School Craft

Sheri helped Caleb's 2nd grade class make ornaments on the last day of school.  Caleb's teacher put up a Christmas tree and the kids had a book exchange.  These snowflakes are made from toilet paper tubes! The snowman is made from white and black beads strung on a  pipe cleaner.

Our new favorite thrifty activity!

Sheri saw Toy Story 3 with the boys for $3.00 tonight!   "Reel Family Time" is 75 cent admission for parties of 3 or more every Monday at Cinemark 8 in Round Rock.  You have to buy your tickets at the box office - and perhaps a little ahead of time.
 http://www.cinemark.com/reelfamilytime.asp

p.s. Yes, I love vintage toys, but please do not purchase a  Charlie the Chimp playing the cymbals, for Samuel.  EVER.  Thank you.

What shall we teach them before they're grown?

I am surprised at how many children we know can't swim!  Many of these kids attend dance lessons or play team sports, but have never had a swim lesson. Our family spends a lot of time around rivers, lakes and streams and the faster these two fun loving boys can do some self rescue, the better! Luckily, we live in a neighborhood that offers low-cost classes and year-round swimming. I suppose every family has their own priorities in what they want their children to know.  I've been  thinking of compiling a list of "Things to teach my kids before they're grown".  What would be your top contenders?  I'm not referring to the things everyone teaches their kids; like basic hygiene or how to safely cross the street, but rather things that are important to you and your family. Examples might be: swimming, changing the oil in the car,  how to speak Gaelic, or folding a proper paper airplane. 

Teaching sewing

Sheri embarks on the new challenge of teaching Caleb and a friend to sew.  I found these great stich-a-pal kits at Hancock Fabrics for One dollar! They come with a plastic needle, yarn and foam pieces to stitch together.   We used the needles to stitch on index cards yesterday. Next we will put these cute projects together.   The manufacturer is NICOLE P.O. Box 846 Mt. Laurel, NJ 08064

Samuel turns 3!

“Mommy, I wanna have a Wonder Pets party!” says Samuel. “Really?!? I thought you wanted to have a Thomas Party. We could go ride the train!” replies Mom “ No, I wanna have a Wonder Pets party!” Insists Samuel. “Oh okay…But what about having a dinosaur party? You love dinosaurs!” questions Caleb. “No, I wanna have a Wonder Pets party!” “Are you sure? What about Back-yardigans? ” “I’m sure, I want Wonder Pets” So went the game that Samuel played for a month and half in preparation for the big day.

The party was small but lively. The boys and their friend Samantha ran around the yard rescuing “animals in trouble” using "team work" and wearing felt wonder pet capes! http://www.nickjr.com/printables/wonder-pets-cape-diagram.jhtml) Uncle Andy joined us for a trip to Kiddie Acres- a small old fashioned amusement park. http://kiddieacres.com/ Samuel loved the tiny Ferris wheel, and the airplane ride best. After some “serious” ice cream refreshment we headed home for spaghetti and meatballs, presents, cake, and Wonder Pet chocolate chip cookies!

Presents included a Radio Flyer scooter, a remote control Bounce Back Racer, a Tonka crane, Little People castle and of course… Wonder Pets.

Bluebonnets Plus

2010 Wild Flowers have been the most spectacular ever. Uncle Andy joined us for a wonderful drive around the famous Central Texas “Willow City Loop” in pursuit of the quintessential bluebonnet photo op. The hill country was fertile green and full of calves nuzzling mama cows. The flowers were thick and full and grew more jaw-dropping with every mile. We counted at least 16 species in bloom and the bluebonnets were above the knee.



We stopped at Harry’s in Willow City for some pulled pork sandwiches. One of the locals was sitting outside popping the heads off of crawdads. Caleb, thinking it was pretty cool, ended up getting his first taste of Cajun Craw-fish. They have a great Border collie mix hanging around named Reba. She has a great singing voice and joined us in a verse of Amazing Grace! She is also an excellent fetcher.

Bobble head and Yellow belt

Last month Caleb won a 1^st place bobble head trophy in his rookie karate tournament. Spectators included Papa, Sally, Andy, Mom, Dad and Brother. A few weeks later, he was honored by moving from white to yellow belt!