Nests & Nighttime (N Day)

Nonny Connie left early this afternoon, so I decided that we would do another letter that Dylan was already pretty good at. That way we wouldn't overload our day. That made today N Day!

N Day!

Confessions activity

No surprise with our first activity of the day - Do-A-Dot pages. We did the upper/lower page and his letter search page (I didn't take a pic of the letter search page, but you've seen plenty of those already).

Interesting side note that I didn't even think about before today: When doing his letter search sheet, he got confused between lowercase h and lowercase n. So, we might have to work on that again.

I had two more Confessions of a Homeschooler activities ready for N Day. First, we had the upper/lower case sorting game. Today's was really cute. There was a picture of the nest and the letters were on eggs. He had to put the right eggs in each nest. He rocks this game now! 

Confessions activity

Then we worked on bird nest puzzles. I cut some of these in crazy angles (instead of all of them being cut down the middle I did before) but it didn't slow him down. 

Confessions activity

Once Connie was gone, I figured that I would distract Dylan by doing a N craft. I made the bird and cut everything else out during his nap so it was ready for glue! He really liked putting the eggs in the nest.

We headed over to my parents' house later in the afternoon and took our final N craft of the day with us. My mom had the final ingredient to make our "N for Night" craft at her house. I had cut out a black lowercase n and a white moon. Dylan helped me decide where to put the moon and then he got some star stickers from Nonny to fill up the "night sky." 

I saw a photo of something kind of similar to this online, but changed it around to something that would appeal to Dylan.

N for Night

N Day was fairly low-key. We'll see how the rest of the week goes!

Hearts on H Day

Once again, I know we are going completely out of order but Friday was H day! I chose H that day because I knew we had to get to work on Valentines (with "H"earts) if he was going to make them and send them to all his grandparents in time for Valentine's Day. [Spoiler alert: If you are  one of Dylan's Grandparents and want to be completely surprised with your Valentine, you probably shouldn't read on until after your Valentine comes in the mail.]

We started off our morning with more Do-A-Dot stuff from Confessions. His Grandma Connie is still here visiting so he got to show off his skills for her. She was very proud, of course!

We had three H books to read before naptime. My Uncle John had given him Hippos Go Berserk (which he already loves) and I picked up two more from the library. One was just okay, the other was a huge hit. He really liked Hidden Hippo by Joan Gannij. 

The afternoon was filled with "H"earts! We made Valentine cards for all of his Grandparents. 

I had bought blank cards and he put conversation heart stickers on the fronts. He may have gotten more stuck on his fingers than on the cards. But at least he was having fun!

He then painted pictures inside each one. He even told me what each picture was. There were animals, birds, a rainbow, and even a pumpkin. He thinks he is quite the artist.

Dylan's masterpieces

We continued our Heart stuff with another craft. He glued all sizes of construction paper hearts on an upper and a lower case H. 

I love this picture of him concentrating SO hard! It always helps when you stick out your tongue! He's getting pretty good at using the glue stick. He doesn't get quite enough glue on each heart, but he gets the concept. I kept adding glue when he wasn't looking.

I was so surprised at how much I loved how this turned out. It was such a simple idea, and it turned out so cute! 

Nonny Connie had brought a gift for Dylan. It is one of those water color books. After his bath, he got to do a couple sheets. I picked the ones with H stuff to keep with our theme of the day. 

We've hardly had time for Letter Day stuff because he has been having so much fun playing with Nonny Connie. As a matter of fact, I am sitting here typing and I can hear him giggling with delight in his room. He is having way too much fun. I guess that's what grandmas are for!

Eggs, Elephants and Electricity

Dylan and I woke up on E day to a surprise. We had no power!

What an unexpected opportunity to talk about E day. I told Dylan that we didn't have any "E"lectricity. We watched the Mid-American guys go "Up! Up! Up!" and "Down! Down! Down!" while climbing the power lines to fix our electricity. They fixed it within an hour of us getting out of bed, so it really wasn't that big of a deal. Actually, the worst part of that hour for me was that I wasn't able to make coffee! Ahhhh!

Confessions activity

While waiting for our lights to come on, we started some E activities. Today was important because it was the first day that we were tackling a letter that he has struggled with. Why he has had issues with E, G & J is beyond me. Hopefully we squashed his E issues today.

[Side note: my pics are a little darker today considering our lack of lamplight and that it was raining so there was no sunlight. And please ignore Dylan's bedhead. It was still early.]

D is getting to be a pro at the upper/lower case sorting. He did this one twice today without any help from me. As a matter of fact, the second time was really fast and looked like it was on autopilot.

Confessions activity

We also did a bit of coloring before eating "E"ggs for breakfast.

Before naptime today we read two E books. Ellison the Elephant and Green Eggs and Ham. They were both big hits.

When he woke up from his nap, I had a Green Eggs and Ham snack waiting for him (I found the idea on Pinterest). He was all excited when he heard cookies, sprinkles, and pudding - but when he saw that it was green he decided that vanilla pudding (normally his favorite) was icky and he needed chocolate pudding instead. Oh well, it was cute and worth a try. Even sprinkles couldn't make him eat this one!

By this time Dylan's Grandma Connie was here! She is here visiting for the weekend! Dylan is SO excited!

I managed to get another E craft in before Dylan pulled Nonny into his room to play with animals and basketball.

Earlier in the morning, we had traced his hands and a foot for this Bald Eagle craft. Dylan looked at the example picture and told Connie where she should put all the pieces. I wasn't allowed to help with this one. He was all about Nonny!

Here is the link for the craft. I think it turned out really cute. Dylan really liked it too!

After Dylan and Nonny had some quality playing time, we filled ourselves with pizza before more craft time.

We put together an elephant mask (found here). It would have looked cuter with gray construction paper but that wasn't included in my pack. So, black it was. Dylan liked playing with the trunk and making trumpeting sounds.

Before bed we read Horton Hears a Who and colored a Horton the elephant coloring page. Yes, I know that most people would do Horton on H Day, but I already confused Dylan when we watched Dumbo (and elephant movie) on D day. So, we just went with the story of an elephant on E day.

He also wanted to reread his other E books before bed. My kid loves books and loves to read. I hope it is something that he will never grow out of. He has so many family members that love getting lost in books. I hope he can find that joy as well.

Josh’s Farewell Party

I thought I’d use Memorial Day to write about Josh’s Going Away Party. Saturday, May 19 was the big day to celebrate my amazing husband. It wasn't to celebrate the fact that he was leaving. It was to celebrate the fact that he is serving our country, the sacrifice he is making, and to let him know how much he is appreciated and loved by family and friends.

Me & My Man

Some of Josh’s family was able to make the trip to Moline. His Mom, Dad, Sister Michelle, and Uncle Bud traveled to Illinois to show their support. I was so grateful that they were here. My Dad and Step-mom also came from Colorado for the party. It really meant a lot that these people traveled all this way for Josh’s send-off.

It was an all-American party, from the Coast Guard service-member to the décor! Fun note: the signs on the drink coolers were labeled VETERANS (Adult Beverages), ENLISTED (Soda), and RECRUITS (Water). I’m telling you, when I pick a theme, I stick with it!

We had so much food! There was enough to last all day with plenty leftover! My Dad was the grill master with the hot dogs, and I had lots of help with the food from my Mom and Grandmas. We even had a teamworking cookie machine the day before the party. Josh made the batter and then the cookies were baked by Cindy, Michelle, and Connie.

Speaking of cookies…

Cookie Bar

Josh isn’t much of a cake man so we decided to have a cookie bar for dessert. My grandma even made a huge batch of her chocolate chip cookies that she always makes for Josh. And we ordered a giant cookie instead of a cake.

It was quite the turnout. So many people came to show support for my man. I was so proud. He even got some special drinks and a cigar from some of the guests. Sometimes he is a little too humble to be the man of the hour, but he certainly deserved it this time.

I was happy to have several of my friends there to show support. Jon, Colleen, Erin, Tricia, and Breanne all came. I know that handful of friends are going to be the ones who are going to be here keeping me occupied over the next year. I’m really lucky to have their care and support.

Breanne, Colleen, Anika, and Tricia

Colleen and I shared a couple awesome moments. She had all her kids with that day and our children were bonding like crazy. While we were watching Dylan push Tyler around on one of his toys Josh came up behind us and said, “You two have been waiting for this moment for about 15 years, haven’t you?” Yes, yes we have.

Dylan & Tyler

Dylan also had a quiet moment with Kiley that I was really excited to catch with my camera.

Kiley & Dylan

Dylan had way too much fun at the party. I'm sure he thought the party was for him. There ended up being a lot of kids there.

He was also getting awfully spoiled by Poppy (my dad). He took Dylan for a walk across the street and bought him an ice cream cone! Good thing he was still in his swim gear because I think he got more ice cream on this clothes than he did in his mouth.

Dylan may have thought the party was for him, but Josh was obviously the man of the hour. I think he told the same stories more than a dozen times. When he was leaving, where he was going, about the kind of ship he'll be on. I even saw him with his phone out at one point, showing a map of where to find Bahrain.

Talking to B-ry

Overall, I think the party was quite a success. The kids seemed to love the Kids Zone in the back yard and it looked like the adults had fun too. So many people came to support Josh and wish him good luck. It was a great send-off. Josh even got support from California - Bryan called that evening.

I need to thank my Mom for weeks of help leading up to the party. She was there for me the whole time and I couldn't have gotten the party together without her and Bob. And a big thank you to everyone else who helped make the party such a success.

Anika: Wife, Mother, Party Planner :)

On Memorial Day today, I'm thinking even more of my amazing husband and all our friends who have or still are serving. That small percentage of our Country's population deserves more than a few special days a year when everyone remembers the huge sacrifices they are making (or have made).

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~Elmer Davis

Happy Memorial Day!

Our Busy Last Day in the QC

The day before we left Moline was Bob’s Birthday. (Funny note about this post. Even though it was Bob’s Birthday, all of the photos I have from this day are with my Dad’s side of the family. Interesting)

Bob took the day off of work, so we hung out with him all morning. We even treated him to his favorite Birthday meal. “Dead chicken from Jim’s Rib Haven.” Josh and I had to get ribs, but Bob got his favorite Chicken Dinner with hot sauce. He was a happy guy.

Even though it was Bob’s birthday, today was the only day that my Dad was going to be in town while we were (He drove from Colorado and got in early that morning) So after lunch, we left the house to meet up with him and Connie for the rest of the afternoon. We met them at the Mall so Josh and I could finish our Holiday shopping, and Dylan could wear out Nana Connie at the kids’ play area in the Food Court. Dylan was so excited to see his Nana. She had watched him the day before while Josh and I had a movie/dinner date.

Grandpa, Dad & I at Grandma's grave

When we left the Mall, Dylan was passed out in the backseat (too much Nana fun!). We drove to the cemetery to place a Christmas wreath at my Grandma’s grave. Remembering Grandma, she absolutely loved Christmas Eve with our family. She is missed so much at Christmas and all through the year. When she died, someone wrote in a condolence note to me, “Grandmas are so special.” It’s such a simple statement, but it’s so true.

After a couple hours at Grandpa Charlie’s house (where Dylan unwrapped a CAT tractor toy and tool box from Grandpa & Joanie), we headed to Harris for dinner with my family. Yup, we had Jim and Harris in the same day. QC food overload (but well worth it)!! Nana Connie and Poppy Steve showed Dylan how the pizza guys toss dough and throw flour at the window where the kids watch. Dylan loved it!

Dylan with his Poppy Steve

After dinner, we went back to my Aunt Karen’s house to open some more Christmas gifts. Once again, we were totally spoiled. Our families are incredibly generous. Dylan got toys and lots of books and some really cute outfits. He also got some fun wrestling time with Poppy.




It was a wonderful day with so much of my family. I think Dylan had too much fun!

A Busy Early Christmas Eve

We spent the weekend before Christmas at my parents’ house. Since we were leaving a few days before Christmas, I convinced myself that Saturday, Dec 17 was Christmas Eve and Sunday, Dec 18 was Christmas Day. Santa came early, we did stockings on Christmas Morning, a family meal and presents - the whole she-bang. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Back to our Early Christmas Eve…

Dylan and I had been in Moline for almost two weeks without Josh. He was at a two week training school in California. Once he was done, he flew into Moline on the red-eye from San Francisco. I went to pick him up at 9:30 am on Saturday morning while Dylan had breakfast with Grandma Linda & Grandpa Bob.

Josh and I got back to the house right about the time that Dylan was getting a little cranky and ready for his nap. Not quite the welcome that I was hoping he’d give Daddy, but what can you do? While Dylan took his nap, Bob & I took Josh over to see the house that Dylan and I will be moving into in a couple months. Yes, it has been decided. Dylan, Oscar and I are going to be living in Grandma Gisele’s house. She moved out of the house and into an apartment a while back. The house didn’t sell and the contract was up with the real estate agent. So, instead of resigning with her and putting it back on the market, she offered it to me. It’s a win-win for all.

On the way back from the house, we picked up Hungry Hobo (always on the list of must-eat places when I’m in town) and brought it home for lunch. Dylan had just woken up before we got here and was a brand new boy. He was incredibly happy to see Josh. As a matter of fact, he was having a hard time looking away from him. Josh had to eat his entire lunch kneeling down next to Dylan’s highchair. They shared a turkey sandwich, lots of laughs, and lots of hugs and kisses.

After lunch, it was time for Josh to take a nap (he was REALLY tired after taking the red-eye) and it was time for Dylan and I to go pick up my step-mom (Nana Connie) at the airport. It seemed like everyone was coming into town that day! Dylan was a little shy at the airport, but warmed up to Nana by the time we got to Aunt Karen’s house. Then Dylan was getting spoiled with love by Nana and Great-Aunt Karen. He read books, showed off his dancing skills, went up and down the stairs a few times, and even got to pet the dog! What a lucky boy! My Grandpa Charlie and his wife also stopped over to say hello.

By the time we headed back to Mom & Bob’s house, Dylan was passed out in the back seat. Fun overload! While he took a quick nap, I woke Josh up from his nap because we had company coming. Mike & Liz came over for an evening of carry-out Chinese food, early presents, dance parties, and (once again) too much fun!

Dylan got to open an early Christmas present from Grandpa Bob & Grandma Linda. It was a Honda 4-Wheeler! When he saw it, his eyes got huge, he started clapping, and tried to climb on before we could get it out of the box.

He drove that thing around the house for about an hour. Then, he started getting ridiculous and wanted to stand up on the seat. I have such a BOY! He's a dare-devil. I am in so much trouble for the future.

Dylan was so happy to see his Daddy. He hardly let him out of his sight all night long. They played and snuggled all night.

It was a great early Christmas Eve. We saw SO much family and had WAY too much fun. We all slept well that night! And when we woke up…Christmas Morning!

Nana Connie comes to GA

This week, my Step-mom (Dylan’s Nana) came to visit for a few days. Connie gets lots of Dylan time, Dylan gets lots of spoiling, and I get lots of relaxation…everyone is happy! She came for a 5 day vacation, which we all agreed is not long enough! Next time, we will know better.

We picked her up on Saturday, just in time for her to come to the ‘Trunk or Treat’ on base with us and the Runnels Family. I didn’t have Dylan’s costume ready so he just wore a “I heart Mummy” shirt - and I think he looked adorable! I’m not sure if he was scared or amazed at all of the costumes around him. In this photo, I couldn’t get his attention because I think the Mario Brothers were standing behind us!

‘Trunk or Treat’ went up one road and back down the other, and there were lots of trucks, cars, and even boats all decked out in Halloween decorations. It was sunny and gorgeous out, which meant that LOTS of other people were there at the same time as us. The line to walk up and down the street was really long! But we still had fun.

Dylan really liked the big blow-up lawn ornaments. Every time the spider would move his head from side to side, Dylan would laugh and clap. I guess he didn’t get the memo to be scared around spiders that are bigger than your car.

He also liked the giant black cat. His head moved back and forth too. After clapping for a while, he went over to pet the kitty. But that one wasn’t as cuddly as Oscar.

All of the cars had different themes and cute stuff. Dylan liked the Pirate themed one (of course) and tried to steal some treasure instead of candy. He knows what he likes!

Us with Katie & Elleah

I’m so glad the Runnels let us tag along with them and their little half angel- half devil. The only down side was that both of our kids didn’t take good naps that day, so neither one of them was energy packed and ready for fun. At least there was no screaming and crying! Now we’ll just have to hope that our group Trick-or-Treating night goes well!

Dylan has been having so much fun with Nana Connie. I think they are both going to be sad when she leaves. At least he got a huge amount of spoiling squeezed in the past 5 days. Between all of the hugs, and long walks through the neighborhood, and book reading, and snuggling, and presents (more on that later)...he has been one lucky little fella!

Dylan & Nana Connie