This week (let me just brag)

A couple of things that happened this week, which proves that my kids really ARE exceptional. (Of course, I am not biased, AT ALL.) :)

We went to apply for Ariana's passport at the post office (what do you know, you need an appointment after all). At the end of the 20-minute process (including getting her picture taken - which, by the way, turned out ADORABLE), the clerk says: "I have to commend you; you have great kids. Very well behaved. Usually when the kids come, it's a disaster for everyone." I don't know what he's experienced in the past (feel a little sorry for him), but as a parent, it felt good to hear that.

I went to Barnes and Noble with Caleb and we picked up a Kindergarten-1st Grade workbook for him, which he seemed to really enjoy when I went through the first few pages with him in the store. When checking out, the lady says, "Is he entering first grade?" Me: "Uhm, no... he's 3. But he's been doing Kindergarten level work with no problem, so I thought we'd give this a try." (Yes, I do forget at times that he is Preschool age. But that's what's so great about homeschooling. We do not progress at a pre-determined grade level based on age, but advance based on the child's individual rate of learning. Which far exceeds the public school guidelines, apparently.)

Smiles

These two have a new reason to smile:

we set up the inflatable pool today on our deck.
There was a lot of splashing around

(Ariana would have jumped in head first, had I not prevented it)

and I have a feeling we're going to get good use out of that thing.

(I don't have pictures to share because I took in my camera today to get it repaired. I took a few pictures with my phone - I may upload some of those.)

Together in the crib

Today's spring afternoon photos brought to you by...

a very sleepy mom who still has a few pages of work to get through tonight,

but who is a bit distracted by looking at the photos she took today

and wants to share them with you...

I got to go to the park today with Caleb

while Daddy stayed home with a napping Ariana

Attempting to catch a beautiful yellow butterfly with our bare hand...

I knew those butterfly nets would have come in handy!

Though if we bought one, we would still have to remember to take it with us...

Swinging

Would you believe he totally knows his letters?

He placed all of those stickers at the bottom correctly with the words...

all I said was: "Find the word that starts with a W, P, C..."

Playtime

Her hand somehow always ends up in his mouth...

Yes, I'm trying very hard to make them smile
and it's not working out.

Something's not to her liking

Are you watching that show again? Didn't I tell you, I DON'T LIKE THAT?

Finally, the top right front tooth is out...

But we've still got many more to go...

Yup, many MANY more.

Brother and sister enjoying Friday night on the deck