I think I mentioned this one a while ago, but it is such a good idea and has become such a tradition, I wanted to do another post on it. My friend Tina had this brilliant idea. On Sundays, in our church, we try to keep the Sabbath Day holy and avoid things like watching TV, going shopping, going to movies, playing sports, etc. Not because they are bad - it's kind of a day to take a break from the world and focus on our family and create an atmosphere that welcomes deeper
thought and reflection on what matters most. This can be hard for kids who just want to watch Sponge Bob, play their
DS games or jump on the trampoline outside. And I'll be the first one to tell you we aren't perfect at this - I don't think we've ever missed a Super Bowl game. Anyway, it is tricky to get the girls excited for Sundays. But Tina had a great idea called Sunday Stations and we totally copied it and love it. It is set up similar to the way we used to do preschool with "discovery stations". I set up 5 or more little stations with an activity - some are religious (like looking up a scripture, solving a book of Mormon puzzle or figuring out how much tithing you would pay for different amounts of money) and others are art, nature, etc. Most of them tie into church topics somehow. (Building a temple with
Legos was a big hit.) The girls love this so much and ask every week, "Are we doing Sunday Stations"? It is great because now they don't dread Sundays. Plus, I'm getting to use some of my preschool kits still! We don't have time to do them every week. Some weeks we are visiting family instead, but we do it about twice a month. The picture above was one where I told the girls to draw a picture of the first presidency. I thought it might be too hard, but they all did such a cute job I'm tempted to send them to The Friend magazine. (a kid's church magazine)
Look how cute - Angela in a leotard and tap shoes. What could be cuter? That's her bud Abbi with the blonde hair. I was so excited to hear about this great dance teacher from Abbi's mom. She teaches in her basement about a mile from our house and her hour long class includes tap, ballet and tumbling. What a deal! Natalie is also taking the same class with older girls. I have been so impressed with Shelly and her fun choreography. And the girls have learned some really good skills. She is great. I can't wait for the recital in May. I had a cute picture of Angela dancing around, but the girl behind her had a problem with her top coming down and was showing a little too much to share. 
Another fun family birthday! Sweet Grace is getting so big. I love how she is blowing out the candles. I'm surprised she got them out! 
I think sometimes, since Gracie is the one of the littlest ones in the family - the other kids think she is a dolly. (o: My girls love her and think she is so cute. They are right!