First Snowfall!

 At least, the first one that could be played in properly.

 While the other kids were flying through their schoolwork as quickly as they could, Evelyn made the first snowball! I was very impressed that she managed!

 Jennifer and Melanie joined later

 and a fort was made.

 Nathan and Matthew went sliding

 The challenge is to get past this level piece and down to the second steep section.

 (Daniel had work to finish and didn't come out 'til later.)

 Evelyn had to go in and dry off.

Matthew reading to the girls -- he enjoys to read aloud to them. :)

misc

 Jennifer made a kite out of the Sunday bulletin. She helped Evelyn make one too. Then away they flew!

 Chores and school work are so much fun! :p

 Matthew likes to read in interesting positions.

 We are Tintin fans.

 Projects being made...to be gifted to siblings and parents. I am not welcomed for intruding.

The easy life

 So Evelyn and I were bonding. She was playing with toys specially set aside for when I want to do sewing. No one can come in and play with them. Unless I am sewing. Then you may, but as soon as I'm done you have to leave them 'til next time...and who know if that'll be tomorrow or next month! I contemplated where to add the last bit of ricrac.

 I couldn't decide. So I went off to see what the rest of the family was up to. No one had been fighting or screaming...so I was curious.

 Lego!

 Evelyn tagged along to see too. After all, she's not allowed with the Playmobil anymore.

 Daniel is working on his chore. Still. Or finally.

 He knows I'm not happy it's not done yet. He also knows I am pacified that he is, at least, working on it.

 Melanie and Jennifer are bonding. Dreaming of what they could be doing on skates, I presume.

 Piano practice? I was working on it! Just going to get around to it.

 See, listen, I'm working hard!

Another day I stepped out to feed the kids. Eating outside means the birds and ants and squirrels do the majority of the cleaning up, not me. :)

And later, when I check. Matthew and Evelyn are racing around in the "rink".

 While Nathan Melanie and Jennifer are honing their hockey skills.

 Daniel? He wasn't outside! I found him inside, looking somewhat guilty. ;)

Seven!

  Birthday greetings in the morning!

 We went to an indoor playground that we've visited before. Something familiar, something sure to be good!

 The kids stuffed their shirts with balls and then took them down the slide. There were a few signs indicating that the balls were supposed to stay in the ball pit...but...

 at least Jennifer and her friend helped retrieve the lost ones and put them back.

 Daniel is sure getting tall!

 Evelyn is looking forward to seeing what is wrapped up...maybe he'll ask her to bring something over for him?

 Daniel is reading!

 A homemade treasure box. It came with the obligatory treasure hunt. And treasure map. He had fun with that!

 More reading. He enjoys being able to read things himself!

 Evelyn, once again helpful, has the letter opener handy just in case Daniel needs it to open anything.

 "Phew! Stinky!" Daniel is covering up his nose because he doesn't like the smell of the matches that were struck to light the candles.

He was manly enough to blow out the candles before they burned down to the cake. ;)

Happy birthday dear Daniel!

School

 Evelyn is an avid student.  But if you are only coloring cutting and gluing, wouldn't you be too?

Daniel likes the workbooks. Such a sense of accomplishment when you are done a page...and he knows he'll never be asked to do three unless he wants to do more! He is an eager student too, most days. Especially once it is routine.

 Nathan works hard at getting his work done...he likes crossing things off of his list, but does not enjoy redoing things when they were done too quickly!

 Melanie loves to do her work on the computer...or better yet, do lots of games on the typing program if Mom is not paying attention!

 Matthew loves his piano lessons and his teacher is very happy with him! He is getting better at focusing on his school work when he needs too, and is usually eager and ready...if I am not interrupting anything too important!

Jennifer is such an avid student that if I am not there she will have her books out and fly through the pages...but if I think she didn't do it right she is not pleased and it is very hard to convince her to do it differently!