More Parent Helping

I parent helped again today - that's twice this month! Aidan was happy to have me in school again but with 2 co-op days so close together, I think it lost a little of its luster! The kids started learning about the different colors in light - today was red day. Here they are making collages of red things: They are working on painting two adirondack chairs to sell at the Silent Auction coming up in about 2 weeks. Aidan is fingerpainting leaves on the tree:They had "shoe off" day. This is used as a reward for being extra special good as a class. They love it!

New Toy

Mimi and Big Dan sent this present for Aidan's birthday. Both kids love it. It is a marble run/construction set with a remote controlled dump truck - what's not to love??

Aidan's Party

We had Aidan's party on Monday since they didn't have school because of the holiday. All the kids had a lot of fun. The theme was Star Wars! Surprise!! We had a hard time finding a Star Wars cake and I didn't have time to make one so we had to get a Hot Wheels cake and use our own Star Wars guys to decorate it - I think it was cute!We played a great version of musical chairs where each kid gets a turn "winning" and gets to sit in the middle and eat a mini cupcake while the other kids walk around to the music. They LOVED it!We also had a Darth Vader pinata - the kids pull strings on the bottom until it breaks instead of swinging sticks - whoever came up with this is a genius!

Long Weekend

We got to take "Paddy" the dog home from preschool this weekend. Each child in the class gets a weekend to take care of Paddy and document his adventures with the family. On Friday we went to Brendan's office to celebrate Aidan's (and the CSM's) birthday. Paddy came with us. Here is a picture of MG Byrne with Aidan and Paddy: Here is Paddy with Aidan and a balloon bearing great resemblance to Aidan:Emmy hard at work with the Blackberry, phone and computer:Paddy and Aidan at the playground:Emmy walking my parents' dog, Max - it was great - he can't move that fast and she wouldn't let go so he really slowed her down!!

Happy Birthday Aidan!!

Aidan turned 4 on Sunday! My parents came down for the weekend to celebrate with us which was really nice. I can't believe it has been 4 years since he was born. Seems like just yesterday, really. But then again - so much has happened since February 2005 - I guess it is really possible!
Aidan and his birthday cake:You know it's good when you trade the fork in for fingers:Star Wars Legos:Aidan's godmother, Kate, got him this Leapster - he loves it!Emmy and my dad with some of the balloons that we put all over Aidan's ceiling while he was sleeping:

Celebrating Aidan's Birthday at School

Today was Aidan's school birthday and Valentine's Day all in one! We had a great time and Aidan enjoyed being the center of attention - as usual! Here Aidan is delivering Valentines to his classmates:Here is Aidan commemorating his 4 trips around the sun:Aidan brought his new Koosh Ball for show and tell - they threw the ball around the circle - it was a BIG hit!Some of the boys on the tire swing:

Yet Another Outing

The kids, Amanda and I went to the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday afternoon before the guys got back. It was a beautiful afternoon and as you can see, not too crowded! We even saw a police horse - the highlight of the outing!
Amanda with the kids:Aidan, Emmy and me in front of Lincoln:The Washington Monument:

Sunny Day

Yesterday was sunny but still pretty cold. We did some chores around the house and the kids "helped" me put clean sheets on the beds. It was so nice and sunny in my room that I thought it would be great for some pictures - Aidan wasn't really in the mood so I only got these:

Mt. Vernon with ALL the kids

We went to Mt. Vernon with Amanda, Chase and Brody today. The kids had a good time running around and chasing the geese. Here are a few pictures!

I am Three

Thank You Aunt Laurie

Laurie sent Aidan this picture that she painted especially for him. He LOVES it - even Emmy points at it and exclaims - "pishy!"

Emmy's Big Girl Bed

Brendan took the kids to IKEA on Saturday to get Emmy a new bed - it converts from a toddler to a twin bed. We have been wanting to get her out of the crib for two reasons: 1 - the baby will need it in May and 2 - we didn't want to transition her too close to the move in July - we wanted it to be old hat by then! So we took the plunge on Saturday. Brendan set up the new bed and he took down the crib - no going back! To our complete surprise she took right to the bed! She went right to sleep and although she woke up a little confused in the middle of the night, she went back to sleep with no problems. Since then she has been great! She even naps in it - NO problem! I was sure that 19 months was way too early - but maybe the key is to do it early before they have real opinions!