Pumpkins from 2012

This year we picked pumpkins as a family.  The kids had fun choosing their own.  Sara mostly carved her own - a peace sign - currently one of her favorite things.  Jon carved Batman for Jonas (I forgot to take a picture of it, though).  It's fun watching them get so excited about life!

Funny things they say...

Sara's favorite word is "disastrophe".  I love it!  It so aptly describes many things around here.  We have many disastrophes a day.

Jonas is obsessed with super heroes - The Incredibles, Spiderman, Batman, not so much Superman yet, but I'm sure it will come.  The other day he asked me if super heroes are real.  I told him they were not.  They are pretend.  He said, "It's okay mom. When I grow up I'll be a real super hero."

The other day we were at Target and Jonas saw a Batman image from far away.  We went closer to investigate.  When we got near them, I told her them they were underwear for men.  He said, "Mom, when I'm a man can you buy those for me and bring them to me in the Bat Cave?"  I said, "Yes, I can."  :)

Callie now calls Tobin, Tobin James when she is trying to get his attention.  If you take something from her she screams bloody murder, but if you ask her nicely if you can use or have something she politely says, "Yes, you may."

Tobin is our copy cat.  He repeats everything.  He's like a little parrot.  It's pretty cute how he picks up on everything and he adds it for emphasis.  The other day, I was getting pretty frustrated with him because he was screaming and yelling, so I raised my voice.  He looked directly at me and said, "Mom, don't yell at me."  Nothing like your words being directed right back at you...

Christmas 2012

 

 

 

 We had a wonderful Christmas this year.  The kids are all at really fun ages.  They were each so excited for Christmas.  They had a great time decorating - in fact, they did most of the work.  We started a new Advent Calendar this year that had a family activity for each day of December 1 - 25.  It was a fun way to remember what Christmas is about and to focus on spending time with each other instead of just rushing around.  We feel so blessed by these four young Bartholomays!

Home School Pre-school

Jonas also started school today.  We are doing at home preschool and a preschool co-op with some friends that will start in a few weeks.  He had a fun time on his first day.  I'm excited to be working with him more intentionally.  Callie and Tobin joined in on the fun.  It's like we have our own little school :)

First Grade

Sara started first grade today.  Her teacher is Mrs. Sutherland.  Sara is in the Multi-Age Program and is super excited about it. She had a great first day.  She was like a pro when I dropped her off this morning.  She said goodbye at the front door and didn't wait for me to walk her down to the cafeteria.  I can't believe how much she has grown up.  I really am going to miss having her around.  I'm also so excited to see her growing up.  She is so amazing!

Final Summer Outing

We took the kids to the Toledo Zoo on Labor Day for one final summer outing.  We had a great time seeing all the animals, riding the carousel, and just being together.  Callie and Tobin rode the carousel for the first time and loved it.  Callie started to cry when we had to get off.  It was so hot we all thought we were going to melt, but it was well worth it :)

Tobin's First Haircut

      Tobin got his first haircut just before turning 2.  He was laughing almost the first time because he is so ticklish.  It was hard to have him sit still.