Happy Independence Day!

More self portraits

These were just too funny not to post.

Foreign Language Comes Naturally to Ben

Ben: I know that "wee-wee" is French for "I have to go to the bathroom."

Me: How do you know that?

Ben: Oh, I just know these things.

They are growing up so fast!

Hair!

Isabel’s hair is finally growing! She has enough for a couple of cute pigtails, so the boys distracted her with books while I styled. Then we chased her around the house until we finally got a sort of decent shot of her new hairdo. Right before she rebelled and pulled them out.

Our Secrets Are No Longer Safe...

I have reason to believe that my home has recently been infiltrated by spies...

What they've been saying...

Ben: Mom, how did you get a husband?

Emanuel: Isabel needs to get her own room because all her girl stuff is making my room look bad!

A Snowy Day

This is not a hill. It is a snow pile from clearing the driveway. Yep, we have lots of snow.

Poor Emanuel always ended up on the bottom. He didn't mind too much, though.

A close-up of their sled loading technique.

They stayed outside for hours sledding down that "hill". They also asked for bedtime at 6pm. Big day.

Even Grandma Pat gave it a try. I'm sure she went back to sled some more after we left.

Isabel and I gave it a try too. We learned that Isabel does not like snow... or sledding. Maybe next year.

Thanks, Grandpa Bob for taking all these great pictures!

Trains!

On Friday, we took a field trip to the Durham Museum with some friends from one of our homeschool groups. The Durham Museum was once Union Station, one of the busiest train stations in the country. After it closed its doors to passengers, it reopened them to visitors wanting to see a bit of Omaha's history.
Of course I forgot my camera, but I managed to get a few cute (if fuzzy) pictures on my phone. The "conductor" who led the boys and their friends through the museum was amazing! He made it so interesting for them. He finally had to leave, but I agree with one of the other mothers who opined that the kids could have happily followed him around for another hour. So here's to Mr. Johnson for making a great field trip even better!

 

There were many speaking statues throughout the old lobby who told us about the station and life in the 1930s and '40s.

 

The kids posing in front of a UP engine. Mr. Johnson said this engine brought people to the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition in 1898. (At least I think that's what he said- Isabel kept running off right at the good parts!)

 "Riding" in a streetcar.

 

Finally, enjoying some old fashioned stick candy at the "original" soda fountain, where passengers could stop for a snack.

Happy Valentine's Day!

For us, it was more like Valentine's Week, but we had lots of fun!

 

I, er... I mean the boys, made their Valentine boxes. Emanuel wanted Spiderman and Ben wanted a monster truck. I think they turned out pretty well. Then it was off to the party with the Omaha Area Homeschoolers.  

 

Everyone had lots of fun eating too many sweet things, passing out valentines and playing games. Both boys made new friends and can't wait for next year's party!

Emanuel also had a party with his Preschool Storytime class at the library on Thursday. He was feeling so generous after that party that he gladly gave his cookie to Ben. On Sunday the boys made valentines and brownies for their abuelos. We had a great Valentine's Day 2010! Hope you did too.