Proud to be a CBI Kid!

I have always taught Religious School.  For the past couple of years Sophia would join me as we rushed out of the house on Sunday mornings, leaving Chloe and Henry at home to play with Seth.  But today, Chloe joined us!  Chloe started Religious School! 

When I explained to Chloe that she would now go with Sophia and I on Sundays, she gave me a huge smile and asked "will you teach me Hebrew?"  My heart melted. 

Chloe was all smiles this morning as we piled into the car and made our 1st stop at the Coffee Shop (a Sunday tradition).  When we entered into Services, I asked her if she wanted to sit with me or with her class.  She gave me a funny look and answered "with my class, of course."

Chloe is awesome!

Cooling Off

Summers in Sacramento are hot.  Hot weather makes cranky kids.  Cranky kids make me crazy.  So, to cool off I would start watering the lawns and "accidentally" spray the kids (who are fully clothed).  Henry fell in LOVE with this game.  As soon as I would turn on the hose, Henry would run INTO the water.  Water is spraying him in the face, and he is laughing.  And when the clothes and diaper start to weigh him down, he gets naked.

One afternoon our lovely neighbor across the street walked over and thanked us for the entertainment (she explained  her family loves to watch Henry running and squealing).

Great times.

Third Grader!

This week Sophia started 3rd grade! 

Seems like last year she was in kindergarten and I would have to drag her to school.  Now, she's taking the extra time to pick out her clothes and do her hair.  The days are long, but the years are fast.

My Favorite 5 Yahoos!

Seven years ago, Jenn and I started a "kid swap."  I would watch Eli (then 13 months old) one morning a week, and in exchange Jenn would watch Sophia (then 16 months old) a different morning.  It gave us the time to work, clean, shop, or nap without a kid.  A wonderful arrangement!

And we kept it going...all those years...Preschool* Birth of Austin* Birth of Chloe* Sophia starting school* Eli starting school* Birth of Henry.  We had fun - with no major accidents, temper tantrums, messes or tears.

But now as Austin enters Kindergarten (YEAH!), we are ending the weekly kid-swap.  It has been a joy to watch the Obersts and Atens play together for all these years!  I will miss it.

The Beginning

Last "swap day"

Snacks, Cookies, Smiles and Underwear

The Oberst kids have been BUSY!

We celebrated Chloe's 3rd Birthday with a Snack Party. The party consisted of a buffet of snacks, a custom goldfish cracker pinata, snack-themed games, lots of friends and ALL the cousins. It was a wonderful birthday party.

Sophia has been very busy selling Girl Scout Cookies for her Daisy troop #1647. I was especially impressed with her sales skills at the site sale; she was loud, confident and cute!

Henry has perfected his smile. He loves any/all attention and will reward you with a wonderful smile in return.
AND....Chloe decided she is done with diapers!! In one day she decided that she was "old enough" to wear underwear. As a special treat, she gets a couple of M&Ms when she uses the potty. To be fair, we have decided that the entire family should also be rewarded with M&M treats!

Sisters

The other night during bath time Sophia and Chloe kicked Seth out of the bathroom (he happily left). We checked on them periodically. But, they were getting along so nicely that we took advantage of the free time.

10ish minutes later, I noticed that the girls' bedroom door was shut. I walked over to the room to find the girls dripping wet putting on their PJs. They yelled "surprise" and started giggling. Sophia explained that she washed hers and Chloe's hair and was "taking care of everything." After I helped with the dressing, the girls ran off to the kitchen table. Sophia and Chloe then started playing "school." Sophia was teaching Chloe how to add and subtract. Amazingly enough, Sophia was able to explain it so Chloe understood. Cool.

It seems that the girls having been fighting a lot lately. So, on the occasions that they are playing together, it is especially sweet and fun to watch.

He Weighs How Much?!

Today Henry had his 2-month check-up. He's happy and healthy, and developing "on track." the biggest surprise was his weight. Henry weighs 12 lbs 12.2oz! He's in the 75th percentile for weight. Wow. No wonder my arms and back have been aching!