Jack's Field Trip to Fountain Rock

Last week I had the pleasure of accompanying Jack on a preschool field trip to Fountain Rock Nature Center. They saw a presentation called "Going Buggy," all about different sorts of bugs. The kids were hilariously obsessed with stinkbugs, and learned that in some areas, people actually cook and eat stink bugs. The cooking apparently gets rid of the smell. Jack actually took in a lot of information from the presentation and has been sharing it with Alexander over the past few days. Most interesting to him were the ways in which different bugs protect themselves.

After the presentation, the kids had time to explore the nature center and take a walk to look for bugs and signs of bugs. It was a nice time, especially to have something special for Jack and me to do together before the baby is born.

Spirit Week: Crazy Hair Day

The week before Spring Break at Alexander's school is Spirit Week, and his favorite theme was Crazy Hair Day. I let him get some red spray this year. He was thrilled.

Kai's Fake Birthday!

With the Baby due right around Kai's second birthday, we decided to celebrate Kai's birthday a few weeks early. It felt a little strange to be celebrating him turning two when I want to cherish every last minute of him being one, but it was a terrific party nonetheless.

He loves balls, so we went with an "All-Star" Sports theme for his party. It was very simple with just a bunch of inflatable balls as decoration and a not-too-large group of friends and family to celebrate with. The kids each painted the first letter of their name, and I was impressed at how even the little ones really concentrated on this task! They seemed to enjoy it. Kai had fun playing with his little playgroup friends, while Alexander and Jack played with the older siblings and had fun getting to know their big cousin Joey. Kai received some great gifts which all the kids love, and we appreciate everyone that came out on the rainy day to celebrate with us. Happy Fake Birthday, Kai!

Kai Does Colors!

Kai has been getting pretty good at naming colors for a while now, but I am just getting around to posting this.

Tiger... Grrrr!

Last weekend Alexander and I went to his first Blue and Gold Scouting Banquet, where he was awarded his Tiger Badge. He thought the banquet was pretty cool, although he did not appreciate the audience applauding him for earning his badge. That was a bit LOUD! He is proud of his accomplishments and has enjoyed Scouting, but he also looks forward to trying something different next year. He may change his mind and do Scouts again next year, or he may return to it when he is older.

Here he is, looking much older than he really should be in this Mommy's opinion (it's those adult teeth that change everything), enjoying some dessert:

Here he is with his Tiger paint, growling like a Tiger:

Some Favorite Pictures

Recently I got some photos printed up for a few different multi/collage photo frames that I have been meaning to hang. So, for those that don't get to visit regularly, I thought I'd post the pictures that I chose, mostly so that I can admire my handsome little boys yet again. I'm sure I'm biased, but I do think they are just as handsome as they could be! Love 'em! (At least some of these pictures were previously posted here as well, but it's still fun!)

Happy Birthday, Alexander!

Better late than never...

Last month Alexander turned SEVEN! He had a Mad Scientist themed birthday party and was joined by friends, neighbors, and family. Each Mad Scientist was outfitted with safety glasses and a lab coat.


The kids did an ice cream making experiment, each making their own small batch of ice cream to eat by putting a small Ziplock bag filled with the ice cream ingredients inside a larger Ziplock bag filled with ice and salt (which makes the ice cream freeze faster). They wrapped their bags in newspaper so as not to freeze their hands, too, and shook their bags while dancing until the ice cream was (mostly) frozen and ready to eat.

Next, they put on their "thinking caps" and played a little game involving transferring water from one cup to another using straws.

There was, of course, cake. Alexander had an excellent time and we hope that all the other little Mad Scientists did as well!

Alexander is a pretty awesome seven-year-old. His four front "big boy" teeth have grown in, which makes him look very mature. As evidenced by his party theme, he is interested in science and enjoys reading almost any non-fiction books. He loves having outside adventures with Jack and their neighborhood friends. His favorite food is chicken noodle soup and he can prepare the from-the-can condensed type independently, and will eat an entire can by himself and still have room for something else. He loves to help Mommy and Daddy, is mostly a good big brother, and looks forward to meeting his third little brother!

Happy Birthday to my biggest boy! I love you!