Why shouldn't we look at the sun?

We've been studying astronomy for science this semester (we're using Exploring Creation with Astronomy from Apologia.)  Right now we're learning about the sun and the kids were excited to give their first little speeches.

First Week of School

On My Own

Papi went golfing with some friends from work on a recent Sunday morning.  I needed out of the house, and everyone was healthy, so we made our way to church.

We were running late (I know, you're thinking, when is Mami not running late) so I eventually gave up the fight about the outfits.  I won the discussion over JT's clothes, but totally gave in on footwear!

Cave Adventures (as explained by JT)

 Donde? - "A la cueva"

Que? - "Nueces"

Como fue? - "Bueno.  Habia agua fria."

Quien? - "JT, JA, y Papi"

Cuando? - "Hoy.  Despues del almuerzo."

Por que? - "Para ensenar la linterna de cabeza de JT al hombre quien da los cascos, pero el hombre quien da los cascos no estaba alli."

The kids wanted to record in their notebooks drawings of what they had seen in the woods and in the cave.  I was explaining to JA how thinking about the question words can help you to make a complete record of an experience.  JT took the opportunity to answer all of the questions. :)

Spots

 

JMC had his 1 year vaccines on the 5th.  A few days ago he started to be cranky and sleepier than normal (though he'll only sleep in our arms).  He's had a fever since yesterday accompanied by spots.  The spots are multiplying and my normally easy-going little boy has not been happy at all.  A quick trip to the pediatric clinic and we now know:

1.  Yes, he had a reaction to the varicella vaccine at the site of the injection.
2.  The rest of the spots are not due to the same reaction.
      a.  The spots could be from the MMR vaccine (another reaction.)
      b.  Or they could be due to Roseola
      c.  Or they could be due to some other virus.
3.  Those cloth diapers are so cute!

First, I want to help JMC feel better and not be so absolutely miserable.  At the same time, I wish I knew what caused this.  Is he contagious? ("it depends on the cause of the rash.")  Are JA and JT at risk of getting this? (again, it depends...)

So, if you recognize these spots, please share your thoughts.  Your guess is as good as mine. :)

Weekend Highlights

Una linterna como la de Tia!  JT was so excited about this headlamp, he wanted to sleep with it on!

 1st really big scrape of the summer.

I thought JMC should try feeding himself...

Summer Break's Over

We've been on summer break for 2 weeks, and we're all ready to get back to a normal routine around here.  We're beginning our school year tomorrow, but easing into things, adding one or two subjects at a time. 

Don't get me wrong, we do love having free time, but a routine seems to keep everyone a little more sane and getting along.  Another benefit for our family of year-round schooling, is that we're able to take breaks when we need them (like the 6, or 8, weeks off around the time we moved.)  So, this year we plan to continue with our lovely, works for us right now, schedule of taking off birthdays, holidays, extra long breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and then random days off here and there as needed.  See, we really do love our free time, just split up a bit more than with a traditional school schedule. :)

Well, this year we're all super-excited to begin our new science curriculum, and that may have something to do with the desire to get back in the swing of things.  Also, Chulo has decided he wants to learn to read, and has been working really hard practicing.  He knows all of the letter sounds, syllables except those with u, and is beginning to put syllables together in words.

Bonita has been intrigued by the projects and posters on her cousins' walls.  She began the summer creating tons of artwork for her bedroom.  This weekend, she decided she needed to make a poster about the bald eagle.  We hadn't been talking about eagles, or even watched anything on Netflix about them, but she was determined.  So, a quick trip to the library and some searching online, and I now have a poster in the hall and a very content 6 year old. :)

Guapo is happy to get into everything, and before he gives up morning naps (our main school time) or begins walking on his own, we really need to take advantage of the time.  Once he's more mobile, or gives up morning naps, scheduling will surely get more tricky.

Oh, and while I'm thinking of it, I think I'll change their nicknames on here.  Their little personalities become more apparent daily, and it seems like I'll be forever changing their names.  So, for simplicity's sake, I'll go with initials.  J for everyone! LOL.  :)

June (the best month of the year)

In June we celebrated my birthday, Father's Day, and Guapo's birthday.  It was a great month and we had a blast with all of the celebrations.  Guapo's birthday, being his first, was especially fun, and we got to celebrate twice - once with my parents, and again on his actual birthday!

My list of birthday blessings this year:

• the kids actually kept my gifts a secret!
• Papi took the day off work
• I slept in!!
• birthday pancakes (that I didn't make)
• got to see Guapo's 1st step
• hummingbirds at the feeder
• 1st radish ready
• everyone napped 
• the neighborhood pool opened
• I asked to borrow something and it was given to me
• Angel food cake and strawberries

Father's Day is always fun, though I think it might possibly get overshadowed by my birthday.  I'll have to try and remember that so I can plan accordingly for next year.

Guapo's birthday was everything a first birthday should be - gifts, family, friends, frosting everywhere, and a birthday boy just as happy with the wrapping paper as with what's inside.  :)

Hiking (and a cave!)

Shortly after moving here, Papi came home from work and took us on a drive.  He had heard about a state park nearby - and wow, it really is close - only a 10 minute drive from the apartment!  We've been there several times since, and lately, I keep thinking we need to make it a point to go again. 

Each time we go, we hike a different path and discover something new.  The first time, Bonita discovered the pamphlet with animal prints, and led us in searching out different prints (she surely saw bear and armadillo prints!) LOL

The second time we found a path that went up a steep hill, complete with stairs and minuscule red spiders crawling everywhere.  Honest, they were so red and so small, that even I wasn't afraid!  We also found the entrance to a large cave.  You're supposed to be part of a group to go in the cave, but the entry is open to the public, so Papi took Chulo and Bonita in.  They were ecstatic to report that they saw bats! 

Other trips to this park have led to finding flowers of all sorts, some I recognized and many I did not.  We also have found some real animal footprints, but neither bear nor armadillo; most likely raccoon and possum. 

the 4th

I was sad to learn that there isn't a 4th of July parade here.  I'm not really sure why it bothered me, as we never went to the parade in Bloomington, but I really wanted to go to a parade this year.

Well, after much searching online, I found a parade in a town of 3,000, about 15 minutes south of here.  It's a cute little town that reminded me quite a bit of Coal City.  The whole parade lasted about 15-20 minutes!  There were police cars to begin and end the parade, as well as 2 firetrucks.  Besides that, it was mostly the town people riding on decorated bikes, horses, golf carts, etc.  Everyone threw candy - even the 6 year old riding a battery powered 4-wheeler.  We all had a blast, especially the kids - and we weren't outside long enough for my skin to burn (huge plus!)

I can't figure out how to turn this one... Please leave a comment if you know how! :)

On the 4th, we enjoyed spending time with family who came to visit.  The kids had fun playing, and everyone enjoyed a refreshing dip in the pool.  Then, after the kids had gone to bed, Papi and I heard fireworks.  I thought it was more from the neighbors, but Papi went outside to check.  We were able to watch the city fireworks display from our patio!  Papi woke up Chulo (and tried to wake Bonita) and we enjoyed the fireworks together - Chulo's first time!  The neighbors didn't even start up again until the end of the city's show, thankfully, as they decided to set their own fireworks off right above our building, and we were grateful to go inside to avoid the sparks falling overhead!

Happy 4th of July!

Chulo's 4! (yeah, since April...)

Thanks to the time & skills of my BIL, I have my computer back!  Let the rejoicing begin!  Yeah!!!

 So, here are some highlights from the spring and early summer.

In mid-April, Chulo turned 4.  His one request was to go to the zoo; so we did, on a very cold, windy Saturday.  We ran from building to building, trying to stay warm, and wondering why they sell ice cream and slushies on warm days, but don't offer hot cocoa on the cold days.

 a flat turtle we all thought was cool

 it really was that cold

 birthday pancakes!

 He wore that pin proudly all day, even to church.

Now that he's 4, he's also decided that it's time to learn to read.  He's learned all of the letter sounds, and is working his way through the syllables.  It amazes me once again how difficult yet exciting learning to read can be.  Thankfully, turning 4 also (finally!!!!!) brought about his cooperation in the potty-training department.

I can't believe my little guy is 4 already.  Recently, he and I had some time alone (okay, so we went to the dentist, it was still just us) and I got to see how grown up he is.  Yeah, he's only 4, but when a certain 6 1/2 year old isn't around, he has a chance to talk and hold real conversations, just like a big kid.