New Love

Liza has many loves.

She loves her bears,her blankets, books,puzzles, hats, dance, her friend Ryah, and of course her family.

And how do we know she loves these things? Well one way is that her favorite things, in Liza's view, need to be with her as much as possible. She frequently packs up her backpack with one of her blankets,  a book or two, current favorite bear, and a sippy cup for good measure, when we leave the house. She knows that these things will have to stay in the car, but she insists on bringing them anyway. Playing outside? Usually with a bear, at least one bear. Reading a book? that would require a bear and a blanket. Practicing dance? That one needs a bear. ( given their teacher has them practise one of their dances with stuffed animal)  As I think about it, most often you will find her with at least one, if not all, of these things in her possession. But to really know is something is at the top of Liza's list you need to know what she want in bed with her. From the begining she has filled her sleeping space with her favorite things. Liza literally plays herself to sleep. Sometimes I wonder how she manages with so many bumpy things. Once in a while I put her favorite things back to where I think they should go, only to have them return once again to her bed. Tonight I peaked in on her and saw something new.

Can you see it? Look closely.

There under the bear. It's pink and white and some more pink. It's legos!! Liza received these as a gift for her birthday and she loves them. She asked to play with them first thing this morning, and again during quiet time, and again this evening. Apparently that wasn't enough and she brought them to bed.
Notice the books she also insists on bringing to bed? Missing from this picture is a parental unit. Liza campaigns for this frequently, but parental units sleep in their own bed. As a compromise Daddy will often snuggle with her for a while. I love this silly, cute smiley little girl.

( yes I have taken care of the electric cord situation. It's to the Christmas lights in her house.)

Pioneer Days

Oour stake had a pioneer activity on the 24th and we decided to go. When we got there they had the three legged, and potato sack races going as well as a petting zoo. The kids enjoyed getting to know the guiena pigs and goats. They also had a pony there that you could take a turn riding, but Liza wasn't interested.

Daniel also enjoyed seeing the bunnies.

Later on they had  pie and watermelon easting contests. We contented ourselves with simply eating the pie. Inside they had lots of crafts and games for the kids to try. Liza and Daniel both enjoyed making the ox paper puppets and button necklaces.

Liza also was thrilled with the corn husk doll that she helped me to make. It was surprisingly simple.

They had more games and things for us to do, but we ran out of time. It was probably one of the best pioneer activities that we have been too.

Manly in Pink

Last night I was on my own in getting the kids to bed. I told Liza to go get a nightshirt on. Wonder of wonders she run off happily to do as instructed. Daniel followed Liza and they both came back in there nightshirts. Liza in her My little Pony nightshirt and Daniel in on of Liza's shirts complete with fluttery sleeves and sequence hearts. He was very pleased with having put the shirt on himself. I couldn't bring myself to make him take it off. Later as I was trying to read them their bedtime stories, Daniel had a grand time climbing over the back of the couch and wrestling Liza.

Kids Workshop

On the first Saturday of the month Home Depot  hosts of kids workshop. This morning we went for the first time as a family. this months project was a truck. Liza and Daniel each received a apron and a truck kit. The area was full of hammering as kids and dads put the trucks together.  We found a spot of empty floor and went to work. Jack ended up doing most of the work, with Liza helping on hers. Daniel on the other hand was very tired so we went wondering through the store looking at tile and lights. Towards the end, while Liza was painting, Daniel feel asleep while I help him and continued to doze in the car. Liza is very happy with her truck and insisted bringing it to bed with her.