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| notice Belle on the pirate ship |
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| ready for the tea party |
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| Her lamp |
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| Her monkey in her tea kettle |
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| a little tea party |
Monday, July 30, 2012
Is it Saturday?
R asks almost every night if the next day is Saturday. The reason R looks forward to Saturdays so much is not for cartoons or a special breakfast...its the only morning that she can get out of bed and turn her lamp on in her room and play. Every other morning, she must stay in bed until I come get her, but on Saturdays, she is allowed to turn on her lamp and play quietly in her room. This past Saturday, I went in and took some pictures of what she was doing. Some people have asked me why she can't do this every morning, and she can't because she would be awake at 4 am. It's happened. For several mornings in a row, I would wake up because I would see her light on at 4am. She was just playing in her room, but way to early. We tried teaching her that she would have to wait until after 7:00 am, but she didn't understand that 7:01 was okay too. She woke up at 7:09 and didn't get out of bed because the clock didn't say 7:00. I tried to explain that if the first number was a 7, then she could get out of bed, but she still doesn't. She just waits in bed until I come in her room, unless it's Saturday and then her room looks like this...
A typical summer day
I figured I would record what our days mostly look like so I can reference back to this next summer. A lot of people ask me how I do it with 3 small kids and we usually look together most of the time. I feel our summer has been great and I'm not going insane at all! One of the reasons we are successful at getting out and doing a lot is because I'm very structured and my kids know what to expect from beginning to end (most of the time). Before summer started, I prepared a daily schedule to help keep us on track. Here's a typical day in the life of the Hantla clan:
5:45-7:30 Katie wakes up, exercises, quiet time, shower and dressed
7:30-8:15 I wake the kids up, diaper change, potty, and then breakfast
8: 15-8:30 Kids play while I clean up the kitchen and then kids dressed
8:30-9:00 Praise and worship time
9:00-9:30 Learning time
9:30-10:00 TV or play time (I use this time to get stuff ready for our outing for the day)
10:00 GO OUT (this changes each day, but rarely is a day where we stay at home)
11:30 to 12:30 Lunch is somewhere in there
1:00 W goes down for nap (R&A watch TV or read)
1:30 R&A down for nap
4:00 everyone wakes up and snack time
Usually B comes home during snack time and we have family time for the rest of the evening.
Our days have been awesome. They might not follow the times exactly, but we usually always have the designated activities. We might change up learning for puzzles or reading. I've blogged about Go Fish before, and I've taught the kids Amazing Grace , How Great Thou Art, and Lord, I Lift Your Name on High. The kids enjoy music time and ask me to play songs over and over again. We will do all the motions, dance, and sing. When it's time to head out for our day, the big kids go potty before we leave while I start cherry and get it loaded with whatever bags we need for the day. We typically will: go to Joyner for play & picnic, go to a pool and picnic, story-time, lunch, sprinklers, free movie at Wakefield, spray-ground & picnic, jumping beans & picnic, Marbles & picnic lunch. Most days we have a picnic out somewhere and get back for naps. I need to point out that we are always meeting other friends. I have 2 other teacher moms, 2 stay at home moms, and 1 part time working mom that I usually meet. In the event it's raining or cloudy, we might come home and eat lunch. If there is nothing planned or our plans get changed for some reason, we have stuff to keep us busy at home like chalk, bubbles, painting, coloring, play-dough, and of course, all the toys they have.
So for anyone who wonders how I manage 3 kids aged 3, 2, and 1 alone everyday throughout the summer and we have awesome days....or for me next summer when I'll do the same thing again....I'll be able to read this for tips.
5:45-7:30 Katie wakes up, exercises, quiet time, shower and dressed
7:30-8:15 I wake the kids up, diaper change, potty, and then breakfast
8: 15-8:30 Kids play while I clean up the kitchen and then kids dressed
8:30-9:00 Praise and worship time
9:00-9:30 Learning time
9:30-10:00 TV or play time (I use this time to get stuff ready for our outing for the day)
10:00 GO OUT (this changes each day, but rarely is a day where we stay at home)
11:30 to 12:30 Lunch is somewhere in there
1:00 W goes down for nap (R&A watch TV or read)
1:30 R&A down for nap
4:00 everyone wakes up and snack time
Usually B comes home during snack time and we have family time for the rest of the evening.
Our days have been awesome. They might not follow the times exactly, but we usually always have the designated activities. We might change up learning for puzzles or reading. I've blogged about Go Fish before, and I've taught the kids Amazing Grace , How Great Thou Art, and Lord, I Lift Your Name on High. The kids enjoy music time and ask me to play songs over and over again. We will do all the motions, dance, and sing. When it's time to head out for our day, the big kids go potty before we leave while I start cherry and get it loaded with whatever bags we need for the day. We typically will: go to Joyner for play & picnic, go to a pool and picnic, story-time, lunch, sprinklers, free movie at Wakefield, spray-ground & picnic, jumping beans & picnic, Marbles & picnic lunch. Most days we have a picnic out somewhere and get back for naps. I need to point out that we are always meeting other friends. I have 2 other teacher moms, 2 stay at home moms, and 1 part time working mom that I usually meet. In the event it's raining or cloudy, we might come home and eat lunch. If there is nothing planned or our plans get changed for some reason, we have stuff to keep us busy at home like chalk, bubbles, painting, coloring, play-dough, and of course, all the toys they have.
So for anyone who wonders how I manage 3 kids aged 3, 2, and 1 alone everyday throughout the summer and we have awesome days....or for me next summer when I'll do the same thing again....I'll be able to read this for tips.
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| working on puzzles |
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| W plays while R&A work on puzzles |
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| all done with this one and ready for another |
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| These are the 9 puzzles they did between the 2 of them |
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| sprinklers at the mall |
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| all kids here are in our group |
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| my 3 are the ones squatting down...funny they are all doing that |
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| catching bubbles after story-time at the library |
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Civitan Camp 2012
I was so excited to be back at camp after missing last year. W was only 10 weeks old so it would have been hard to be at camp and really 'be at camp' with an infant. We visited, but at times, that was even harder than just missing the entire week. After driving 15 hours with the kids by myself, it was all worth it, to be back at camp. I was in charge of the games at the pool for youth week. I primarily worked with J. Forrester, and T. Ward. Our life-guards rotated and Heather/Neal came to the pool in the morning, while April/Yancy worked the pool after rest time. The kids came down to visit twice and R & A had a blast. R was great about going with some older staff brat girls, and A wanted to just hang with B. We looked forward to the kids coming and spending the week with us at camp, but right now, they are too young. Plus, the week(s) that we are at camp, it's great grandparent time with R A & W.
Some highlights from camp...
1. Staying at Native Village. The counselors we had this year at NV were awesome. I tried very hard to get to know them and encourage them throughout the week. One of the guys that impressed me the most was Colt's counselor Logan. He did an amazing job with Colt and I was so glad to witness that each day. John Lloyd was NV's group leader and he did a great job as well. I mean, honestly, all the guys did a fantastic job and it paid off because for the first time, Native Village won the Abbie Award. I also had a good time getting to know Rob better this year. B usually works boating with Rob, but I haven't really spent a lot of time talking with him. Rob has a huge heart for Civitan Camp and his contributions are amazing!
2. The slip-n-slide and the pool. I had to run/facilitate games at the pool, which I love. But in addition, we had a really big water slide. It was a inflatable slide that had a baby pool at the bottom. The kids loved it and I have to admit, I enjoyed it a time or two myself. I went down with Heather a few times, and again with Clayton:)
3. Seeing Clayton and Lynda Grace. I love these 2 kids...well I guess I shouldn't say kids. Clayton is 22 and is about ready to move up to adult week. Of course he's a charmer and all the girls love to dance with him. But whenever he came to the pool, he was right by my side. Either at the slide, in the pool, or in a chair. He's so sweet! Lynda Grace had a weird first few days, not wanting to swim. But by Tuesday, she was back to normal and came swimming with me. We even danced on Wednesday when it rained and we had to get out of the pool:( Lynda was sitting on the ground and I reached my hand out to help her up. She got up (unexpectedly) and danced with me to Baby Baby Baby by J.Beiber. After being an area parent 2 years ago, Lynda Grace has quickly become a favorite.
4. Playing Mafia. Every night, the counselors and staff at Native Village would play mafia. I introduced the game to them Monday night since the counselors had no free-time. We played 2 games and then it was approaching midnight so I went to bed. We played every other night after counselor free-time was over. I usually was the narrator, but others stepped up to the plate so I could play too. The very first game I played, I was killed off in the first round...so sad!!! Again, the guys at NV were a lot of fun.
5. Passing out candy with Mr. Dan. All my camp memories at the pool include Mr. Dan. When I first was on staff, he was still the head life-guard and was in charge. Things are different now, but I still love being around him. Mr. Dan passed out candy each night to staff and I made a candy run with him one night. It was a lot of fun visiting the other areas that I don't get to, and seeing all the other decorations.
6. Building relationships. I love camp for the obvious reasons of the campers, but I also love the relationships with counselors and staff that I build. Heather, Neely, and Terri are always great to be around and I look forward to staying in the science cabin with them next year:) Jamie is great and always keeps me smiling. He said he would make red life-guard shirts for us next year with our names on it. How cool is that? I look forward every year to my catch up time with Neal Boone and all his endeavors. I started really good conversations with Ms. Kay about marriage, kids, and teaching. There was a Jesuit boy named Seth that I had great time with and he said he would for sure come back next year. Not very many of the Jesuit boys repeat, but I would love to see him come back! I got to know a few staff better that I hadn't really every talked to at all: Max, Daniel, Yancy, Rob (weird they are all boys). I hope to continue building these camp friendships and strengthening the ones already established.
I had a great week and wish I could've worked adult week as well. B and I both agree that we are in a transition state right now, and will both be back for 2 weeks soon. Our kids will come with us one week and stay with grandparents the other week. We did go visit adult week before driving back to NC. I got to see Kevin Dudek and he looked great! He loved W and it was so sweet to see Kevin interact with such a small child.
Some highlights from camp...
1. Staying at Native Village. The counselors we had this year at NV were awesome. I tried very hard to get to know them and encourage them throughout the week. One of the guys that impressed me the most was Colt's counselor Logan. He did an amazing job with Colt and I was so glad to witness that each day. John Lloyd was NV's group leader and he did a great job as well. I mean, honestly, all the guys did a fantastic job and it paid off because for the first time, Native Village won the Abbie Award. I also had a good time getting to know Rob better this year. B usually works boating with Rob, but I haven't really spent a lot of time talking with him. Rob has a huge heart for Civitan Camp and his contributions are amazing!
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| Christian lost his tooth and got a visit from the Tooth Fairy! |
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| Matthew and Drew |
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| Logan and Colt |
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| Luke and Matthew sitting with Spencer |
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| Our group picture before the fish fry! |
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| Native Village after winning the Abbie Award! |
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| aka Naked Village |
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| Hoy and Robert at the pool |
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| Sweet Dylon |
2. The slip-n-slide and the pool. I had to run/facilitate games at the pool, which I love. But in addition, we had a really big water slide. It was a inflatable slide that had a baby pool at the bottom. The kids loved it and I have to admit, I enjoyed it a time or two myself. I went down with Heather a few times, and again with Clayton:)
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| Christian playing basketball |
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| Ian loving on his counselor Hunter |
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| Christopher reading poolside |
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| sweet little Korbin |
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| Jonathan and I had a blast swimming together |
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| Handsome Bryce |
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| Heather and Jordan |
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| Jonathan DeLoch taking a moment for a picture |
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| The Lauren's from the Lodge |
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| Jonathan Glaze loving the baby pool |
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| Bryce with Maggie...I think she liked him:) |
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| Flove! |
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| The life-guard crew |
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| Clayton and I on the slide! |
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| Newcomer Rope with me relaxing |
3. Seeing Clayton and Lynda Grace. I love these 2 kids...well I guess I shouldn't say kids. Clayton is 22 and is about ready to move up to adult week. Of course he's a charmer and all the girls love to dance with him. But whenever he came to the pool, he was right by my side. Either at the slide, in the pool, or in a chair. He's so sweet! Lynda Grace had a weird first few days, not wanting to swim. But by Tuesday, she was back to normal and came swimming with me. We even danced on Wednesday when it rained and we had to get out of the pool:( Lynda was sitting on the ground and I reached my hand out to help her up. She got up (unexpectedly) and danced with me to Baby Baby Baby by J.Beiber. After being an area parent 2 years ago, Lynda Grace has quickly become a favorite.
4. Playing Mafia. Every night, the counselors and staff at Native Village would play mafia. I introduced the game to them Monday night since the counselors had no free-time. We played 2 games and then it was approaching midnight so I went to bed. We played every other night after counselor free-time was over. I usually was the narrator, but others stepped up to the plate so I could play too. The very first game I played, I was killed off in the first round...so sad!!! Again, the guys at NV were a lot of fun.
5. Passing out candy with Mr. Dan. All my camp memories at the pool include Mr. Dan. When I first was on staff, he was still the head life-guard and was in charge. Things are different now, but I still love being around him. Mr. Dan passed out candy each night to staff and I made a candy run with him one night. It was a lot of fun visiting the other areas that I don't get to, and seeing all the other decorations.
6. Building relationships. I love camp for the obvious reasons of the campers, but I also love the relationships with counselors and staff that I build. Heather, Neely, and Terri are always great to be around and I look forward to staying in the science cabin with them next year:) Jamie is great and always keeps me smiling. He said he would make red life-guard shirts for us next year with our names on it. How cool is that? I look forward every year to my catch up time with Neal Boone and all his endeavors. I started really good conversations with Ms. Kay about marriage, kids, and teaching. There was a Jesuit boy named Seth that I had great time with and he said he would for sure come back next year. Not very many of the Jesuit boys repeat, but I would love to see him come back! I got to know a few staff better that I hadn't really every talked to at all: Max, Daniel, Yancy, Rob (weird they are all boys). I hope to continue building these camp friendships and strengthening the ones already established.
I had a great week and wish I could've worked adult week as well. B and I both agree that we are in a transition state right now, and will both be back for 2 weeks soon. Our kids will come with us one week and stay with grandparents the other week. We did go visit adult week before driving back to NC. I got to see Kevin Dudek and he looked great! He loved W and it was so sweet to see Kevin interact with such a small child.
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| Riding horses while visiting adult week |
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| A was nervous at first but loved it! |
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| B, W, and Antoine |
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| Getting spoiled by Sarah |
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| Thor "the King" |
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| A making himself at home at Native Village |
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| My favortie-Kevin |
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| So sweet! |
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| Kevin loved Wesley |
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| Still rocking the headband while driving back to NC |
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