Hallister Turns 5

We decided to ask Hallister this year what kind of party he wanted for his birthday.  He said he wanted just a few friends and a pirate theme.  The new show he likes to watch is Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

We started off his birthday celebration with his favorite breakfast, pancakes with cool whip and strawberries.  We had a few games, "Walk the Plank", "Find the Buried Treasure" and the kids hit a pinata shaped liked a treasure chest.  Jonathan did an awesome job at making the "Neverland" sign and the plank.  Adding a pirate flag to the top of the play ground set was a nice touch.  The kids always pretend it is a ship.

Even the adults joined in the fun by dressing up or wearing the huge mustaches we had for anyone wanting to dress up.

 Hallister really enjoys writing his letters right now.  We found a piece of paper next to the TV where he had written out Samsung, the brand of the TV.  He can write his first and last name, and count to 30. He is compassionate and sensitive but also independent.  He is such a big helper around the house.  It is nice he is able to get dressed by himself now also.  We are so proud of him.

First Day of School

(Now pretend it's August.)

You may remember us asking if everyone would pray with us about what we should do for Hallister going to preschool.  We were all set on a new Montessori school and excited.  Well, a week before school started we found out some things we did not agree with concerning the school.  We were very disappointed but then sprung into action on Plan B.

I had saved all the information for Hallister to go to the preschool at the public school next to our house, because we qualify as low income.  Jonathan turned in the paperwork quickly on the way to work and we called and found out he got in!  So he goes to Castleman Creek Elementary, M-F, 12:20-3:20pm.  I am thankful it is not all day.  He is really enjoying learning, making friends in his class of 9 and his teacher Ms. Duckworth.

I like how convenient it is. I drop him off in front of school when it starts and pick him up in the back.  Liberty and Preston cruise over with me in the stroller to get him.  Below our first day of school pictures.

 

Now on to updates for the other two.  Preston and Liberty go to Mother's Day Out at a church that is right behind our house.  Liberty attends Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30-2:30pm and Preston just goes on Mondays.  With Liberty at home it is difficult for me to get work done. so this gives me a set time I can clean or do graphic design work.  Preston is pretty easy, he will play by himself, but I wanted him to socialize.  Both Lib and Pman have really increased their vocabulary.  Liberty's teachers call her the happiest girl they have.  Other kids cry in her room but she just waves at everybody and smiles all day.  That is so comforting to know!  I also like knowing that her teachers know about her allergies and are very aware of what other kids bring for lunch.

Staycation

I know, I know, we are once again month's behind on posts.  So....pretend it is July.....

Instead of going out of town for our 8th wedding anniversary we disbursed the kids to grandparents and enjoyed relaxing at our house.  We got stuff done around the house......like painting the front door brown to match the trim (it was green).  I organized a corner of Liberty's room as the play area while Jonathan moved our file cabinet from the boys' closet to the hall closet.  We also went through files and shredded a ton.  We felt very accomplished but also made sure we got rest.

Jonathan got to see Grease for the first time!  We saw the Waco Children's Theater perform and they were so talented.  Then we rented Grease for Jonathan to see and that just reaffirmed how well the high school students did.

It was a great staycation!