Daddy's right hand

First, you move it in circles to the left, like this. 

 Second, you move it to the right, like this.

Now let's do it together.

Watch Ya Mouth!

  It's a game that's all the craze right now, and I have to say, I was crying. It's quite hilarious. 

More Morning Stories

Elijah woke Selah up this morning at 6:30...and then begged her to read him a story. She tried to tell him that she wasn't that good at reading, yet, but he wasn't having it. So she did her best and she even tried to teach him about silent e's!

Betsy Ross?

Nah, just Selah dressed as Betsy Ross!

Everyone's Favorite Activity- The Dentist!

Actually, Dad isn't so keen on the dentist, but everyone else loves it. And no cavities in any of the kids' teeth made for a very happy family.

Little Miss Selah was in the area next to me and looked so sweet peeking around the corner while she was waiting on Daddy to finish up. Overall, she was actually disappointed because she is so desperate to get braces and they said not yet.

Morning Stories

Selah waited an entire hour until it was late enough to wake Elijah up...All because she wanted to read him a story!

Sunday Funday

We got home from Philadelphia Saturday night, and I had a cake that needed done by Sunday at noon. (It really wasn't done until the last second, about  3 o'clock. That's par for the course.) The day was crazy and my phone died and was dead most of the day, so the only picture I have to post is of the cake. I see all the flaws, but overall, it turned out okay. It was for a family friend's sweet sixteen. Hard to believe the kids are all growing up so fast... Jonah will be 16 this fall!

A quick stop to see GG

It's fortunate that my grandmother lives right off the turnpike in Ohio, and that we can often make the stop to see her when passing through. It doesn't happen nearly enough, but we're all grateful when it does happen. Today we made a quick stop and ate a late lunch of Chick-Fil-A while we visited. 

Elijah and GG, in a deep conversation.

Good luck getting them all to look at once. I'm settling for they're all in the picture!

Elfreth's Alley

This is the oldest continuously inhabited street in America. Someone even came out of a house as we walked down it.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

It's perhaps a bit unassuming from the outside, and surely no longer the tallest around, but it is truly gorgeous.

This picture didn't do it justice at all. You're really only seeing about the middle third of the main building

inside the center dome

Above the clouds...

It's rare when you live at sea level to see the clouds from the top. It's a pretty sight that looks a lot like looking at a fresh snowfall. 

Valley Forge!

General Elijah Washington

General Selah Washington

General Micah Washington

General Noah Washington

when asked who the man on the horse was, Elijah thought for a second Ahmed proudly replied, "George Washington!"

Elijah:" We could live in this wood house! And Santa Claus could come down this chimney!" He knows that Santa isn't real, but finds the idea fascinating. I think he really just wants it ti be true. And 4 year olds have priorities, like Christmas presents!

 

Replica cabins depicting what it would have been like for the soldiers during their time at valley forge. It's estimated that there were between 900 and 1700 cabins, each holding 12 soldiers.

It definitely would have been crowded inside.

One of 6 redoubts found throughout valley forge. The kids had so much fun playing there that we missed out on seeing anything else because it got dark.

 

Elijah tried, but the hill was too steep and he couldn't get up.

Micah: "Did they make the enemies walk the plank?"

Micah would have mass their job way, if he were the enemy and had to"walk the plank!"

I definitely don't feel like this picture does it justice. This is the memorial arch, dedicated to those soldiers who lived at valley forge it was monstrous and gorgeous, but the absolute wrong time of day to take a picture.

Add caption

General Washington's headquarters while at Valley Forge, from the hill.

I, personally, would find this was more comfortable than the soldiers' quarters.

Why do our kids have to walk on every wall they can find? It's a learned behaviour.

Philly

Just Another Day in Paradise

We spent the day driving today, headed East. There were some pretty spots, though it doesn't take much to impress us these days, having lived in Detroit for 8 years. It's just so nice to see land that's not flat! It was pretty gloomy out most of the day, although that's actually nice for driving. The clouds were truly incredible this afternoon, unfortunately the photos don't do them justice.

A little sun peaking through...

Those incredible clouds. I wish you could tell how thick and south they looked!

The fourth tunnel we went through. Elijah lived the tunnels Afghans would get so excited as we approached.

North American International Automobile Show

Family favorite, of course

 Actually, the other half of the family's favorite.

Mommy's Little Helper

Elijah wanted to help make a cake today. I wanted to say no, but I felt guilty because three other kids were busy with school and he was bored. I'm glad I let him help, because he said that was hiss high for the day. He's a great helper, does everything you ask.

taking advantage off some down time...building with earth balance!

and after ask that excitement, he still has enough energy to take mom and dad for a train ride,

Ice Rink #2 is Up and Running!

I hope to write a post with all the pictures of what Bryan has put into having an ice rink in the backyard. It wasn't as easy as it looked or sounded, and he did tons of research first. And it truly cost a fortune. But I will say, the 4 times that they've gotten to skate this year, they've had an absolute blast!

A rare glimpse of sunlight during Michigan's winter

Yesterday morning's sunrise from the front porch.

Tonight's sunset, as we drove to a friend's house.

Elijah's Rough Day

Mom made oatmeal for breakfast. Elijah doesn't like oatmeal. Wouldn't even eat it with marshmallows and chocolate chips in it! Elijah really only ever likes toast or bagels for breakfast...or any meal. Plus his special pizza and mac and cheese. We ended up compromising with graham crackers and peanut butter.

Then in the afternoon, I was making smoothies for snack. It's a rare way we can get a fruit or veggie into Elijah. Elijah walked into the kitchen and saw spinach in the blender...

E: Mom? Is that SPANISH? Are you putting SPANISH in my smoothie? I don't LIKE Spanish. I want a chocolate smoothie!

Mom: This isn't your smoothie, this is for the other kids. I'll make you a special one.

E: Ohhh. Will you make me a chocolate one?

Mom: No, No chocolate today. I'll make you a mango one.

E: With only mango juice? Because I DON'T. LIKE. FRUIT.

Mom: I'll make it the way I always make it, you love that kind.

E: Okay! Thanks, Mom!

I had someone distract him as I added fruit and spinach to his mango juice smoothie. I hate being sneaky or lying, but this kid REALLY needs something healthy in his diet!

Hidden "Spanish" Smoothie. He was doubling checking that there wasn't any Spanish or fruit.