SPU Volleyball Reunion

It was the 30th anniversary of the first season of SPU volleyball, and Mommy went to the the Saturday reunion to see all of her former teammates. She had a luncheon gathering with her coaches and teammates, then we all went to watch the SPU volleyball game. At the intermission, Mommy and the alumni were honored by the announcer and crowd. Afterwards, we visited with everyone and even got a photo of the kids with Mommy on the gym floor that she used to play volleyball on 20 years ago.

Storytime

Bridget is reading Tor a story downstairs on the sofa where I read to Bridget before her nap.  She likes this book about Dora and the Soccer game, which they can relate to, since Jillian is playing soccer.  Tor was a very good listener.  Bridget is well on her way to becoming a good reader.

Bridget's 5th B-day Party

Bridget had her 5th birthday party this past Saturday. It was very eagerly anticipated, and there was no lack of excitement from Bridget. She could barely contain herself. She was a bit of a shy girl when everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to her, so she was probably unprepared for when Tor quickly blew out all her candles. Mommy relit them so Bridget could get her chance. After eating Mommy's delicious chocolate cake, Bridget finally got to open presents (her favorite part of her birthday, according to her). There was lots of screaming and jumping around, plus she gave multiple hugs to those around her. Bridget was one very happy big girl on this day!

Birthday Party at Pre-School

Bridget had her birthday celebration at her pre-school this past Friday. Her name was on the foam tiles in front of the classroom door, and she had a crown to wear during the party. She received a goody bag from her teacher Mrs. Cathcart, along with a card from all of her classmates, containing comments from each kid saying things like "You are very kind" and "I like playing with you".

Picture of Tor

When Bridget was getting her picture taken for the first day of pre-school, Tor wanted his picture taken, too. Here he is giving Mommy a "cheese".

Bridget's First Day of 4's Pre-school

Bridget couldn't wait to get going to her 4-year-old pre-school class at Calvary Community. She had been putting in some extra study time at home and Grannie's School of Torture, wanting to be prepared. After her first day, he favorite things to report were the playtime outside, the snacks, and making new friends with some of the new kids.

Bridget is 5!

Today was Bridget's actual birthday, and for her birthday dinner, she chose McDonald's, to the cheering of Jillian and Tor. They all got Happy Meals, which was their motivation (getting a prize).

Tor and Basketballs

With Tor it's all about basketball or tools.  He found the cash register with pennies in it so we played store, but the only thing he would buy or sell was basketballs.  I tried to buy food but he would have none of that.  When he needs a change of clothes he will only pick out a shirt with a basketball on it with matching basketball shorts.

Bike Park

Daddy took the kids to the bike park by Papa Ken's house. Jillian zoomed around at high speeds and did some (small) jumping, Bridget got good at pedaling fast enough to reach the tops of each hill, and Tor worked hard at pulling his truck up the highest hills he could find. Tor nearly wiped out on a really steep ramp, while the girls showed their skill in ditching their bikes if there was even a chance of crashing.

Gourmet Cooks

 Bridget and Jillian have been talking about making their own recipes so I let them try it.  Jillian started first and put flour, sugar(but she used salt instead), water and whatever they found in the cupboard.  Then Bridget went next and besides the sugar and flour, she put sprinkles and M&Ms.

 After it all was mixed, they wanted it put in the oven.

 After cooking their concoctions, they set up the table to have a tea party.  Jillian served their recipes and tea.  Bridget's cake obviously didn't have enough sugar so Jillian dusted more sugar on top.  Somehow Bridget's cake was green which caused some doubt but they tried it.  Jillian's recipe was just too salty.  She was all ready to try again and this time use chocolate.

While the girls were cooking, Tierney was playing Connect with Tor.  She had some water so Tor wanted water too.  It amused us because as soon as Tor got his water, he clinked his glass with Tierney's glass and said "Cheers!"

Jillian's First Day of 2nd Grade

Jillian marched off to 2nd grade at Olympic on Wednesday. She had a great time with her teacher, Ms. Hewitt (last year's reading teacher), and several of her friends from 1st grade. She already received a Good Citizenship Award from Principal Mr. Mendenhall, and the highest behavior card of "Touchdown!" from her teacher who is a big Seahawks fan. It's a good thing that the week was only 3 days long, because she was very tired by Friday -- not quite used to early school hours yet.

Papa's Little Helper

Tor is going to make Papas Ken and Bob and Uncle Davey proud.  Yesterday I just sat and watched Tor help Papa.  Tor works beside him and talks to Papa the whole time he's working.  He never gets tired of working.  Papa was putting up a board so he needed to put up a board too.

School

Bridget and Tor came as soon as Mommy had dropped Jillian off for her first day of school and the first thing Bridget wanted to do was "Grannie's School of Torture."  She worked for a long time, getting a new sound and book to read.  Bridget is always about doing what Jillian is doing. Tor wasn't to be left out so he wrote on a worksheet.

 Tor learning to work the remote-control car.  It's the girl's car and it still works so it didn't take him long to figure out the controls.

 We get a big kick out of Tor when he first gets here.  He immediately runs out to his tools, gets one and proceeds to help Papa on siding the house.  Good thing his tool is just a plastic hammer as he pounds pretty hard.  Sometimes he uses his saw to help cut boards.

The last bath together before school starts.  They love the bubbles!