Mid Winter Break Hmmmm

So my kids get a random week off for Mid Winter Break. It kills me how many days they get off of school. It is so tough on them as they get really bored after about the first or second day. This creates lots of fighting and frustrations for all. We had to come up with something interesting and fast.

The kids took the bar stools and turned them upside down to create a little seat for them. They stuffed them with blankets and pillows to make it more comfortable and settled in for a movie. I had to hand deliver snacks periodically but this kept them busy for a whole movie and very happy. It is awesome when we have these types of moments. I wish I were more creative sometimes :}

Birthday Bowling

This year for Megan's Birthday we skipped the cake and had birthday cookies instead. After making brownies for her class we just didn't feel like making a cake too. Megan thought it was fun to have something different for a change. She loved the big cookies and got to take some in her lunch for the following week. All she really cared about was to make sure she had at least one candle to blow out.

The long awaited bowling finally came this weekend. Megan and Andrew were both thrilled and talked about it a lot the night before. Real bowling is much more fun than a video game so they couldn't wait.

Jeff was in charge of the planning and called ahead to a bowling alley near us to make sure we would be able to get in. They had a tournament that day but had available lanes till noon. We got up early and waited for Ken and MarGene to join us before heading off. We arrived at the place only to find out that all their open lanes were full till 4pm. It was a bit frustrating as we had called ahead. We quickly had to rethink and thanks to Ken's Garmin found another place that was empty when we arrived.

The kids both had a great time. Megan got a bit sad when she had the lowest score at one point. She even teared up a bit. It is a tough lesson to learn that it is just fun to play the game and it doesn't matter who wins. We've been working hard at trying to teach the kids that it is okay to lose and try harder next time. It is still very frustrating for them to come in second or below.

We played one game on one lane and took our time. By the time we were finished the place was packed and most lanes were full and going strong. We spent a few bucks in the arcade for the kids and headed off to good ol' McDonald's for a little lunch to end our outing. It was a simple little family bowling but it was sure fun. Megan thought it was one of the best birthday outings yet.

Andrew Learned E is for Effort

Today Andrew got is very first award in school. It was for Effort and the progress he has made so far this year. Andrew got to sit on the stage while he waited for his name to be called. He was pretty fidgety for the first little bit till he saw me in the back with my camera and then he was focused on me and all smiles.

The principal had to call his name a few times as he was too busy smiling for me that he wasn't paying attention. He looked so dang cute walking up to get his special award.

He did a great job listening and staying with the group while the program continued on. Since his class is special education they dismiss 10 minutes earlier than the rest of the classes and he waited so patiently for Megan to finish.

He held onto his award the whole time and wouldn't let go for one second. Once we got home he promptly asked me to hang it up on his door. Both my kids have special school work and certificates on their doors showing off their talents. It makes them feel very special and he couldn't wait to add to his door. It was so fun to see him light up and feel so happy to get acknowledge.

Happy 8th Birthday to Megan

A big Happy Birthday to my little squirt!! Today she turns the big 8 and she is super excited to be getting older. We've been celebrating in little ways since Friday and she has enjoyed feeling special. She's already gotten a few cards and phone calls which brings a huge smile to her face. We spent the weekend celebrating with her. We went out to the movies and a little shopping spree. We've got plans for a little fun family bowling next weekend just for her and she can hardly wait.

Today the kids had no school so she is a little restless as today is her actual birthday and wants to have lots of fun. Both kids came into bed with me this morning and we watch a movie together in our pj's. Now we are getting ready to head out for her special lunch of papa johns cheesy bread with garlic butter dipping sauce. This is her most favorite of meals and she has been asking for a while to go there, so since this is her day she gets what she wants :} She has already spent her birthday money and has loved playing with her new stuff. It is so fun to have a birthday and to be so excited.