There are a million different reason to love Tate, but this one is in my top ten. Whenever he is excited for an event or an activity, he makes himself a little list so he won't forget anything.  This particular one was for a field trip to Antelope Island and Castle park that he had been anticipating for weeks.

Date Night

We've decided to start rotating taking each kid out once a month for a one-on-one date night with Mom and Dad. It has been a lot of fun and really great to spend a night giving complete attention to one child.

• Tate went to the "Box Car Children" play
• Hudson went ice skating
• Harper went roller skating

It's been fun. And the kids LOVE it.

Gideon'isms

Here are some of the funny things Gideon does that I want to record before I forget them.

1. Sticks his finger in his Binky: Gideon's coping habit

2. Patty Cake Clap

3. The head rub: Not sure what this is all about but he sometimes plows his head along the ground.  Maybe he has an itchy forehead.

4. Raising the hand: It means he wants something.  And he wants it now!

5. The mermaid: I love this one.  If you get excited around him or give him a lot of attention, he immediately gets on his belly and puts his feet up in the air.

6. The pat: When Gideon approves something, he pats it.  Whether it's you or a toy or whatever.

7. The point: similar to the raised hand, but this gesture indicate the direction he wants you to take him (usually to food).

Girls and tutus = love my life

I don't think that there is anything cuter in the whole wide world then little girls in tutus.  Once again, I am so thankful for not only one but two beautiful little girls.

Teachers are AMAZING human beings

If you know anything about me, you know that I am a HUGE advocate of Charter schools. I whole heartedly believe in the Charter school movement and believe what our school is doing is the way that all children should be educated (based on ability, not age or grade level) and many other things too lengthy to name. The best thing about my children's school is that over the years, we have collected the most incredible group of teachers you will ever meet. Since Charter schools have an "at will" employment similar to the business sector, we can get rid of a teacher if he/she isn't performing after being given several chances. I hear other parents say all the time "I hope that my son doesn't get so and so teacher", or "in 3rd grade, you don't want x teacher". This is not the case at our school. There is not a single teacher there I would not be overjoyed to have teach my children.

This year however, Tate got thee most incredible teacher I have ever met. I believe she is that teacher who has forever shaped Tate into the person he will become. She inspired and loved him as if he were her own. I can't even begin to thank her for who she has been to my son this year and how much he looks up to her. Thank you would never be enough. This is the letter she sent home with Tate today.

"Dear Tate,

I want you to know how much I have loved getting to know you. Having a student like you comes around once in a blue moon. You have great potential , and I look forward to seeing what you become. Keep reading, and believing in everything that is good. I have truly become a better teacher because of you. Thanks for giving me so many great ideas and for all the daily nuggets we shared - "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get."

Love Mrs. Clayton. "

There is a special place in heaven for teachers and Mrs Clayton has reserved seating.

Bathtub Fun

A fun picture of a bunch of the girl cousins together.  I love the skin contrast between Alanis (out little latina) and Eowyn (the elvish princess).

Gideon makes an unscheduled visit with the girls.

Nom nom nom

Gideon's first sampling of an all American favorite.  I'd say it was a hit.

Harper Says So:

"Dandelions are like personal prayers, you close your eyes, think of something in your head, then blow."

More Look alikes

I think I'm getting addicted to these look-a-like post.  But I thought it was so funny that right when I was looking at this picture of Blake Lively online, Hudson came walking in with this mermaid dress on.

And here's another one of Gideon and I.  I think there is a strong resemblance especially in the eyes.

This is my passport picture (yes, I was born after color photos were invented).