Princess Castles and Birthday Celebrations
The kids and I had a wonderful weekend in St. Louis. It is always so much fun to see Mimi & Papa as well as my siblings, their spouses, and my nephews.
Friday night, I retained Mimi & Papa's babysitting services so that I could go over to my sister's house and help her prepare for Eli's first birthday party. As a working mom (nights as an awesome ICU nurse)of two little ones, she has her hands full! I was able to help her out with some light cleaning while she ran to the grocery store (childless...always a blessing). Without my own two underfoot, her husband and I were able to get the house organized in short order. When I returned to my parents' home, this is what I found...
(My photo does not do it justice as 1) I'm not that great of a photographer, and 2) I had something on the lens of my camera!) It is a princess castle, with tower included, created by my four-year old. My mom asked Mary to leave it up for me to see when I got home because she thought it was so creative. And it is. Apparently, while constructing this castle she insisted on using every single wooden block shape that came with the set.
Coincidentally, when I returned home this weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my good friend, Gillian, had created and published her blog. It is beautifully created and captures the essence of her personality. If you love horticulture, history, and beauty please visit The Middle Lands. One of Gillian's recent posts has to do with the significant role that play has on both brain development and social interation. As an educator, I have long known this to be true and so I am tickled pink when I see my children expressing themselves creatively or using their vast imaginations during play.
The birthday party was held on Saturday. We couldn't have asked for better weather. Low 70s, low humidity, and low noise-level as we were able to shoo all the cousins for some outdoor play! We had a wonderful time celebrating with the birthday boy, my family and my sister's in-laws. Oh what fun to be one!
Sunday meant the return trip home to Kansas City, but not before we went to Mass and then out for Chinese with Mimi & Papa. After lunch, the kids did puzzles and "read" books while I packed the car. I "caught" Benjamin reading the latest issue of my creating Keepsakes magazine. Perhaps we have a future grpahic artist in our family...or maybe he just loves all the pictures of cute babies and kids!
Friday night, I retained Mimi & Papa's babysitting services so that I could go over to my sister's house and help her prepare for Eli's first birthday party. As a working mom (nights as an awesome ICU nurse)of two little ones, she has her hands full! I was able to help her out with some light cleaning while she ran to the grocery store (childless...always a blessing). Without my own two underfoot, her husband and I were able to get the house organized in short order. When I returned to my parents' home, this is what I found...
(My photo does not do it justice as 1) I'm not that great of a photographer, and 2) I had something on the lens of my camera!) It is a princess castle, with tower included, created by my four-year old. My mom asked Mary to leave it up for me to see when I got home because she thought it was so creative. And it is. Apparently, while constructing this castle she insisted on using every single wooden block shape that came with the set.
Coincidentally, when I returned home this weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my good friend, Gillian, had created and published her blog. It is beautifully created and captures the essence of her personality. If you love horticulture, history, and beauty please visit The Middle Lands. One of Gillian's recent posts has to do with the significant role that play has on both brain development and social interation. As an educator, I have long known this to be true and so I am tickled pink when I see my children expressing themselves creatively or using their vast imaginations during play.
The birthday party was held on Saturday. We couldn't have asked for better weather. Low 70s, low humidity, and low noise-level as we were able to shoo all the cousins for some outdoor play! We had a wonderful time celebrating with the birthday boy, my family and my sister's in-laws. Oh what fun to be one!
Sunday meant the return trip home to Kansas City, but not before we went to Mass and then out for Chinese with Mimi & Papa. After lunch, the kids did puzzles and "read" books while I packed the car. I "caught" Benjamin reading the latest issue of my creating Keepsakes magazine. Perhaps we have a future grpahic artist in our family...or maybe he just loves all the pictures of cute babies and kids!
Don't you just love those first birthday pictures with the cake smeared all over the face!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had a wonderful weekend! Love the castle! What an awesome thing to do for your sister! That was the sweetest! I know what you mean, I too am so close with my sister, even more since we are grown up, just so much in common. Hugs and blessings,
ReplyDeletePatty
Those are two of the sweetest little faces I've ever seen!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, birthday boy!! What adorable little children!!!!! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! I would love to see the little cottage you spoke about in the comment you left.
ReplyDeleteBe sure to tell your husband I said thank you for his giving to others as a Fireman.
Blessings to you and yours,
Becky
Happy, Happy Birthday baby... what beautiful children!
ReplyDeleteThe castle is beautiful! Don't you love the things kids come up with? Is the black front door yours? I love it, the wreath looks perfect on it. Your house is gorgeous, it's looks like the perfect cozy home!
ReplyDeleteOh Sweetie...those little boys really ARE miracles! I remember the first time I thought I was pregnant..and then found I was not..how my heart broke and how I cried. To go through what you have been through..is beyond what I can even imagine.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that with me.
I think I will try and follow along with you as I believe you are one of those worth checking in on. :) Please do visit again when you find time..and I will do the same. Sending you a big hug..you certainly deserve it! :)
Mona