Thursday, July 28, 2011

Binky or blanket anyone?!  these two must be related.  They are just a few months apart and obviously struggling with the same addictions. 

We had visitors at the end of last week and had a lovely time. The Starkeys dropped by for a few days while craig was working in cincy.
I've been terrible at taking pictures since our move here- and I'm not sure why.  My apologies.  Here's one I got of cousin Katie.  and that's all that I got. The whole time they were here!  we had a lot of fun talking- eating- and just relaxing.  I know I say it often- but it's so nice to have family semi-close.  We just happened to be missing the big family reunion in Utah at the same time so it was nice to have  our own mini reunion here.

We had a brief heat reprieve for a few days and I got some good yard work in- but the stifling humidity is back today and it looks like another long couple of days indoors. 

This kid is one big ball of CRAZY energy. He seriously runs around the house like a crazy animal. Every night when kent gets home he goes especially crazy. I'll have to get a video. Honestly- it's nutso. And then always comes the crash. Why do these crazy bouts of choas always have to end in tears?!
Zeb is in a really good phase.  Besides being fed up by Ike's antics and the occasional retaliation against him- Zeb is perfect!  HE does ask me regularly: "Why does Ike love to make me angry all of the time?!". Good question, Zeb. I'm asking myself the same thing.

We've been working lots on writing this summer. He's a natural at reading and loves it- but writing is a different story. It drives me BONKERS!  and I keep reminding myself- he just turned four.  I still make him do 3-4 worksheets a day- and it isn't always pretty- but we do it nonetheless.  Any great ideas or games or workbooks for writing?

7 comments:

Linz said...

That binki and blanket picture is adorable!! And you know, Andrew doesn't like to write either. I can hardly get him to color. I don't know...

Pat and Brent said...

I don't think the fine motor skill for writing developes this early; however, his determination will probably speed up the process. Good job Zeb. Ike is such a bundle of energy! He is one tough little man.

yaya said...

Those pics of the kiddos are so sweet. I love the one of Katie, although I think she looks like that nasty virus she caught was just starting. Would Zeb write to relatives? They would love to read his notes and I bet he would enjoy mailing them...but heck, I worry that all the younger generation will be able to do is text..and not even learn how to spell! Geez, now I sound like my Grandma...

Michelle said...

SO cute!! I love Zeb with his tongue out writing. He holds the pencil just right too. I think that's AMAZING!!

I had each of my kiddos write an "I can" book and an "I like" book pre-kindergarten. That way they wrote those words over and over and over for however many pages they wanted... plus whatever other words they chose to finish each page. My kiddos STILL read those books that they made. They think they're hilarious.

Sure miss you guys! Loved the new post! :)

HowellAZ said...

Zeb's learning one good work ethic...with a little help from his tongue! Glad you guys could have a mini reunion - you were missed in UT.

Amy and Craig said...

Thanks for having us!! It was a blast! I agree with Yaya, I think Katie's fever must have already started when you took that pic! Hopefully you guys will be spared that fun!

Rachael said...

Oh, boy - I can't help but comment here (better late than never!) there are TONS of pre-writing things. Carver uses a lot of different size tongs at OT, also tracing letters/words in sand, shaving cream or cornmeal, etc... do you have an itouch or ipad? We don't, but they use them at OT and the stylus tricks them into thinking they are playing a game instead of practicing writing. Break crayons into tiny bits - they have to use a tripod grip. practice pushing dry beans or buttons into a little slit in the bottom of a paper cup (upside down) to strengthen those fingers muscles. string beads onto pipe cleaners to copy patterns. I really think that writing is HARD work for new muscles and all those extra game-like activities strengthen them without the frustration. good luck!!