Jerusalem Dinner

For Easter this year, Charles and I wanted to focus a lot more on the life of Christ and what we thinks is the most important part of Easter. So, we took some time to talk about the things that happened in the last week of Christ's life leading up to his Crucifixion and Resurrection.  One of the things we did was have a Jerusalem dinner.  It's not completely authentic (some of us were having a hard time eating much of anything normal) and we didn't focus much on the passover this time, but it was fun to eat on the floor and talk about what Christ might have eaten and discuss the Last Supper and introduce Sydney to some new foods.

Ballet School

Today was Sydney's first day of ballet and she loved it.

Salt Dogs Game

When we got back from Florida, one of the commissioners at Charles' job offered him a set of four free tickets to a Salt Dogs game.  We figured it was worth it, especially when we saw that the seats were really good.  It was a fun game and Sydney had a blast.

The view from our seats...not bad, huh? We were right in front of the radio announcers for the away team from Canada. It was fun to hear their accent while we watched the game.

Mom isn't a big fan of peanuts or cracker jacks, so popcorn had to suffice.

On our way home, in the sixth or seventh inning. What a fun night!

Writing

We've been working on writing her name. Besides the fact that she mixes up where the "N" and the "E" go, she's doing really well.

Cowgirl on Horse

Ever since we got Sydney her boots she has been dying to ride a horse.  Thankfully, the pony rides at Old Tucson are by donations only, so we let her ride while we were there.

Petting "her" pony.

Overexposed, but I kinda like it.

Last pet.  My favorite part was when Sydney was talking about how much she loved horses and Talia commented on how Sydney was going to be one of those girls who wants a pony and Charles told Talia that if we could at all afford the horse and the land she probably would have a pony.  Talia looked a little shocked, which was the very best part of the conversation

First Day of School

Some of us moms here have started a little "joy" school, where we rotate teaching our kids.  Sydney was so excited for "Sydney" school--to differentiate between her school and Charles' school.  This is her first first day of school picture.

Look at how tall she looks!

At school with her friends.

County Fair

We went as a family to the Lancaster County Super Fair.  It was fun to see the animals and all the different livestock displays and shows.  Charles took us to see the team penning event, which he used to do when he was in high school.  Afterward, we went and stopped at the petting zoo, where we were amazed by Sydney actually petting the animals...something she usually refuses to do.

Pumpkin Carving

So, our tradition is to get our pumpkins from a pumpkin patch and then, on the Monday before Halloween, carve them for Family Home Evening. Well, we got the pumpkins on a very wet day, so we didn't take pictures of picking them out, but they were pretty awesome pumpkins. Sydney would kiss them goodbye when we would leave the house. And then, on Sunday night, Charles and I were watching Iron Chef when we heard a noise outside. Some dork smashed our pumpkins! It was quite sad. So we spent Monday afternoon looking for new pumpkins. After, like three stores, we finally found some to carve. So here are the pictures of us carving our not as awesome pumpkins. At least they ended up looking pretty neat.












Can you see the face she drew?

Morrill Hall

What are they so excited about? This was their first visit to Morrill Hall...also known as the elephant museum. This museum has several mammoth skeletons and other fossils and is a favorite of all Eastern Nebraska school children.





We actually went to go watch a show at the planetarium. The best part of the show...Sydney shouting out "THE END" as the title flashed on the screen five minutes into the show. The whole crowd laughed.

Tasting a Lemon

Hmmm...this could be good.


Oh wait, never mind.

Chopsticks

How do I use these things, Dad?


I get the food on them, somehow.


Maybe like this?


That seems to work...


...with a little bit of help.


Try this one more time...




Little more help...


...into the mouth...


...and I did it!

No Bake Cookies

Sydney and I made no-bake cookies together. She was super excited to help me cook and especially excited to eat the cookies we made.