Paris and France by Tekla

In France, it was cold when I visited. The museums were open and days seemed short. We saw art museums and World War 2 museums. We also went to a tower. Aunt Cheryl said it was were Joan of Arc was imprisoned. Then we went to 2 castles and 1 abbey. The first art museums were not as fun as the last one. The last one was the Louvre. It had 2 statues and 4 pictures of Joan of Arc. There were also lots of ancient statues from around the world. One gallery was so long, I could fit 700 statues in it! In all, I think our trip was great!! Au revoir for now!

Our trip to France

- By Saoirse My favorite Part about our trip to France was seeing my cousins. I also liked the house we stayed in. It was made of stone and I liked my bedroom. I shared it with 2 of my cousins. It snowed while we were there and we built a snowman. My favorite place was Mont Saint Michel because it was very interesting. . I also liked the glass pyramid at the Louvre

Pellets and Dots

Jael's science last week included dissecting an owl pellet. When she first laid eyes on it she wrinkled up her nose and asked if I would do it for her. She didn't want to touch it.

It didn't take long for her to ask if she could do it herself. Then she really got into it. She identified several bones (hip, rib, leg, vertebra). Then we came across a couple skulls. We were not expecting 2 skeletons so this was a fun surprise. (We think one was a rodent and one was a vole)

In the end she asked if she could keep the skulls. It was an interesting project, and I think she might have liked it too.

The next day, we decided to add a bit more color to the room and make some Dot Pictures. It was good to get the creative juices going and the color brightens up the place nicely.

Christmas Presents!

Christmas Eve Festivities began with a movie (Miracle on 34th Street) and picnic in the living room.

Then we moved on to dessert. Tekla decided to make gingerbread houses for every one as her Christmas presents to us. Daddy was more than willing to work with her to get that accomplished. Her little village fit nicely on the tray.

We let them get good and sugared up.

While they were watching and eating, and sugaring up. Daddy was working on putting together the first big present to all the kiddos: a play kitchen. (Apparently it is a big hit, and it has seen a lot of action in the last couple days!)

Then it was on to opening presents. The kids were really excited about everyone opening the presents that they had made themselves. Saoirse decorated felt ornaments with sequins and colored feathers. They are so colorful and sparkly and we well received by everyone

Jael made stuffed Dala horses. This was her first time doing any embroidery. She did a great job trying a few different stitches, and even stitched their names on to one side. She just couldn't keep it a surprise, so she had everyone pick out their favorite colors.

They are still adored.

Saoirse asked for a Little Red Ridding Hood cape. and Mommy delivered. It should be warm as it is lined/reversible with black fleece.

Jael is truly thrilled to have her very own Bible and a carrying case.

Tekla has already tried out her baking supplies by making cupcakes for everyone (ones even Mommy can eat!). And Cai has been showing off how his Lego fire truck can put out Lego fires.

It isn't easy to see here, but Cai made recycled crayons for sisters by melting them in a muffin tin (I let him use my oldest tin). He loved peeling the paper, breaking too big crayons, and choosing lots of colors.

Cai is proud of his new Tonka Truck and movies. He is eager to watch "For" (which we finally realized translates to "Thor").

Books are always well recieved, and she is being a nice sister and sharing with her little sister, who was just as excited that she got Little Women.

Guess which Uncle sent us this game. And he loves the books as much as his Uncle did. We had to play this game first.

Cousins from France sent everyone Lego sets - another big hit.

Cai got a Dino tail, that goes amazingly well with his Dino shirt.

A sewing kit from Grandma means Mom's sewing room is going to be busy.

And another excited about her sewing kit.

Tekla got the perfect pets, for Christmas. Pet rocks! And she can dress them up however she wants.

Mommy shows off another "get the wiggles out" game sent from Wyoming relatives. We did try this one out and would highly recommend it for wiggly 3 and 5 year olds (maybe more for the 5 year old, but the 3 year old liked it too).

Christmas Photos (Outfits thanks to Grandma)