Annika's Birthday

For Annika's birthday we had a small family celebration.  We told her that we'd take her to Nickel-a-play Arcade later in the week.



I want you to notice a few things in this video.

1- Heidi is playing Happy Birthday on the piano.  AWESOME!  Go Heidi!
2 - The boys keep freezing because they want to look funny in all the pictures.
3 - Annika (the princess) tells Kolton to sing and when he doesn't she slaps his hand. (12 secs). He starts singing after.
4 - Annika shields her candles from the boys because she doesn't want help blowing them out.

Demolition Lego

Keith and Kurtis were playing "Demolition Lego" when they lost a few pieces on the roof.  (Demolition Lego: Build things with legos and throw them as high as possible to watch them shatter on the ground.)  Dad to the rescue!

Public School

The kids started going to public school once a week.  It's a special program for homeschoolers.  I was hesitant to enroll them, but frankly I felt I needed a break.  They are able to teach my children things that I can't.  Heidi is learning piano and choir.  :)  She is also taking Art and Spanish.

The kids did great but I have to confess that I cried after dropping them off.  Kurtis is in third grade and it was his first day of public school.   

So far I've noticed a few differences in this school (compared to their last public school in California).  Since the kids are homeschooled they behave differently.  They are shy and reserved, but they are also more respectful and behaved.  I also noticed more skirts and a girl wearing homemade clothes.  I was surprised to learn that the boys hold open doors for the girls.  My kids all commented on how much nicer the students are. I'm hoping the whole year goes this smoothly.

Biking to school

The kids are in public school (more on that tomorrow).  I decided that we'd ride our bikes on the first day.  Took a few hours to get them ready.  I replaced a few tires and fixed Kolton's brakes.  Everyone was eager to help.

The ride to the school was a breeze.   I was excited and so were the kids.  After dropping them off I headed home.  It was all uphill the whole the way back.  Eeek!   

Keith was wonderful. I had him ride on the "hitchhiker"  because I didn't know if he could make it all the way to the school and back.  It's 8 miles roundtrip.   

He sang the whole way home.  It was like having a bike radio.  lol  He even helped pedal on the tough inclines.  A few times he cheered for me "C'mon mom.  Keep pedaling!  You are doing good!"

I took a video but you can't see much.  I was biking so I had to blindly aim the camera in Keith's general direction.   I'm pretty sure he was making up the words as he went.  I tried to get him to sing his favorite camp song "there's no God like Jehovah."  

Our afternoon ride was a nightmare.  My bike had a flat so Keith rode his little bike and I went on rollerblades.  My rollarblades were broken so it was exhausting to keep up with the kids.  Keith crashed twice and Annika once.  Both were skinned and bleeding.  I wondered if we'd make it home. Eventually we did and all was fine.  Annika even posed for a picture of her wounds.

Dentist

All 5 kids had a check up and cleaning.  I usually schedule them together so it's easier to keep track of things.  Keith was the only one who had cavities.  He did excellent when getting his fillings.  The dentist commented and said he was more behaved than most adults. lol  (I may have bribed him with a toy from the dollar tree.)  I also let him play with my camera while we waited.

Our Kitty

We adopted Kes in 2002.  These two have been buddies for a long time.  :)  Still cute to watch them cuddle.  

Dog Sitting

Now that Heidi is becoming older she has more responsibilities.  As long as she keeps up with her work at home I allow her to take odd jobs from friends and neighbors.  She recently cared for Shea and Caleb.  In exchange she received a little money and sewing lessons.  I'm so excited about the lessons!  I've taught her basic sewing skills but now she'll be learning from a professional seamstress.  :)