Sunday, September 22, 2019

Closet Turned Reading Nook

We took on a what we thought was a small project of turning a hall closet into a reading nook but it had its challenges. 

The mirror can actually slide out because our fuse box is behind it and the bench lifts so we can still access our crawlspace. 

But it is finished and AMAZING and SO comfortable. 

We got a couch cushion to make sure it was worthy enough of sleeping on and it is!

Levi even caught us already using it! I LOVE it.
.We read their every night before bed and I find Clairana and Nephi hanging out in it often. 

Elliot's Birthday Party

My brother, Dustin, invited us to celebrate Elliot's birthday at Chuck E Cheese on Saturday.
They just recently moved back to Lafayette so we were able to make it to one of their birthday parties. 
The kids of course had a great time running around playing games and eating pizza and cake.
Dustin bought the kids a play pass which Levi and I had never heard of but they got to play as much as they wanted for an hour so they were running around like crazy little people. 

Of course, Mom and Randy were there so we got to catch up with them. 
Mom got a new brace this week that we are all hoping can help her with her walking and putting pressure on her left side.   


Mom and Cecily


Levi with the birthday boy! Grandpa and Nephi in the background.


Aunt Carrine and Coraline 

My twin, Dustin, playing with Liam and Clairana

Liam and Clairana





Bella and Levi

Nephi and Jeremy

Each week at CC the kids are to give a presentation in front of their class. 

Mostly, to encourage them to become great speakers and also to learn how to be respectful of other presenters. 
Last week, Nephi's friend Jeremy Goodsell asked him to help out during his presentation. 




Timber!



We got a tree in our backyard cut down last week so the kids and I got to enjoy the show. 
The crew was very friendly and we made them all snack lunches to take with them. 
Thankful for the large tree to be down and it didn't damage any fences on its way down. 
Firewood for the year. 






Coraline is FIVE!


Coraline is FIVE!!
 We started her day by heading off to our homeschooling coop and they sang to her a couple times! 

My sweet friend,Millie, asked Coraline if she could go up with her so she wouldn't be nervous and so I could sit and nurse Cecily before class started.

That evening we had Grandpa Rick and Mamaw and Papaw over for cake and ice cream.

Grandma and Grandpa Brigham took her out shopping the night before her birthday and Aunt Rene stopped by with presents.
Lots of celebrating. We have let the kids decide if they want to go on an adventure with just our family or have a birthday party.
Coraline chose to go to the beach!
We headed to our favorite new getaway.
New Buffalo, Michigan.

Coraline

Favorite Food - Tomato Soup and Bread & Milk
Favorite Color - Pink and Purple
Favorite Animal - Cheetah
Favorite Thing to Do - Go to the Beach
Favorite thing to do - play with Cecily, sleep in bed with mom, ride my scooter
(Truth. She still sneaks into our room at night and wants to cuddle)
She is our girlie girl.
Blue Eyes.


Millie and Coraline


Coraline asked for a 5 shirt for her birthday and Levi's mom sent one in the mail. She was SUPER excited. 

Mamaw & Papaw with Coraline 




Coraline picked out this cake in June when we went to the store for Clairana and she still remembered. 






First Piece of Cake.....







BEACH TIME! 


Then Levi decided to take us on another adventure before heading back home. We found an apple orchard and picked 80+ lbs of apples. 



Nephi getting the good ones!

Birthday Girl!

Clairana climbing!

Hanging out eating apples in the orchard!



Then I had an idea for treat time on the way home. 
Albanese Worlds Best Candy Factory
Magical Gummy Bears and Chocolate


Chocolate Fountain!

All the Candy!
More from the beach - my upload mixed up the pictures and I have little people who are anxious for book reading time....


Bella and Cecily


Clairana, Nephi and Coraline building sandcastles




Clairana made this for me. 

Mamaw picked out a real life baby that takes a pacifier and bottle and cry...These are all our faces as we were trying her out. She looks SO real. 

She LOVES this Baby. 




Grandpa Rick got her a Barbie Camper. Big Hit. 

Levi's sister, Ashli, sent presents and asked us to wait till her birthday to open them - worked out perfectly.
New Owl PJs and an Owl Book!


LCA