Reading - Making Books - Not going to sleep on time!

Lee's teacher has been trying to find books that he will be really motivated to read. She found him one about ninja's and a chapter book about Mario. It hasn't really motivated him to read more at home but both boys are really into the idea of chapters in books. I folded some paper and stapled it into books for them to draw and write in. They love making their own books with chapters in them!

What has really been motivating both boys to read is a free app that the teachers downloaded onto ipads at school and we downloaded on our phones and computers at home. It's called Raz Kids and it is basically a free ebook program for kids. They earn stars for every book they read, listen to and take a quiz on. With the stars they are able to build robots and launch rockets as well as record themselves read so that their teachers can listen. Michael and I got to sign up with a linked account that allows us to send them messages of encouragement and view their reading/comprehension progress. Both boys are so excited about it that they almost get as excited as they would if we were giving them video game time! 

The last few days when we ask the boys to get their backpacks out of the car and take them in to hang them up, Rylan has offered to carry Lee's in as well as his which is huge for him since he has the hardest time being responsible for tasks like that. He usually forgets something at school whether it be his jacket, water bottle, lunch ect...

Right now I can hear the boys over the baby monitor playing a game where luigi needs to go to sleep sometimes and sometimes he get's to stay up all night and get's to sleep in the same bed as Mario. It is so cute to hear them play games that mimic what is going on in real life! Lately since they have been  getting along so well we have been having the hardest time getting them to sleep on time. We have them lay down at 7:30 and if they are both asleep by 9 we are lucky. The only threat that works, is to tell them that one of them will have to come downstairs and fall asleep on the couch if they keep whispering playing and giggling!

For a wedding gift our friend's Lindsey and Ryan gave us some cute matching aprons off our registry, one says I love my wife and the other says I love my Husband. Michael is wearing his and Rylan read it then said, "It could say I love you or I love Lee or I love Lee and Rylan and my Wife!" Michael agreed :) 

Lee just randomly and very sweetly told Rylan that he can lay on him if he wants to. Rylan told him that he didn't want to hurt him. He said it won't hurt him and he can lay on him whenever he wants . And then Lee told him that he can snuggle him if he wants to because it makes him happy! So they are sharing a blanket together waiting for us to start "Monday Movie Night" Lee initiating snuggling with Rylan is a huge break through. He usually has an issue with Rylan touching him just by sitting next to him during story time or just hugging him when he is not in exactly the right mood.

Awww I had to come back and write more because I just overheard Michael tell the kids that a day better than Christmas is coming up and he whispered "mommy's birthday" meaning my birthday. And Rylan said excitedly "Can we come?!" Michael said yes and then they started talking about how they need to make me some presents! I am such a lucky Mom!