Spring Break

My children aren't in school yet, but that doesn't mean we couldn't celebrate spring break!  Our neighbor friends Grace and Lucas with the help of their mom planned some exciting events for us.

On Monday, the kids created a book all about themselves.  We made them using a lapbook.  (I didn't know what this was until then, but since have used the idea here at home.  Google it...you will get tons of ideas.)  The book included where they lived, their birthdays, their favorite food, book, etc.  They really had a great time doing this.  In fact, both Joshua and Tabitha slept with theirs for a week!

Here's Grace and Joshua working hard.

Where are Lucas and Tabitha?  A little sidetracked, but having fun!

That evening we had a Bible study with some people from church, and Joshua began by teaching us a lesson. 

On Tuesday, Grace and Ava came over to begin a vegetable garden.  The kids each got their own seed pack, an egg carton, and soil.  They were pros at this.  To finish we started a journal to keep track of the growth.  They really did a great job.  In fact, Joshua and Ava both have seedlings now.

Wednesday we celebrated St. Patrick's Day.  Really just an excuse to do more arts and crafts and play games.  Here the kids are making Blarney Stones.  I had never heard of this before.  

They also played Bingo, made clover crafts, and ate green food.

Thursday was a unique day for Joshua.  He went to work with Daddy!  I took him at lunch time so he would only be there a few hours.  Josue said he was so good.  He colored and met some co-workers while he was there.  Joshua seemed very content when he got home.  Sorry, no pictures of him.

And nightime...ahhhh.  Kids in pj's on their way to bed.  All is silent for a few hours...

Now spring is officially here!

Happy Birthday, Buela!

We celebrated Buela's 60th birthday on Saturday, March 13.  It was a surprise party!  We waited until the evening before to tell the kids about it.  On Thursday they did learn that we would be celebrating the birthday of a girl.  Joshua did wear me down with the questions as to who it was.  With each question I found myself closer and closer to telling him when I finally had to say, "Enough.  This kid is going to drag it out of me."   When Josue got home on Friday, they found out we would be celebrating Buela. 

Evelia (Buela) did know that we were going to take her out to dinner to celebrate her birthday.  The rest of the story was unknown.  Here's what we came up with in the end.  Josue and the kids would pick her up saying I was at the church building for a shower.  They would then arrive to pick me up and go eat.  So off I went to the building to finish setting up.

The kids and Josue went to get her.  During the car ride, Josue prepped the kids.  They were only to ask her "How are you?"  "How was work?"  but nothing was to be mentioned about the party.  To their credit, Josue says they tried really hard.  But here's Tabitha...

Tabitha: Buela, how was work?
Buela: Oh, fine.  Thank you for asking.
Tabitha: Turns to Josue with confused look on her face.  What else, Daddy?

Then Joshua.  (Earlier that day Josue and Joshua went to her house to get pictures for the party.)

Joshua: Buela.  We were here to get pictures for your party.
Buela: Oh really, baby.

Nevertheless, she said she was completely surprised.  Walking in...

These are her grandkids in Mesquite.  (Andrew, Adam, and Analisa)

Joshua (Ryne) with his cousin Joshua Alan.  We have to use middle names when together.  These two are one month apart.

Here they are as babies.  So sweet!  (Joshua Ryne left, Joshua Alan right.)

Here's the happy birthday girl.  (I was wondering why the picture was slanted, then I remembered that Joshua took the picture.)

Joshua helps her open presents.

Joshua and Tabby.

And all the grandkids!

The only missing from the party was Tia Marissa.  We can't wait to celebrate with her in July or August!

And the Oscar goes to...

My mom came up with the very creative idea of having an Academy Awards party here at home.  I was told we needed a red carpet, so I purchased red butcher paper from the teacher's supply store.   Mom was going to bring all the necessary costumes.  Once Joshua got wind of this party, it was on!

Here is Tabitha all dressed up.  A fancy dress, clip-on earrings, necklaces...oh and sunglasses.  Look at that beautiful smile she now gives the camera.  What a girl!

Joshua got dressed in a suit and tie.  This is a serious picture...he was upset about something.

The lovely couple...lately they have been making plans to marry each other.  It would melt your heart to hear them!

Ava came over to join in the fun!

Gigi was the MC.

Everyone takes turns answering her questions.

Oh, what fun!