Curious George

On Friday our local Barnes & Noble had story time with Curious George.  The girls really enjoyed seeing him & sat so well during the story.  We met our playgroup there and they colored the pictures given with our friends.  After we headed over to the Chersecake Factiry for lunch.  We don't take them to restaurants often just because you have to sit quiet in them.  Who wants to do that when you're 3 & 5?!  But I thought it was a good time since it was lunch on a weekday.  They were fantastic!!! They enjoyed looking at the ceiling & discovering the story it told, loved the food and of course the cheescake!  Soooo delicious.  It was a really nice morning.  

Pi Day...2 days early

I've had so much going in this week.  Trying to get our Swan House rented, organizing our Nolina House & having the girls home for Spring Break.  I knew March 14 (3.14) was this week.  Something caught my eye to remind me & I dashed out the door on Wednesday (3.12) and bought a pie.  I even threw together a little measuring the circumference lesson & served pie telling the girls it was Pi Day!!!  Oh my.  So it was two days early...Pi is always rounded, right?  Sheesh!  

Tea for Three?

It's been so nice having them home for Spring Break.  We've had time together without rushing.  Each morning they've asked for a cup of tea.  I've gladly made it for them...green tea.  Yum.  They are the sweetest.  

Handwriting

Both girls needed some practice with their handwriting.  My great SIL recommended Handwriting Without Tears.  I bought the workbook & have seen excellent strides this week after practice.  Paige is consistently writing her name correctly.  Hooray!  

Dance class

For Spring Break I registered the girls for a little dance class through the City's Park & Rec.  It was fantastic!!! The teacher did so many age appropriate things with them, rhythm sticks, bean bag balancing, ballet positions, magic bags, Chinese folklore, etc.  She even gave them Fairy wings & framed pictures of them dancing to take home.  Both girls really enjoyed it.  I registered them for another class in April & May with the same teacher. She's fabulous.  

1st bike ride

We are so lucky to have such great consistent weather here in the Valley.  We were able to ride our bikes to the park the other day.  It was the first time they were able to ride their bikes to a destination.  Paige was a little scared crossing the street & Hailey did great.  It was a fun new experience for them & a fun play time at the pkayground!  On the way back we passed an acorn tree where they picked up acorns & came home to make an art project.  I love where stay at home days take us.  Bikes rides to acorn art!  

Academy Award Night

I had made some homemade soup & bread & invited my mom over for dinner.  She informed me it was Oscar Night & wanted to watch the show.  The girls were thrilled to watch all the pretty clothes, hair, makeup & jewelry with my mom.  My mom even put their hair up in fancy updos & they went and got on their most fancy dress up clothes.  It was quite the evening for them.  Paige even got up out of bed to ask if she could watch more of the show with Nanny.  Should I even say it?... Girly, Girls!!! 

Play Time

Just some silly pics of them playing over the month.  I love them so.  

Valentine's Day 2014

Valentine's Day was not as special this year because we were moving.  But we made fun Valentines for our friends at school, had treats at home and went to the party at school.  The girls had fun and of course got even more love from mama & dada than usual.  

Gilbert Temple

I was able to your the Gilbert Temple last week.  It's difficult to describe it's beauty and grandeur.  It has an agave cactus theme throughout which is reflected in the wood carving, rugs, fabric, windows, travertine, and more.  It has amazing crystal chandeliers.  We were able to view the changing rooms, a baptismal that they use to baptize dead relatives, a serenity or celestial room used for reflection after receiving instruction, and a sealing room where they are wed for eternity.  That room was especially neat as they have mirrors that face each other & reflect to what looks like eternity.  While it was gorgeous, I never felt the "spirit" during my tour.  I was in awe of the architecture and design, but never felt a religious presence.  

Now my practical side comes out...  The amount of money that had to have been spent to build this grand temple probably could have fed a starving country for 6 months.  Or built a factory to put Americans to work. Or a recreation area for kids to play at and employed staff for a year.  Or provided health care for those in need.  If there is a god did he really want temples bulit in this style and dollar figure?  Organized religion really baffles me in most aspects.  But like I said, it has indescribable beauty and I'm really glad I was able to see it in person.  

Remodel progress

The girls have been really good about the transistion these last 6 weeks.  My aunt has been here to help keep routine for them and just being available.  It's been wonderful.  

They loved the Home Depot shopping 

Hailey so tired from shopping for light fixtures.  

Hailey helping to unpack.  

Bare floors for new carpet

New carpet installed.  Nothing fancy, just clean!  

Progress....

The new house is coming along.  Tile is in & painting us complete.  My aunt cleaned all the cupboards & I laid the contact paper in the kitchen.  We are awaiting the carpet install, granite install & baseboard install which all happens saturday & next week. We also need to buy all the new light fixtures.  I've started packing.  I even had a dear friend who moved last week bring me her boxes!!! We plan to be moving the weekend if Feb 15.  It's really exciting.  

New tile 

Brian painting 

Hailey's purple room 

Paige's pink room 

Granite at Arizona Tile.  It's now being fabricated. 

Auntie cleaning with paige 

My new farm style sink.  I've always wanted one.  Can't believe it's mine!