Nut Crackin'

I picked up this great nut cracker at the farmer's market a while back. Very utilitarian in it's design. Heavy duty, easy to operate and fun to use. 

I knew Coen would love it. It's a very Montessori type activity IMHO. Learning through work and play. Just choose your nut...

Make any adjustments if needed...

Pull the leaver...

Eat.

Enjoy.

Repeat.

That's hours of fun right there.

Coen's Fourth Birthday

We have a four year old. It's still hard to believe. I look him over and I can't see "baby" on him anywhere. It's all giggles and ribs and scrapes. Hair that's a little too long and pants that are a little too short. The baby boy traits are only visible when he's sleeping. I hope they stay there. 

 Anyway, party talk! We had to do a Toy Story party! Really, it was just a family party but I went ahead and bought Toy Story party supplies. Easy peasy. I apologize in advance for all of the underwear shots.

 Here's Coen looking at the decorated table right after he woke up. He stopped, sleepy eyed and said, "The CLAAAAWW!"

 Daniel's gift idea.

Coen had been wanting a train wash for a while and I found this one on Amazon. Paid the express shipping, yes I did.

Made cupcakes after the morning festivities. It was my first time to decorate cupcakes like this. 

My mom's dog, Murphy (or "Furfie" as Coen says) was invited to the party.

Birthday Buzz!

This was Coen's first year to be physically able to blow out his birthday candle. He is doing so well with his speech therapy and motor planning. Sweet guy.

FURFIE!!!

Preschool

Well, we decided to dive right on in and Coen started Preschool a little over a month ago! So far, five weeks in, it's going great. He really loves the structure and activities and I am blown away with how much he already knows! We're covering the basics using materials I have collected over the 10 years I taught preschool myself and a whole lot of materials and resources found on Pinterest.

 One of his favorite activities is the rice bin. It used to be just a special activity we did  but now it's a part of his weekly school work. Each week the rice changes to the color of the week and features the letter of the week and items pertaining to the letters sound. Here, obviously, is out "A" bin.

 Preschool wouldn't be complete without songs and finger plays!

 Coen really enjoys sorting and grouping.

 His scissor and writing skills have really come along.

 Also, he can build a train out of anything. :)

I am so thankful that I can stay home and teach my boys. I am really looking forward to our homeschooling journey. My sister, Julie, recently said that teaching is an intimate experience. I couldn't agree more and love being there for all of the struggles and ah ha! moments.

A Day Out With Thomas

Earlier in the year, during one of our many trips to the park, I heard a woman say that Thomas was coming to Grapevine this year. I knew we HAD to get tickets. They were pricy, though, so I put it off for a while. Well, good things come to those who wait because I ended up getting a coupon code and a Groupon refund on Coen's balance bike (that turned up a day or two later, free!) which helped significantly. Sometimes you just know the Lord is pouring His blessings out upon you. Ya know?

So here the boys are the day of. Wallace brought along the Thomas train we have.

Our train ride was scheduled for 1:30 so we got to Grapevine early enough to have lunch and take advantage of all of the play areas and activities they had for the kids. Coen's favorite thing to was was the one thing he does at home all of the time... train table. :)

 Of course there were the model trains which he also LOVES. Thank you old men, for having a silly little hobby that delights so many children!

 "Thomas the train coming 'round the bend...."

 Wallace liked them too. :)

We did it! Here are the boys in front Thomas himself! Coen would not stop talking and smile at the camera, so we will take what we get!

 Here we are killing time getting a Thomas tattoo.

 He wasn't too sure about it. ;)

 

Poor baby! By now it was warming up and with Wallace zonked out on Daniel's arm we decided to sit in the shade and wait for our boarding time.

We got video of Thomas pulling in and Coen watching. Here he is watching everyone unload.

 Here he is point to himself and telling us he wants to get on. His communication is so much better than it was six months ago!

 Still, he had to wait patiently and he did such a good job.

Our turn! All aboard!!

 Coen was so super serious throughout the whole ride. If I didn't know him as well as I do I wouldn't have thought he had any fun, but I know he was intensely transfixed. He was just soaking it all in.

Wallace is a little more expressive!! Good morning sweetie pie!!

Coming into the station Coen waved to those in line for the 2:15 ride!

 Fun ride!

We couldn't leave without takin g a turn in the bounce house. One of Coen's favorite things!

We waved to Sir Topham Hatt...

 ...and headed home.