stories and she is faithful in doing so.

Caileigh does well in school.  She likes cursive and reading the best.  She's taken a leap in math recently and has completed her grade level math for the year.  Caileigh likes to mix learning and play.    Caileigh has a "live for the moment" attitude.

Caileigh loves taking care of people.  When someone is sick, she quickly makes them a bed on the couch and then brings them drinks, makes them cards and offers to read to them.  I wonder if a nursing profession is in her future?

Caileigh loves to draw.  She recently came up with an idea to sell her artwork to raise money for people in need.  She's made over $20 so far!  This is one of her SOLD pictures.

Caileigh is always up for adventure!  Sean woke her and Aiden up at 3:45am to watch the Olympic hockey game and she happily bounded out of bed and stayed awake for the entire day.  Caileigh loves  to snuggle up watching movies and eating treats.  When we have family days and ask for ideas, that is always her first choice.  

Caileigh loves be involved.  Before Christmas, she had an opportunity to come with me to serve at a ladies function at our church.  It was so much fun to be able to include her in an activity that I was involved in.  I think this will be something that the two of us can enjoy together as she gets older.  We are hoping to run together this spring as well.  Just waiting for the snow to melt.

Each week or two, the older kids get an individual "special time" with me.  It's a time to spend focused on each child doing what they like to do.  Caileigh likes to eat special treats, paint nails and often just talk.  She's content doing the simple.

Mikayla

This girl.  This kindergartener.  This spunky little 5 year old.

So much life packed inside her little body.

Mikayla keeps us all on our toes.  My Mom jokes

that Aiden can't tell a lie, Caileigh will tell you what you want to hear, and Mikayla will tell you what you don't want to hear.  So true!

She loves to draw and create.  Here is a picture she made for Aiden when he was sick.

This is a family picture.  Look carefully beside the yellow dog and you will notice two teeny, tiny people.  Not the two yellow people beside me in the pink pants and black shirt (Those are Caileigh and Mikayla).  The really, teeny, tiny people up by the dogs ear.  You will probably need to click on the photo to make it larger to see.  Apparently that is Alex and Jordan.  Hmmmm, very interesting.

Mikayla has been fun to teach.  She is eager, inquisitive, and a quick learner.  Her favourite subjects are art and piano.  She loves hands on activities.  She's great at telling stories.

Mikayla loves listening to audio CD's.  She wishes her friends could come over everyday and feels that they are never here long enough.  After a full day of having friends over she usually announces, "But we didn't have enough time to play!"

Mikayla has a vibrant smile and can be extremely silly and goofy.  She loves to make people laugh and is a performer.  She's our homeschool class clown.  She's excited about playing the piano and reciting a poem in the music festival in April.

She loves sweets!  After church doughnuts are a favourite.  It must have sprinkles!  Candy can also be quite motivating for her in the right situations:)

Mikayla likes being outside but really doesn't like the cold.  She's happiest when swinging, riding her bike or sledding.

They share hugs

They share clothes.

And they even share pink eye.