My Surprise Birthday Present

I realized somehow I failed to mention my awesome surprise birthday present from my husband.  

He came home from work at lunch time a couple of weeks before my birthday.  He ran in, grabbed something to eat quick and then ran outside.  He yelled from the door for me to bring him something.  So I run to get it, run to the door, walk outside.....to find a van!  We have been wanting a van and looking for one for many months with no avail.  Well he found one on Craigslist, listed with incorrect spelling so the guy selling his company van hadn't had offers on it.  Josh got a great deal on it and I love my van!  It is so nice and roomy compared to our little 2 door Honda Civic that I love but is just entirely too small for a family of 4 with 2 big dogs and 2 cats.  

Both kids love it but Landon considers it a birthday present to him as well.  He really Loves it!

So happy birthday to me from the best husband!

Falling into September

September was a whirlwind.  Planning birthday parties, starting school and getting prepped for Jeremiah and Sally's wedding.  We had fun enjoying our friends and family as always! ;)


 Visit Home
A visit home for the beginning of September. Of course too short and fast but enjoyed our time there none the less.  Owen, Landon and Arabella are starting to have a quite the bond.  I love it.  I remember loving that one of my cousins lived close by.  I hope they get to enjoy a lot more time together.  Boy oh boy to I love being an aunt to such a cute little boy!

 Picnic and Fishing

A relaxing picnic/fishing trip to the lake near our house. We didn't catch anything but a couple of bug bite.  It was beautiful out there.

Pool Time
With Josh working 12-14 hour days, we didn't get nearly enough time at the pool at the end of the summer but when we did get to go we had lots of fun.  Arabella is getting so confident in the water.  Landon is improving every time.  He can swim without floaties and can hold his breath.  He just needs to work on being more comfortable laying on his back and being able to bring his head out of water to get a breath. 

Birds, bugs and books

Our school field trip with the Bolins at the Library. 
Arabella (Especially )and Landon had a lot of fun.  The event was put on by some group from UF.  The people running the event did a really great job.  The guy in charge of the "Bird Beaks" was so patient.  Landon spent so much time with the guy and the "Bird beaks."  The kids had to see what kind of bird beak (tongs, spoons, etc.) would work the best with different types of bird food. There were butterflies and eggs and see and inspect.  Nature and animal puzzles, block to play with and drawing paper to draw your best bird.

Puzzles, Computers, Blocks and Eggs

My ladybug LOVED looking in the spy glass

Look Mommy, I drew a bird!

 Preschool

 We started preschool at the beginning of September. Landon is like many boys and a lot like his daddy.  He doesn't want to sit and he really dislikes worksheets.  Knowing that worksheets really aren't a good way to learn anyway, I have looked for more "Montessori" lessons this year.  For those non-education family and friends of mine...
 Montessori education is characterized by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological development, as well as technological advancements in society.  Mixed age classrooms, which is super easy with homeschooling since we have Arabella and hopefully more to follow.  Student choice of activity from within a prescribed range of options. Uninterrupted blocks of work time. A Constructivist or "discovery" model, where students learn concepts from working with materials, rather than by direct instruction.

We also enrolled Landon in a Lego literacy class.  He has enjoyed especially because his friend, Joshua is also enrolled in the class.

 

Animal exploration with books, paint, rice, and letters

Angey Birds experiment was a huge hit with both kids.  Landon did an awesome job at predicting which "birds" would be the most effective at getting the "pigs" and explaining why they would work. 

Science experiment fun, my favorite.  I was so impressed with Landon on this one.  He predicted the water transferring to the middle cup and making green.  Only downfall, the kids didn't like waiting for it to transfer but we played some games in the kitchen so it went by fast. I think it was a great lesson for science plus a practical lesson on patience. ;)

We even have learning at lunch and snack time.

It is self proclaimed "Mcqueen Girl."     Always dress up fun happening at our house. 

Patterning-Landon did this symteric pattern on his own after us doing a lesson with colored block earlier that day. Can you see the pattern?

Books

and more books!

Lots of Lego building. Landon recieved a huge box of Legos from Uncle Jon and Aunt Merry for his birthday.  We did a lesson on following directions.  Landon picked out from the instruction book and built this house basically by himself.  He was really proud because he made a house and car port on his own!

Some of our letter fun

Letter matching

Letter writing with Wiki Sticks (Bendaroos)

Learning is hard work!

Birthdays!!!!!!!!!!

I love September. Well I might be a little bias... it is my birthday month and the month that I first held my first child for the first time.  Landon and my birthday are 5 days apart and I love it.  I also love September because the day after my birthday is Autumn my favorite month. 

This year Landon choose a Batman birthday theme.  Not really what I wanted him to pick but I went with it.  I was surprised he picked it because he has never watched Batman and doesn't even have a Batman toy (although now he has lots (;  ).  Landon helped a lot in the planning, I have to say he is quite the planner.  He knew what he wanted to eat, what decorations he wanted, what kind of dessert and who he wanted to invite.  I helped offer some suggestions but it was mostly his ideas. 

I thought it would be fun to have the kids dress up so we edited the theme to be Batman's Superhero Party.  I loved the costumes!  I think I will be encouraging my children for more dress up themed parties.  Arabella went as Sailor Moon.  Sailor Moon is a Japanimation or Anime Super hero that was my favorite growing up. I made Bella's costume. Landon went as Batman, of course.  My parents, Josh and I bought the different parts to Landon's costume.  I was Catwomen and Josh was Joker, per request of our son-Batman. 

The Super Heroes (and Joker)

 Thank you everyone who made Landon's birthday special!!!

Party Time!

 The Joker had captured some of our little Super heroes (seen in lower right hand corner) so all the BIG super heroes had to brave past THE JOKER and bring the little super heroes to the safety of Mrs. Victoria ;)  The kids had fun!

Save the Super Hero Game!

Birthday Boy and His Cake and Cupcakes!

 Mommy and Batman's Party back home with our family at Uncle Jon's and Aunt Merry's.  I was surprised with the most amazing chocolate raspberry cake made for me by my sister, Merry.  It was the best cake I have ever had!  Although the trip home included leaving a day late (due to sickness and just too much to do), loosing Reesie for 4 hours in Tallahassee (Josh stayed behind to look for her and thankfully he and Sally found her), Jon driving to Tallahassee to pick up Josh, and a whilwind trip home in general, Landon and I did have a great time celebrating our birthdays and so thankful we have an amazing family to celebrate with!

The Super Heroes, Cat Women, and Joker

Cake, Presents and Play Time!

We also enjoyed celebrating a family friend's birthday.  Emma turned one! 

We were excited to celebrate with her and family and friends!

1, 2, and 3. Landon is 3! Mommy lettter to Landon

Back log Sept

To my Sweet lovable, goofy, little boy, Landon...who isn't staying little

3 years ago my life changed.  I held in my hands a tiny little boy who I didn't know, but had worried over his health, prayed for many years before even meeting my husband, and had felt growing inside of me.  After about 11 hours of a somewhat worrisome labor, my doctor (who I love) handed me my first child.   It felt strange, I loved this little warm body in my arms but he didn't feel like he belonged to me.  I looked him over and made sure he seemed okay and told him I loved him.
Since that day I feel like that little boy is so totally mine.  Landon, you are my joy, my laughter, my smiles, my worry, and my stress. ;)

You amaze me everyday with your wit, imagination and deep empathy. Boy, do you love to joke.  You are pretty funny too.  Landon your imagination is so great unfortunately it gets carried away and you will scare yourself sometimes.  Even though we are super cautious about what we allow you to watch (when we do watch TV shows or movies which is rare).  I don't know where you come up with this stuff.  I love your awareness of people and their feelings.  I hope that you continue to allow God to use your empathy and all your other talents and weaknesses  When we read a book, or out and about you are always aware of others and their facial expressions.  I love how you try to copy facial expressions of people or characters and if you don't recognize the expression you ask what the person is thinking.

Arabella adores you and thinks you are the coolest person on the planet.  I love that you try so hard to be a good big brother.  Both Daddy and I, as the oldest siblings know that the role of oldest is a tough one at times but you do a super job.  You are typically patient and kind to Bella.  My favorite things about having you as the big brother to my little daughter are how you love to give her kisses and hugs, how when you are sad you always want her love, and how excited you get when Arabella does something well.  You are a great teacher and cheerleader.  I can only imagine that Bella will have a great love for learning and strong confidence in herself mush to do with you and how you treat her.

Some of your favorite things to do right now are draw but not color pictures, cars and trains, dress up, playing with letters, playing with you Little People Mary and Baby Jesus, swimming, and just like any other little person play outside and play with friends.

Landon I love how you are a little sponge.  I love teaching you although you resist some structured learning. Some of the things I am proud of that you know are
-numbers 1-11
-learning 1-10 in Spanish (and since I am so late posting this- he has got it down good)
-1-10 in German (He has 1-5 down now too )
-recognizes about 90% of his letter and know about 70% of the sounds the letters make
-can write about 5-8 letters although not always the best.. I love how excited you get when you purposely or accidentally write a letter.
-know all your basic shapes
-know the difference between a monkey and an ape, or a shark and a whale/dolphin and that you will correct people if they are mistaken.
-your love for drawing and making up stories to go with your drawings.. plus I think you are a pretty awesome artist for a just 3 year old.
-and much more

I think it is great that you use "big" words for a little guy.  It makes me smile and laugh when you use words like, "Actually," of course," patient," and"useful."

Landon you are such a blessing to Daddy, Arabella, and I as well as your family and friends.  I am so thankful God has given Daddy and I the responsibility of raising and teaching you.  We love you!!!!!

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