Matthew Turns 4: Week Seven

How does your family celebrate the milestones?  I've done all sorts of birthday celebrations over the years.  This year on my quest for less/more, I decided that each birthday would be more about the experience than the gifts.  When I asked Matthew what he wanted to do for his birthday he said, "Chuck E Cheese!"  So we took our little family, Mimi and Papa, bought a cake and went to Chuck E Cheese.

He loved his Thomas birthday cake.  In an effort to save money, I had a basic cake made and then bought Thomas candles to put on the cake.  Mr. Man Cub didn't know the difference.  

The preschool art is still giving me all the feels over here. 

Luke got new shoes.  Hey, if it isn't broke, don't fix it.  I love this kid.

Man Cub just being part of Nature Notebooks.  I love how they include him.

I enjoyed attending another one of Grace's basketball games.  She has made some great improvements.  

These little cheerleaders were very interested in sister playing basketball.

Rainbow Rice.

Towards the end of the week, Mark, Matthew and I all attened the PDX car show.  I always enjoy this date with Mark.  Watching Matthew enjoy it with his dad too was so fun!  Oh.my.heart.  Seriously!!! Does the Jeep picture just kill you?  "Take my picture in the red Jeep beep mom."  I am dead!

Mark is testing out a car he is dreaming about.  He always has some idea or something he is thinking about.  I love hearing about all his ideas and thoughts.

Last night being three.  Adventure awaits being 4.

Basketball, Rabbit Show & See’s Candy: Week Six

I am not sure who is having more fun with the sensory table (Matthew or Me)!  I have really been enjoying creating screen free activities for him.  If you would like to see more ideas you can follow along on my teaching instagram account @mrsdahlhouse  

Grace decided to play basketball this year.  I enjoyed going to a few of her games.  She really improved so much.  I realized that I am a lot more competitive than I thought I was, and found myself wanting to help coach.  LOL.  I think Grace has mentioned that she wants to try out track now too.  I am glad she decided to try something new.

This guy...it was a proud moment for us both.  How many parents are so thrilled when their child achieves something?  This top award at the rabbit show was that moment for me.  He has waited so long to be validated, and awarded.  I am so proud of him.

This darling of mine showed her Dutch rabbit like a pro.  She has conquered a lot of her fears and is really making great progress.

4-H is even more fun when you do with friends.  These two melt my heart.

This guy wants to be in 4H so badly.  He loves the buns.

Why do kids have to grow up so fast?  I only had two kids writing Valentines this year.  My older two have moved on and they no longer have class parties.  But that didn’t stop me from setting up a Valentine’s Day table for the special day.  

My husband knows the key to my heart.  Iced Tea and See’s chocolate.  Valentine’s Day complete!

In case you were wondering....Barbie is still living her best life over here.

Matthew is figuring out how to read.

Luke attended a tour of our school districts technology school.  He’d like to do a summer program in their automotive department.

More/Less are my words for the year...maybe my motto for this next decade.  I want less of things so I can have more of what really matters.

Straight As, Field Trips & Valentine’s Nails: Week Five

Week five found us all busy as usual.  The girls helped me make some homemade play-doh. I forgot how easy and simple it is.  We ended up making several batches in various colors.  I continue to try and expose Matthew to various sensory experiences even though we are on a long break from therapy.

Valentine’s Day was right around the corner.  Bella is our resident artist and never passes up the opportunity to create.  She made this darling unicorn glitter bag to collect Valentine’s.  I showed my love for Valentine’s Day by getting pink nails and had a little heart painted on each ring finger.

I was extremely proud of Luke who ended up getting straight As this first semester of his Sophomore year.  He actually brought up his Chemistry grade from a B+ to A- all on his own by asking his teacher what he could do.  I am seeing such maturity and growth from him this year.

Bella had a field trip to plant trees with the City of Vancouver.  They were working to plant trees to help bring back the salmons natural habitat to this small stream.  Matthew tagged along and they both got to ride in the BIG bus.

In case you were wondering, Barbie is still living her best life over here.  The girls found out that Grace’s iPhone works in the holder that is meant for Barbie’s TV in Bella’s Dream House.  We all got the biggest laughs that Barbie was watching Life in the Dream House, while in her own Dream House.  Toys these days are so crazy in what they can accomplish.

Matthew’s picture was chosen as the cover photo for the Special Needs Parents Group that I am apart of.  I was really excited to see that.

I finished the day subbing a half time job at Matthew’s school (not in his class).  I enjoyed my time in first grade.  I remember why I love the littles!