Category Archives: artwork

Nativity Scene

We received yet another package from Mimi and Papa in Illinois which contained even more craft supplies for Christmas.  The boys are still wanting to do something every night from what we have so far, but my partner and I have been trying our best to pace the boys.  Tonight we were going through the supplies for the Nativity costumes and so it felt fitting to make our nativity scene.  We did not have any directions to follow, so the boys used the finished photo of the craft to figure out how to put it together.  They enjoyed putting together the three Kings which had the most assembling required.  Ronan finally took down the left over Halloween decorations from the shelf and we put them aside to make room for the Christmas crafts.  Below is a photo of the finished scene, but we will be hiding the Baby Jesus until it is time for him to arrive as to keep with the Nativity story.  With the craft spirits still going strong, Ronan went on to colour photos and made a very nice Batman one.  Perhaps he could visit the Nativity scene to see Baby Jesus too?  

Our Christmas shelf with the Nativity scene that the boys put together. 
The boys ready for the challenge of putting together a Christmas craft. 

What is more Christmas-y than Batman? Ronan’s drawing this evening. 

Maddox in Reception

The school system is quite different in England, than how it is in the US. For instance most of the schools require a school uniform, and some even have ‘houses’ as depicted in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. My oldest son is in Year Two, and that is the US equivalent of First Grade. While my boys are now in Primary school, they go to secondary school at age 11, off to College at the age of 16, and University at the age of 18. Ronan and Maddox are only 6 and 4 respectfully, and I am already anxious about how they will do on their A Levels and GCSEs. Thankfully we do have plenty of time to prepare for that stage of their education. I am enjoying every day that I get to take them to school and see them excited about being in class with their friends. This morning I snuck in for a little bit to take photos of some of the work Maddox has been doing in Reception. I find it hard to walk out and head back home, but he is always focused on learning as soon as he walks in to class. I hope that excitement about learning will stay with both my boys for years to come.

Caterpillar by Maddox

Crocodile by Maddox