Most mornings while Jack is getting ready for school and after she leaves, Benny and Hill run off to play together. But first they fight for like 30 minutes. They really know how to get under each other's skin. They are all good about combining "boy" and "girl" toys.
Last week Ben had his first dentist appointment. Hilly and I went first. He didn't even get his teeth brushed. Or flossed. He first picked grape toothpaste (which I thought was cute) and he hated it. Then she gave him cookie dough bc that's what Hill chose. Hated that too. Then she just lightly brushed with water.
Here she is, attempting to brush his teeth.
We got to this dentist bc they accept our insurance. But this lady is really not that patient w the kids. She gets frustrated when the tools are too small for their mouths and flustered when they don't want their teeth brushed. She was upset that we couldn't get xrays of Jack/s 6 year molars - that aren't in yet. I thought to myself, 'Ummm.. they are either coming in or they aren't. What is a picture really going to do?' Whatever.
Hilly was sort of a nightmare after her teeth were cleaned. We were there for over an hour and she was over it. I told her to go stock up on treasure from the treasure chest. She totally took too many but I was over it.
At the HAC. Hannie is under there. I guess this was Tuesday bc the older girls have dance and Hilly has tumbling. That's why I love the HAC. While one child has an activity, I can check the schedule and see if the times match up for any of my other kids and throw them into an activity at the same time.
3 kiddos playing at night after baths. I love this sight, as you all know.
After bath. Oh she had her box top shop. HUGE shout out to Aunt Jeannette. Because of her hard work and dedication to her niece, Jackie, Jackie had more box tops than anyone in her entire class!! The school sets up this little "shop" where in exchange for box tops, they can "purchase" little toys or candy or cookies, etc. It is such a huge deal at her school. So THANK YOU to Aunt Jeannette. If anyone else is reading this and comes across box tops, please cut them out and send or give to us!!
So here is Niki, my friend Cara's dog (who is moving to Portland). She had to put her jack Russell down last week. I just needed to dedicate this entry to Niki, because she stole my heart the moment I saw her. Aunt Donna, you will appreciate these little Niki facts. They live on this nice sized property and there is a sort of dirty little pond on the property, Niki would go for daily swims and one time she came back with a turtle in her mouth. She would also lay in the center of the sunny street and cars would have to stop and shoo her out of the way. And more than once, cars thought she was lost or stray and would take her home with them. Every time we pulled up to their house, we would open the van door and Niki would hop into our van like she owned the place and the kids would scream and laugh as Niki invaded our car and began to eat all the crumbs on the bottom of the car. I just got such a kick out of this loving dog. I took this picture at our book club last week, where she hung out and received pets. Godspeed, sweet Niki.
Wednesday's soccer practice- mid scrimmage, Hilly and Em sit down to have a chat. They actually have come a pretty long way since the beginning and they are both really good at dribbling the ball, etc... In general, their only problem is they don't give a crap. Details!
End of practice cheer.
Friday I took 3 of Jackie's friends to the HAC during Hilly's swimming lesson. Jack had no school for conferences. Jack had all perfect marks and is a good and quiet student. She sits next to Thomas, who apparently is one of her best friends. He braids her hair during class (??). Whatever.
Anyway, below is my girl Hilly.
Jackie, Evelyn, Leah and Sarah had the pool to themselves. I love these girls. They are sooo cute.
Sarah and Jackie.
All 4 of them.
Everyone. Hilly was so excited to meet these girls that the second they got in the car, Hilly said "I'm Hillary." and she followed them around the pool just waiting for them to ask her to play- which they did. They all have little brothers or sisters in pre-K, like Hilly. At one point Leah said to Evelyn "Aren't you glad our little sisters aren't here?" (they were just excited to do things their siblings couldn't do). I cringed bc Hilly heard her say that. So I quickly added "I wish they could be here! I just need a bigger car!"
Saturday morning field hockey. Coldest day ever. Windy. Rainy. Terrible. She had a blast. Go Jack!
Wedding Saturday night for our friends Angie and Marshall. Below I am with Martha and Janna- Jim's good friends wives. They really have become good friends of mine. I prefer Jim's high school friends to his college friends, but that might just be because I know them better. I like his college friends too. But most of their wives aren't that awesome.
Sunday after driving home from the wedding- Thanks for watching the kids, Mom!- I took Sarah and Jackie to a birthday party. This is the only picture I got because I came down with a terrible cold that I'm just getting over and zapped me with energy. What a baby, I know. But seriously- it was a bad cold.
Yesterday was our crazy day- Benny's soccer is below. He freaking loves his activities. I think because he has spent so much time watching the girls do stuff. Anyway, I love his spirit.
We took Drew to soccer and karate. These 2 are such good friends. They fight like chicks, though, let me tell you. Hurt feelings, tears, and a huge hug at the end of a fight. But they are fiercely loyal to each other. I love them.
Meanwhile, Hilly and Hannie cracking up in yoga.
Drew asked me if he could "play yoga." His father's dream, I'm sure!
