We have been plagued by illness after illness for the last two months. We have been graciously visited by the stomach bug (twice), the rhino-virus (high-fever cold too numerous to count), and the influenza (yep, even though we got the flu shot). This family loves to share and germs are no exception.
Throughout all of this, Everett turned one on December 23rd. He is walking and says a few words like 'kitty', 'sissy', 'momma', 'dada', and 'cookie' (yeah, go figure). He loves following Sophia all around and is already annoying her at the same time. He eats most foods and is becoming a true toddler. He is actually more adventurous than Sophia was. Everett readily climbs on anything and is seriously stubborn. I can happily report that he is finally sleeping through most nights! Now if I can just get to sleep at a reasonable time. I think that you'll agree with me that he is cuter than cute. I love his cheeky grin, which often turns into a smirk when he is up to no good.
Sophia recently begun preschool downstairs at the Montessori. She is really enjoying her new freedom and friends. She loves as much independance as she can get. Students are encouraged to find 'lessons' that interest them and thrive. They actually make their own nachos with tortilla chips and shredded cheese, toaster waffles with peanut butter, ice water, and other snack foods they make themselves. Then they are required to clean up too. They can experience numerous practical life areas such as: sewing and jewelry-making, painting/arts and crafts, stacking/building materials, and kitchen-work (pouring, measuring, mixing). Students can also work with many musical instruments, tactile science objects (minerals from me, rocks, plants, fossils, etc), and critter-care (hamster, rat, fish, lizard). While she is in preschool she will learn her phonetic alphabet, reading and basic writing, simple mathematical ideas (proportions, basic arithematic), and geography of the US and the world (with cultures). We are really excited about her learning at the Montessori. We are very fortunate that both Sophia and Everett are well-loved by their teachers. Sophia's former toddler-room care-giver Sundi, has recently told me that she honestly misses her...and has so much free time now that she isn't constantly being challenged by Sophia. Sundi has already called dibs on Everett when he transitions into the toddler room. I have assured Sundi that she won't be disappointed with his equally stubborn personality.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Snow, Snow, and more Snow
This season Spokane has received about 70 inches of accumulated snowfall. We have seriously been getting our exercise by shoveling. I think the snow is still fun. Maybe ask me in a few years.
This was about 16-20 inches that fell in one weekend on the back porch. I felt I needed to shovel to relieve some of the weight.
Sophia and I built a slide-chute down the front steps of the house. We just packed the snow to one side of the stairs. She has a blast sliding down on her butt while I shoveled the drive over and over and over. We called this one the 'bunny hill'.
Here is the 'kamakaze' which is the slide-chute down the back steps...two stories. I built in some subtle bumps to slow the rider. Too fun! I actually did this while I was super sick with the flu. Come on...I couldn't pass up playing in this much snow.
Sophia found giant icicles at Gamma's house.
Just playing in the snow.
Some of these icicles attached to Gamma's garage nearly touched the ground.
Yepper! That's my car stuck in the middle of my mom's driveway. Yes, I was able to dig out (all by myself and calmly I might add) but it took an entire day to push the snow around using my mom's mule (mini atv with a snow plow) just so we could access the entire length of her driveway.
This was about 16-20 inches that fell in one weekend on the back porch. I felt I needed to shovel to relieve some of the weight.Sophia and I built a slide-chute down the front steps of the house. We just packed the snow to one side of the stairs. She has a blast sliding down on her butt while I shoveled the drive over and over and over. We called this one the 'bunny hill'.
Here is the 'kamakaze' which is the slide-chute down the back steps...two stories. I built in some subtle bumps to slow the rider. Too fun! I actually did this while I was super sick with the flu. Come on...I couldn't pass up playing in this much snow.
Sophia found giant icicles at Gamma's house.
Just playing in the snow.
Some of these icicles attached to Gamma's garage nearly touched the ground.Yepper! That's my car stuck in the middle of my mom's driveway. Yes, I was able to dig out (all by myself and calmly I might add) but it took an entire day to push the snow around using my mom's mule (mini atv with a snow plow) just so we could access the entire length of her driveway. 
January Pics
Sophia loves to play dress-up. She received a box of princess clothes from Grandma and Papa Barson and has been embracing her feminine side.
They love being in our bed...only to play. We could never actually get them to sleep.
Squeaky clean after a bath at Gamma's. We were visiting auntie Kim.
Hangin out with Aunti Kim. Everett still can't figure out that she sounds like momma but, isn't momma.
Sophia helped turn over the puzzle pieces for Auntie Kim. We only had to frisk her a few times to collect hidden puzzle pieces.
Everett's Birthday
Everett's birthday cake. Chocolate with more chocolate and fudge. I really enjoyed decorating ... it's been a while. 
We went out to the Spaghetti factory for his birthday. He and Sophia ate their weight in pasta with mizythra cheese.
He just wasn't too sure about this until he tasted it. Then he was convinced that this was some good eats!
He started out slow, especially with the ice cream. Then there was no stopping the feeding frenzy. It was hilarious.
Happy boy loves his cake. Sophia really doens't care much for stuff like this so, I guess I didn't this he would either. Wrong! He finished the entire slice and scoop of ice cream.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)