a major accomplishment (and some other stuff)

Earlier this week, a hail storm blew in around 10pm. At first, it was just pea-sized hail, but then they changed to walnut-sized hail stones. They were coming down so hard (and the wind was really blowing, too) ~ George and I were afraid our western windows would break. Luckily, all of them stayed intact. Some of my daffodils weren't quite so lucky (though I was surprised that so many survived the pounding!): On the evening of the 8th, the kids and I went to Preschool Family Night at Ben's school. Emm and Nick weren't real thrilled about going, but they ended up having fun! We moved from room to room, doing various activities. We started out in the Bear Room, doing a craft. The theme of the night was "Circus", so the kids made circus train pictures:
Our next stop was the Elepant/Giraffe Room, where we enjoyed some popcorn and juice:
Next was music time in the Penguin Room. This photo was taken while the kids were pretending to be elephants:
I wasn't able to catch the best part on film, however. (Thanks to someone stepping right in front of me as I was about to snap a photo.) For a song about clowns, each child was supposed to take a turn going into the middle of the circle, and do something funny for everyone to copy. Most of the little kids just stood there shyly, looking at the ground. Not Benjamin. When it was his turn, he went into the middle with a huge grin on his face, and proceeded to break dance! I think that was probably the highlight of the night for all of the adults there, LOL!

After that, we headed to the Fun Zone. The kids had a blast climbing the rock wall: Playing on the equipment:

And playing "hoop ball" (as Ben calls it):
Our last stop of the evening was the Zebra Room, where one of the preschool teachers read a few circus books aloud to the group. It was a nice event, and Ben just loved showing his siblings all around his school. :)

And now for the major accomplishment. Yesterday, after YEARS of encouragement, frustration, scrapes and bruises, and even some bribery, Nick and Emmalie FINALLY learned how to ride their bikes! They were very excited, and I was excited for them! :) Nick figured it out first. (Yes, I know he's not wearing a helmet in this picture. He corrected that problem shortly afterwards.):
Thumbs up!:
Go, Nick, go!
Seeing her younger brother actually ride around without falling prompted Emmalie to give it a try. It took a little while, but she finally got it!:

Way to go, Emm!:
I am so proud of them!!