Splish Splash Taking a Bath

I put Kiahna in the bath to clean her up from eating a snack. DeeDee wanted to get in the bath too, but I told her not this time. She helped Kiahna play with the toys in the bath tub for a few minutes--then she finally just climbed in, clothes and all!!! Of course it was too cute to be upset, so I took pictures instead.

Daddy's First Trip

We took TJ to the airport today. He will be gone for a few days on a business trip. This is the first time that he has EVER been away from us since he got off the road over 7 years ago. It was not easy for him to leave.

Niah is the only one who is old enough to understand. Kiahna doesn't get it at all, and Aliya doesn't believe that he left because we never saw the airplane. We just dropped TJ off at the front, and so she believes that he just went inside to go to the hotel and to his work.

After we said our good-byes, we headed back towards home. Kiahna immediately fell asleep. We also didn't make it home before Daddy called us to tell us he missed us already!

Harris Insight

Several months ago I created another website (Harris Insight) as a companion to this blog. This website has always been listed in our LINKS section, but after receiving several shocked responses like “I didn’t know you had another website”, I decided to play fair and announce to everyone that YES, we do have another website. HOWEVER, I do not post any pictures or videos on that site--I only post stories and tidbits of our daily lives.

The website is really only recommended if your life is boring and dull and you have nothing better to do than read meaningless stories. I do have to admit that I have been know to post an interesting fact here and there, but it is rare.! If you do check out the website, I can’t promise you a lot of entertainment and excitement, but I can promise you a deeper glimpse into our lives.

--Heidi

Snip-Its Just For Me!!!

Recently, I made a fabulous discovery--I discovered SNIP-ITS!!! I have passed by the store several times, but I never peeked in. Two months ago, I decided to take the girls there because I was desperate for a place that could cut all three of the girls' hair AT THE SAME TIME. That may not sound that difficult, but many beauty salons do not accept small children. Some of my beauticians in the past have been willing to cut their hair, but I could tell that they really preferred not to. I have also tried several of the walk-in chains like SuperCuts, but have walked away very disappointed in the haircuts. One time I had to completely re cut Aliya's hair because it was cut so bad. I thought to myself, 'why did I pay somebody to cut this when I am actually doing it myself?' You might say, well why didn't you have them fix it before you left? Well, I DID! It wasn't any better after she "FIXED" it. I concluded that if she couldn't see the problem to start with, then she wouldn't know how to fix it.

The first time I walked in, I knew I found the perfect place. EVERYTHING in there is designed just for kids--even the chairs! When arriving for a haircut, each child is given a Snip-it ticket that they cash in for a prize in the prize machine AFTER they get their hair cut. The kids can play with all the games and toys while waiting for their haircut. When their hair is being cut, the kids can either watch a Snip-it movie or play a Snip-it video game .

Niah and Aliya loved getting their hair cut. Kiahna, however, didn't share in their joy. She did fine the last time, but this time she wasn't too happy...until she was given animal crackers (they have a bribe supply). The haircut went much smoother with the treats! The kids like going because it's fun. I like going because it's quality haircuts for a great price--it's a perfect match!

A+ for Apple Juice

Kiahna is learning new words everyday--some of these words are easier to understand than others. She started saying 'juice' a few months ago, and then she added the 'apple' just recently. We enjoy hearing her repeat her words...so we thought you might, too.

First Day of School

I had set my alarm for 7:30, but I didn't have too...Aliya was up and ready to go at 6:30!!! I had her rest in bed with me until 7:15, and then she (I) couldn't stand it any longer so we got up and started to cook breakfast. I had her wake up her sisters at 8:00. They ate breakfast, got dressed, brushed their teeth and hair, got their back packs, and were ready to head out the door by 9:00 AM.

We decided to take the girls to the library for the first day so that they could officially use their new backpacks. Daddy took off from work so that he could take his girls to school. TJ and I both have taken off from work every year Niah has gone to school so that we could spend that special day with her. This year I not only was the mom taking my girls to school, I was also the one looking forward to being picked up from school!

TJ and Kiahna stayed for a few minutes before leaving us "school girls" to study. We only stayed for 2 hours, and that was long enough for the first day. The library is NOT as quite as you would think it would be. There were MANY kids there. I am amazed at how many other parents are homeschooling their children also.

TJ and Kiahna came back to pick us up, and we went to their favorite eating place for a special treat. Then we returned home and TOOK NAPS!!! That was not an easy task. Aliya, of course, was exhausted from being up so early (plus she went to bed late because she was excited), but that didn't mean she wanted to rest. The girls finally laid down and slept for several hours. When she woke up, she was ready to do some more activities.

As I was getting the girls ready for bed tonight, I told Aliya that she had to hurry up and get to sleep so that we can go to school again tomorrow. She said, "AGAIN???" I guess in her mind, school was only for one day. She doesn't yet comprehend that she will be in school for the rest of her life.

Back to School Party

The girls had their Back to School Party today. The party was mostly for Aliya since this was her first year of school, but we also celebrated for all the girls just because this is our first year for our new school. My mom started this tradition years ago when her girls (ME!) started kindergarten. I have remembered my party all these years, and wanted to pass that special tradition on to my girls. When you think about it, you have to buy all the school supplies anyway...why not just add a cake with candles?!! It makes it much more fun!

All the school kids got to help blow out the crayon candles on the cake. Kiahna didn't understand what all was going on, but she was happy that a cake was involved!

After the cake, the girls opened up all their presents--SCHOOL SUPPLIES!!! Kiahna got some new school toys and a Dora coloring book. Aliya couldn't open up her presents fast enough! After she was done with hers, she wanted to open up her sisters. Niah loved all her new folders and art supplies. As soon as the party was over, she was in the room getting her backpack ready with all the new supplies--she loves to be organized!

Now, if I can just get through tomorrow...Aliya doesn't understand why she has to wait ONE MORE DAY for school. She feels like she has already waited long enough. I just hope that we can keep this momentum throughout the year. I don't want to have to "drag" my kids to school. Especially since I cant' just take them to school and drop them off!