Day 2

We had a great day two.  Woke up and had biscuits for breakfast followed by some play time in the playroom.  Madison and Riley created a castle using the slanted foam blocks, a blanket, a small bookshelf and the lawnmower box.  The box was the bunker.  They had it all blocked so Julia couldn't mess any of it up.  Don't blame them for that - she's into everything.  So she just walked around carrying purses and sliding down the slide.

The girls played a little Wii during Julia's nap.  Then, after she woke up, we headed to Target.  First outing for me with three kids.  Went awesome.  The girls were very well behaved until Riley got tired after we checked out and wanted me to carry her which was not possible.  She cried to the car, but was fine.  Maddie handled her crying well and I stayed calm.  Hard to do, but the situation resolved itself quickly.

Then came lunch, playtime, snack and Julia's second nap.  Madison and I played multiplication war.  We divided it up into 1's through 5's.  And then the 6's through 9's.  She did very well on most of them especially the 1's through 5's.  Needed some help on some of the 6's through 9's sets.  But was able to get them with some help.  I told her we'd be doing some kind of "homework" during one of Julia's naps every day.  Riley helped me read the problem on my card (said the numbers for me) which gave her practice recognizing her numbers so it was fun for everyone.

Madison had a great day.  She ate well and took a shower this morning.  She also made her bed and put some things away in her room without us even asking.  She was super excited to go out.  She got a few things at Target - some socks, a bathing suit and conditioner/shampoo.  She wanted a dress, but I told her to wait as we'd just look them over.  We looked at them and just got the necessities for today.  She was very polite and respectful.  Asked quite a few questions.  Was very puzzled as to why we don't buy drinks at Target to have while we walk around.  She asked several times for one and even wanted to stop at McDonald's after for one, but I told her that we'd have some juice at home and she was fine with that.  She didn't mean it rude;  was just trying to figure out why I wouldn't want to buy one.  I just simply told her that if we're thirsty, we get a drink at home as it's much cheaper.  So we did some math with it.  Such as "If you buy a $2 drink every week for 50 weeks, how much would it cost per year?"  or "If you buy a $2 drink once a month, how much would that cost?"  Just put it in perspective that the little expenses add up over time and if we save it or spend it differently, it can make a difference in where we put it.  She was satisfied with the answer and didn't ask for any again.

Tonight we're trying a summer bedtime.  She just went up a few minutes ago and will read and get ready for bed until 9pm.  At 9pm, I'll go up and spend time with her and help her wind down.

She misses you guys and told me that she's having fun.  I let her know that it is completely normal to miss you and that we expect that she would miss you.  We've given her a lot of love and hugs and spent a lot of time playing and talking.  Riley is loving her big sis!  She is settling in nicely and has smiled all day.  I hope your flights went well and that you were able to sleep somewhat and study a bit as well.  Look forward to hearing from you!