Snow day (not) fun

This morning (on our fourth snow day of no school), Elizabeth and Paul went straight from bed into boots and coats. They had played in the snow on one of the previous days (Tuesday? Wednesday? I've lost track) with shovels. Said shovels got buried under the snow. And ice. And rain. And they searched... (with a garden tool)

Playing Church

After seeing a blog post by the same name from their cousins Benjamin and Lila, the kids played Church at home today. We had a snow day, or early dismissal at 10:30 due to snow, so this was a welcome idea that kept them busy. Thank you Benjamin!

Hannah and Kate made the Blessed John XXIII Parish in the front room. Check out Hannah's creative use of my silver scarf as a stole. The booklets Grandma sent on how the mass proceeds plus my lector book complete with readings came in very handy, and turned the mass into the same basic length as a daily mass. (I know because I attended 3 of them) There is also a candle made of blocks on the piano bench, the dark yellow is the "flame."

Later, Hannah wanted to do the entire triduum. Here she is asking Kate to do the 2nd of 8 readings from the vigil. Hannah would say 4 words and Kate repeated them in the microphone. Kate was a good sport but soon it was time for dinner! If it's a snow day tomorrow maybe they will make it all the way through the triduum to Easter Sunday...

 Meanwhile, Paul set up St. Joseph Parish in the TV room.  He was able to read from the book Grandma sent. He even gave his first homily. There is a tabernacle made of blocks next to him. He liked putting "the leftovers" into it after communion. I was a busy lector, psalmist, parishoner, altar server, and EMHC. And I thought I wore a lot of hats before today.

Paul's 6th Birthday

Some pictures from Paul's 6th birthday - better late than never!

Here he is opening his skateboard and safety gear that morning.

 Trying it out, not bad!

Playing minecraft first thing. (Not sure why the pics loaded out of order)

At Chick-fil-A for lunch with the whole family

Opening more presents later, and here he is reading the cards all by himself.

He wanted to decorate the cake himself. Can you tell that all the yellow is a "6"?

He got a new bunch of legos and was proud of his first project.

a house, car, and later a helicopter. We are sure Benjamin will teach him a lot of tricks this summer. Happy Birthday Mr. P!

Easter 2013

We had a nice day celebrating Easter this year. Elizabeth came with me to what was a beautiful Vigil on Saturday night from 8-11pm. We went downstairs this time to the reception for the newly baptized/confirmed, which was the right decision! It was a full spread of delicious food and many attended. Then we returned to the church for 7:30 mass Sunday morning where for us typically planted in the front row so the kids can see, it was standing room only.

Here are some pictures from the day, we went to the park after a nice omelette and hash brown brunch since it was such a beautiful and warm day. We finished the night with some cod and stuffed clam shells for dinner and of course, lamb cake. Happy Easter!

First, a picture of Hannah reading to Sheldon. Because of course "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" tops the best-seller lists for turtles as well. =)

Paul lost his top tooth in an interesting way last Thursday - he bit into a strawberry and it stayed there when he took his mouth away. Yuk!

Here's HJS helping me get the lamb cake started.

Kate hunts for eggs... And eats as she goes, so did not find very many.

We went to Inspiration Park and ran around a lot, played football, it was a gorgeous day so a lot of people were out.  Can this Dad do it all or what.

Playing football with ERS

And then riding the horse with Kate.

Hannah and Paul played a lot on the "tilted wheel" with some other kids.

Hannah sitting, Paul laying down.

ERS joins in

and then hangs out with Mom.

Happy Easter!