Call Day #41, 2/7/14, Happy Birthday, Oliver!

 I thought Claire was taking a long time to do her morning chore in her room (which is normal) but it was so quiet that I decided to check on her.  She was asleep on the floor for 1.5 hours, in the morning, before even having breakfast.  She had earlier said her tummy hurt, and it was clear she wasn't feeling well.  We cancelled our midday and evening plans with others to make sure we didn't get anyone else sick and settled in for a day at home.

 Unintentionally captured Eleanor's feelings at having little brother being able to reach her artwork.

Able to paint in peace.  Working on a "cave painting" since we've been talking about what we know about some of the earliest peoples.

The BIRTHDAY BOY!  Can't believe he's 1!

Playing with cars.

We didn't have a birthday party with just the four of us but had to do a little something.  We had some pumpkin muffins with a glaze which were cupcake-like.

They met with Oliver's approval.

The girls had tea with theirs, in fancy cups.

It's fun to celebrate.

We started making flags of countries that are participating in the winter Olympics a few days ago.  Eleanor got into it so we made some more today.  She liked seeing how many medals each country has won and figured out that it corresponded pretty well with how cold their climate is.

We talked about the Opening Ceremony happening tonight and made little torches.  Here they are enacting the torch relay.

We Skyped with Grandma and Grandpa.  Skyping with the tablet is pretty crazy because, thanks to its portability, the girls sit still even less than the do when Skyping on the computer.

Eleanor was excited for the Opening Ceremony to begin.  She and Claire had gotten ready for bed, set up the living room to eat dinner while watching it, and were ready for it to start at least an hour and a half before it was due to start.  Then, they were antsy.  So, why not play outside in their pajamas?  Bonus: keeps Oliver entertained too.

Flags so far.  They make quite a festive decoration for living room Olympics-watching.  I've learned some I didn't know too.  Can you name all of these?  Anyhow, eventually the ceremony got underway and the girls enjoyed it.  Watching the Parade of Nations was such a hit with them both--the flags, the clothing, all the activity.  Eleanor sat watching with a pad and paper and we now have a list of twenty something more flags she'd like to make.  As it turns out, Claire seemed okay the rest of the day, but I was glad we ended up at home.  Cuddling with them both on the couch and enjoying the beginning of the Olympics was wonderful.  So much so that they were up til 9:45.  A good, full day.