Call Day #145, 4/28/13

Painting before church.  The getting-ready chart works so well we had time left to play before heading out the door!

After church, we went to the place where the girls dance because it was picture day.  The girls were happy to get to wear their recital outfits.

Hug.

Wink.

Showing off her outfit.

We got smoothies from McDonald's.  (You can see Claire's multiple scratches on her face and hand from falling on the sidewalk a few days ago.)

Sharing smoothies with Daddy when we took him some sweet tea.  Nice to see him for even a few minutes.

Dinner after Sunday night church at Christ the King--JP/Roxbury, the local church plant.

Logan holding Oliver.  Thankful for the many times extra hands were offered at church this morning and this evening, at just the right time--a small but tangible sign of loving and caring for one another.

Call Day #144, 4/24/13

Oliver had his 2 month doctor appointment today (though he was 2 months a bit ago).  He is big, weighing 14lb 1oz (68% for weight).

Waiting for the doctor.

We had a free birthday sundae at JP Licks about to expire so we went and the girls picked what they wanted: oreo ice cream with marshmallow sauce, gummy bears, and mangoes.

It was nice out so we spent some time at the park.  Claire dug in the dirt.

Decorating the trailer truck at the park with dandelions.  She filled in all the holes.

Oliver was super unhappy after napping this afternoon, crying a painful cry for quite a while.  I figured it was the result of multiple vaccinations this morning.  He didn't want to eat and wasn't easily comforted either.  Eleanor got a few smiles out of him though.

We went to the park again and the girls waited outside the park for their friends to come.

Oliver slept in the wrap after getting some tylenol and awoke much happier.

The kids found lots of ants to watch.

Watching a Bible story video during dinner, our habit on call days lately.

Call Day #143, 4/20/13

Girls with umbrellas and rain boots.  Claire with a stuffed animal "baby" under her shirt.

They don't mind rainy days because umbrellas make them fun.

We Are One Boston.

Thank You to All.  

It's been quite a week in our city.  Thankful for the massive efforts to catch the suspects and glad to be able to get out of the house today, after being on lockdown yesterday.  

Oliver buried under groceries at Aldi.

Three kids in a cart at Costco--yay for big carts!

Sometimes unplanned baths happen because diaper clean up is just too messy.  His happy smile didn't last long.  He can scream when he wants too (thankfully, that doesn't happen too often).

Eleanor spent nap time copying the cover of her Bible.

While Claire changed into this getup, a swimsuit and tutu.

Park time with Lila.

Eleanor, Claire, Lila, and Lorenzo tearing around the park.

Oliver sleeping in my arms on the park bench.

Call Day #142, 4/16/13

Enjoying balloons Daddy got for Eleanor's birthday yesterday 

Playing with the spirograph from Grandma and Grandpa 

Wearing her "I'm 5 Today" sticker from Mr. Tim (We opened cards and presents later in the day yesterday so decided to save it for today.)

Spent the morning at the park with friends from Bible study.  The highlight for all the kids are the big rocks to climb on. 

 Eleanor, Julia, and Prisca climb high.

Claire chats  with Oliver.

Selah and Eleanor. 

 Lunchtime.

Happy little guy, later fell asleep in his seat.

 Lots of teamwork building a fort from gathered sticks.

Big, blue (at least for now) eyes.  Blanket made for Oliver by Aunt Joann.

 Loved by his big sister.

A sweet moment.

Enjoying his seat sent by Grandma and Grandpa.

Watching a Bible story video.  They picked Daniel and the Lions Den.

While sitting for the movie, her foot fell asleep so she tried to walk it off.  Her description of that tingly feeling?  "Mommy, my foot has balls in it!"

Showing off some of her artwork.  She's been tracing some pretty complicated pictures today using her birthday gift from Aunt Linda, a drawing board that is backlit allowing you to trace a picture as the light shines through.

Call Day #141, 4/12/13

Their Friday morning routine: a movie and breakfast by themselves while prayer meeting meets at our place.

The girls took turns pretending to be the baby on the play mat and tended to each other when they cried.

Dancing at home before going to dance class.

Inspired by Daddy, Claire's been working on her fish face.

The girls made drawings for their teachers.  Eleanor's said "Eleanor Cahtrin Madsin Thank You for Teaching My Class."

Claire's class.

Claire's class lined up to practice their ballet recital dance.

This week the parents were invited in for the kids to practice with an audience.

Eleanor's class did both their ballet and tap routines.  Here's the ballet.

Claire talks to Oliver while we wait on Eleanor to finish her class.

Sweet boy.

Eleanor made "a book" this afternoon.  All text done herself.  Love her spelling.  Things like "The brtday piple had a cake.  The candl wit out."