Preschool

This last week Adam started Preschool, home school version.  After a whole week I have been delighted to see the way he learns. Our lessons are pretty informal and we have had "school" outside twice, once at the kitchen table and once in the kitchen.  I don't know if I will home school other than preschool, but this has been really fun. Kyle joins along for the lessons and he is picking up some things as well.  I don't think I would be able to do this at all if it were not for the ideas I've gleaned from pinterest. we have done things like memory games, drawings, rice tracing and painting. On Tuesday we had a field trip to the Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point. what an awesome place! I'm sure we will be back, maybe even with a membership :)

 Adam Cook, first day of Preschool. August 29th 2014

 Kyle too!

he is growing up way too quickly

buying veggies at the museum

 Colin enjoyed being held almost the entire time, because it was so crowded they didn't let strollers in

 a different kind of water table

Colin really liked this part

 This week the theme was cows, squares, A, and 1.

 oh, and our chickens (at least one of them) have started laying eggs, they are kind of small.

Family night

Just a week after we came home from California, Grandma visited us for education week.  For Family Night we had fun with light saber wars.  Colin was cracking up so much it was the funniest thing ever. It was the first time he really got excited while giggling and his laugh was awesome.

 After playing we went and got some Hawaiian Shave ice. I love nights like this when my family is together and we are having fun and making memories. it was nothing fancy but maybe that is why it was so much fun.

Colin's first solid foods

He has been interested in Table food for the last few weeks and so we tried it out. He wasn't quite sure what to do with this stuff in his mouth but I think he will get the hang of it.  We had a wonderful family vacation. it was a much needed break and the kids just love spending time in California with Grandma and Grandpa.  Thanks Milla for coming with us, we couldn't have made it without you!

Thrifty ice cream... yum!

tree house

on Saturday of our vacation grandpa put us to work fixing the tree house so we could play in it!

 I think my boys like dirt

 Aunt Emma

when the cats are away...

The boys had a great time at a splash park with their Aunts while mom and dad were on their get away

get away

For three beautiful nights, Nathaniel and I stayed in a Mongolian Yurt, which doubled as a bed and breakfast in Colfax California. This was our five year anniversary trip and the goal was rest and relaxation. The breakfast every morning was delightful and the accommodations were just perfect. I could not have imagined a better way to celebrate five years of being married. I can honestly say that we are more in love than ever. Thanks Mom and Dad Cook and Aunt Milla for taking care of the boys while we were enjoying the time together. You are all great!

the pool

 the love of my life

 the locals were very friendly and offered to take our picture

 a couple of hours out on the lake

 Paradise 

 waiting for our couples massage... it was fantastic!