We don’t let the kids have a lot of time on electronics, but they are always asking for TV, computer, iPad, Wii, etc. I got fed up this week with the asking. I created the pom-pom system. They have to earn pom-poms and only when they have pom-poms can they ask for the screen time of their choice. They can earn a pom-pom for reading a book (or chapter), good behavior, and other random reasons I decide. (They can also lose them for especially bad behavior.) Each pom-pom is worth 10 minutes on any electronic device. This has been awesome. I still have veto power on when the pom-poms can be used but the kids don’t come and ask unless they know they have pom-poms in their jar. In fact, the amount of reading has gone up significantly!
Month: June 2016
Just a little local playground fun – and some slime making too.
Just a little local playground fun.
This picture just screams “lost children” to me.
That time Teague tried to change the doll’s diaper for Kaitlyn and realized it was much harder than it looked.
I decided the boys needed to keep working on their reading and math this summer too (and give Mom a little break during Kaitlyn’s nap time). While she naps, everyone does a math sheet and then the boys take turns reading. Sometimes they read to each other and sometimes they read to me. It has worked out nicely (in my opinion) and the boys haven’t complained too loudly!
Today we introduced Kaitlyn to the Boppers.
No words..
This morning I put everybody to work. The boys were cleaning and Kaitlyn was putting away canned goods from Sam’s Club.
Today Alex brought his own fishing pole – and we realized he might need a new, larger one.
Teague loves to visit with this older gentleman who lives a few houses down from the beach. He walks down every day and always sits on the bench for a little while. He tells the same stories every day, but Teague doesn’t notice.
Today we were all alone at the beach and it was nice and peaceful – until the kids got bored of being with each other.
I got a waterproof case for my iPhone and today we tested it out at the beach! Hopefully many more “dock” pictures to come!
Beach time. A little sibling bonding….
I needed to put another coat of paint on the doors. Teague wanted to add a little more light for me.
I take absolutely no credit for any of this ensemble. She has strong ideas and opinions.
Don’t worry. No animals were harmed in the making of these pictures (and a treat or two might have been given).
Follow the leader.
Kaitlyn could barely sit still she was so excited to get some of Leah’s makeup.
We have a little problem when it comes to the beach. We can’t seem to stay away. It’s the perfect activity that everyone (Mom included) enjoys and it fills our summer days with lots of fun!
Kaitlyn’s new favorite trick:
Hot potato – with a water balloon. Awesome beach game!
New shoes. What more could a girl want for her birthday?
Summer Days.
Picking up Alex from a sleepover always turns into a day of fun. We had planned a morning at the pool, but the weather didn’t cooperate. Instead we played at Amber’s house and the kids ended up in their bathing suits anyway!
Sleepover with a best bud.
Because Alex got a sleepover in Milwaukee, I told Teague he could choose a special activity for the evening. I suggested a movie, a dessert, etc. He wanted sushi.
She snacks.
We have a running joke going around in our family about “unimpressed” food. This occurs when you draw a face on it. I opened the egg container to find a carton-full of unimpressed eggs courtesy of Alex.
Beach Day 21,216.
(There are never too many.)
Beach Day 21,216.
(There are never too many.)
Beach Day 21,216.
(There are never too many.)
Silly goose.
Just a little reading practice.
(I love having two readers in the house!)
We got Reggie out to play today and the kids loved it! (I’m not so sure how Reggie felt about it.)
As Leah was leaving today the kids showed me their new way of saying good-bye.
Not only did we have a full day planned yesterday with Kaitlyn’s party, but when Wade took his morning shower, he realized something was wrong with the hot water. He did a little looking and realized the hot water heater wasn’t working. He spent his few free hours working on it and replaced a part, but no hot water. Knowing he was going out of town for an extended period of time, he decided to have someone come install a new one, versus doing it himself. (In case something went wrong and he wasn’t there to correct any issues.) That meant cold showers for most of us and warm sink baths for one lucky little girl.)
Happy Father’s Day!
Morning milk.
I debated about whether to have a “party” for Kaitlyn and we finally decided to have a few friends and a small party at the beach. We had perfect weather and a lot of fun!
Birthday fun at the beach.
Having a birthday near July 4th is a little crazy so we celebrated with friends a few weeks early!
We are having a little party for Kaitlyn tomorrow and cheese dip is always necessary. The kids are getting better and better when it comes to helping me make the dip.
The hours these three spend together is what summer is all about.
I thought this was hilarious – until Teague did it in front of Wade.
Then Teague and I decided it was a bad idea and should not be repeated.
Mischief maker.
I love how much dress up happens in our house since moving next door to Leah.
Kaitlyn has discovered our dress up trunk – but our options in her size are limited….
I’m pretty sure Kaitlyn wants to be Teague when she grows up…
I had the cutest dates for lunch today.
VBS this week!