Monday, Monday…

My sister, Johanna, called me yesterday. I couldn’t talk because I had company. She may have been calling just to chat, but she also may have been making sure I am okay since I haven’t blogged since Thursday. I forgot to call her back so here is confirmation we are all okay…

My girls started Monday by deciding they wanted to dress like they live India. I let them. Here is what they came up with.

The sticker was her idea. I didn’t say a word when I heard her saying to Natalie, “We can use a sticker…. because they put something on their face.” I just let them be kids.

And Natalie wrapped her scarf herself and tucked it. Genius!

I did set the record straight when Natalie said, “They don’t wear shoes in India so we aren’t going to either.” I said, “They wear shoes, Natalie. How about sandals.” “Moooommmm, they don’t wear shoes.” “Okay, maybe some of them don’t wear shoes, but a lot of them do.” I’m not sure she believes me.

After lunch, the girls in Natalie’s class came over for a playdate. There are six of them including Natalie, and I’ve been meaning to get them together for some time. It was loud and chaotic, but the girls had a lot of fun. At one point Natalie said in a very concerned way, “Mom, everyone except XX and XX agreed to let Ainsley pick what we want to do.” I told her to work on finding something everyone enjoyed, but realized she was making a concerted effort to include her little sister. She didn’t come to me one time and ask for time without Ainsley. I still can’t believe it.

The girls started off by running around playing some monster game, but they kept hurting each other so I suggested making necklaces. They were all over it. Out came the beads and floss.

There was measuring…

And colored patterns…

And a little drama thrown in…

We had fruit as a snack followed up by cupcakes they were allowed to decorate themselves.

Some might ask, “What were you thinking?”

They settled down long enough for a group picture.

At dinner, the girls and I played Sequence Jr. It’s a game Ainsley can do with us… Ryan was on my lap so I could give him water from a syringe (he’s not feeling well again). At one point, he pointed to the panda bear and made a sound. “He said panda bear!” the girls exclaimed. He looked at them and then took the syringe and did this:

I promise I didn’t help him. None of us even suggested he put it there. He just reached his pudgy little hand out and slowly manipulated the syringe into standing up, right on the panda’s face. It was so cute to see the gears of his mind working.

He was proud and so were we.

Can’t wait to see what today has in store. Natalie’s school is canceled because of an ice storm. Hope your day is great.