Video and Pictures

Evan made a very cute dragon!
Happy Halloween! What a gang!

Very cute dragon (Evan), Bee (Lilly) and Elmo (Philip). Tobias was a great superman, however, he was still napping when this photo was taken.

Sylvia and Oskar eating a healthy banana and yogurt breakfast!

Pop-n-Pals are too much fun!

This was a gorgeous day spent in the yard.

It's Been Too Long...Sorry!

I did not realize it was this long since my last post. I will do better. It seems with everything we use our computers for we could literally be logged on to the computer all day.

Anyway, the kids have been up to lots of activities during the month of October. We had beautiful weather so much of it was spent outdoors. We have gone on many walks and spent time visiting with neighbors and grandparents.

Inside we have been busy learning social skills. We are learning about appropriate touches, sharing, and showing empathy towards one another. It, of course, has had many ups and downs between episodes of power struggles over "Everything" and the inevitable pushing. I have witnessed wonderful acts of kindness as they retrieve security items for one another. I have also heard many words of please and thank you.

We have spent a lot of time dancing and listening to all kinds of music. We also like to spend time downstairs for a change of scenery and we can also engage in much needed gross motor play on bad weather days.

The Farm Tree Halloween party was a big success. I thank all of you for your participation and help.

Monday, November 3, the kids were off school and we spent a beautiful morning at Beach Park. The breeze was exceptional and the lake smelt so nice. The kids played beautifully. We were quite tired when we returned.

Thank you all for allowing me the honor of caring for your children. They are truly beautiful and you are all fantastic parents.

What's Happening?

Tobias, Evan, and Philip. Look how nice we can sit at the table for great snacks and milky!

Train Picture! The wheels on the train go clickety clack, all around the railroad track. The wheels on the train go clickety clack, clickety clack, clickety clack! Choo Choo!
Playing with trains, trains and more trains. We like trains, yes we do, we like trains, how 'bout you? Chug-a-chug a choo choo!
Rock, Scissors, Paper!
What's for lunch, Teresa? Can I have a Peanut Butter sandwich? It's my favorite!
Lilly's favorite spot to sit while she's enjoying a cold cup of milk!

Learning from Eachother

Getting the kids ready to go outside lately has been quite an ordeal. First there is the 4 diaper changes. Then we need to put on 5 pairs of shoes and 5 jackets. Sometimes socks too depending on who has taken theirs off. Of course there is Slipper, who runs around with her leash in her mouth, waiting without much patience to get outside. Once we are all dressed and ready to go there is always one more diaper change, somebody always poops!

We head to the door. Oskar is the first one down the stairs and out the door with slipper. Then there is Lilly who has mastered the stairs for quite some time, out she goes. Lastly, the toddlers take turns jumping into my arms to be carried out one at a time.

Yesterday, however, as I was prompting Tobias to jump into my arms he shakes his head "no." He proceeds to get down on the floor, turns around, and crawls down the stairs backwards. Evan and Philip are standing there watching Tobias with utter amazement on their faces. Tobias goes out the door, walking on his own. I turn to get the other two boys and to my surprise they are both attempting to crawl down the stairs backwards as they had just seen. I could not believe it. With much excitement I guided them down the stairs and out the door we went.

Remember When

Remember when Lilly was this little? She is sitting next to her friend, Aidan, who sadly had to leave Farm Tree. Lilly has grown up so fast. Spring 2007.
Remember Evan and Philip, Halloween 2007? What a stitch!
Look at this great looking crew! Kristine, Lindsay, Kelly, Henry, Chris, Evan, Oskar and Sylvia. December 2007

Today is Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008. Present at Farm Tree today was Lindsay, Henry, Lexi, Sylvia, Oskar, Tobias, and Evan. It was wet and rainy outside so we did inside activities. We danced and moved to a kids song music video. Oskar made an arts and crafts. The toddlers ate mounds of spaghetti for lunch as well as fruit and bread. Oskar ate a variety of fruit, veggies, and PB bread. And oh yes, the recycling was played with by all. Thanks Tobias!

Bye for now.

The Rugrats

Oh What a Beautiful Week!

Looking at my shape thing. Oskar and Lilly are great friends!
Babies on the Train!
Come on Lilly! Help me!
Oskar the Train Conductor!

Chug a Chug a Choo Choo!

This week was spent outside. What a beautiful week spent in the back yard and around the neighborhood. The rugrats played many outdoor activities. Oskar says, "We played trains, made a big sling shot, went on walks, had snacks, played with Katie and Reed, relay races and statue maker with the big kids when they go home early." Lilly says, "Big train outside."



We've also been working on "simple dance" which all the rugrats love. They are so funny. They each have their favorite part. Tobias turns circles, Evan smacks his hands to "all fall down," Philip claps his hands, Oskar does all movements and Lilly laughs and follows Oskar. It is hilarious.



The rugrats have been very happy with great appetites and lots of energy. It's rewarding to see their minds developing when their faces light up with excitement upon their accomplishments.

Bye for now,
The Rugrats!

Music Makers

Music Makers
Mr. Super Mind

The transition back to school is in its second week. The school age Rugrats are doing great and depart everyday eager to learn. I still miss them but am settling into a new and exciting schedule with the toddler Rugrats.



So far we have engaged in many toddler activities such as power struggles, learning boundaries, testing, temper tantrums, hair pulling, attempted biting, and lets not forget the best activity of all "It's Mine!" Oh the joys of toddler time!



The toddlers are learning about positive socialization through our play and activity time. We have been engaging in large muscle play outside, small motor skills inside through the use of blocks, shape sorters, and puzzles. We are working on vocabulary through everyday verbalization, stories, and object naming. Learning about our bodies and self awareness is fun through finger plays, music and movement. And finally we are learning about the world around us on our daily walks and visiting.



Of course we have Lilly and Oskar who most definitely are not toddlers. They have quickly become leaders and enjoy teaching and helping. Oskar is my right hand man. He knows everything about whats going on. I so enjoy our time together. He is smart and witty and always knows the right thing to say to make me laugh. Thanks Oskar for all you do. He is also enjoying going to preschool with his friend, Reed. Lilly talks and talks and talks. The toddlers are most definitely learning from her. She too is smart and independent and talks and talks to me all day. I love it!