April Activities

Story Hour has gone "under the sea" . . . my kids were good at "fishing"

they did a good job coloring these fish!

Then we read a book about some ducks with umbrellas with a substitute! (:

And made some coffee filter fish and read "Rainbow Fish."

At Music Makers - this small guitar prop was desired by all as was the noisy horn that Ak has here.

The parachute is always fun!

Here is a MM group at my brother's branch - 45 minutes away - my mom asked me to help her this month do a service and provide Music Makers there to show the moms this possibility. (:

At Cradle School this month - Ak loved the PURPLE play-doh!!!

They loved the day we painted - with Kool-aid paint - smelled GOOD! (:

B drew this at school. She was proud of the eyelashes! (:

We've had a variety of weather this month, which is typical. Here is a warm day that the kids enjoyed using some new water soakers with Dad. (: (Z bought 3 with some of his Easter money from that egg hunt. And I got the big one after seeing my sister's kids with them!) Easy to fill and refill and refill. (: Worth the dollar!!!

Then it turned cold - but they still wanted to eat their ice cream cones outside! (I was glad for the cooler weather - it was starting to feel like summer - and I don't like spring to be skipped!!!)

Earth Day

As a kid, my mother taught me about recycling. I like the idea of helping the environment. This is not a new concept for me - but I've gotten lax in my practicing it lately especially since where I currently live you have to either haul it somewhere yourself or PAY to have it picked up by your house. PAY to recycle!? Why can't they make those pay that do NOT recycle! I've heard of cities doing that!!! I need to remember that the next time some candidate for city council knocks at my door. . . (: Well, after this month's lessons at Joy School about the earth - Z asked about us recycling . . . and wanting to be a good example like my mother was to me . . . I started saving plastic and paper/cardboard items now to take to a recycling spot - I'm too cheap to pay! Sorry to my husband who has to see it pile up in the garage! I figured on Earth Day it was a good day to make a trip! Above were my helpers who loved to help throw them in!!! I remember loving to throw in the glass bottles in Germany in the recycle bins to hear them CRASH!!! (:
Here's B sporting her Earth Day T-shirt - it was a beautiful day and the kids enjoyed being outside!!!

Then on the following Saturday, we went to help pick up litter around the lake/park in our town. Also a good activity to teach kids NOT to litter and to help take care of the earth! B and Z got into it - it was fun to watch. (:

Ak was happier to play on the playground and find puddles to splash in - but at least she was exposed to the idea! (:

Later that day - we saw these in a nest right outside our front door up on a drain pipe. Pyscho Robin is back this year scaring those who try to come visit us and use the sidewalk! I think we will take down her nest this summer to discourage her from returning another year! (:

But this earth is an amazing place!!!

New Calling

FYI: Today I was sustained to be our ward's new Primary President. SHOCKER! We haven't been serving as nursery leaders very long - but now I am over children ages 18 months - 12 years old. I am supposed to help parents teach their children the gospel of Jesus Christ and help these children learn to live it. Luckily I have 2 counselors, a secretary, a music leader, a pianist, and 10 teachers to help me do this! I am excited to get to know those I will be serving with better!!! And I'm excited to grow closer to the Lord. All the other stuff is a little daunting. (: I suppose it will take me to my knees more often.

B's 3rd Tooth Gone!

This tooth has been loose for awhile - then yesterday she came home from school with it REALLY loose. D offered to use pliars and I told her some people tie a string aroung it and pull or tie the string to a doorknob and shut the door - but she didn't like any of those options. She made it through dinner and then was outside watching D work - I walked out there for something - she was telling me - "mom it's really loose - I've been trying to pull on it." As she said those last words she was acting it out and then looked down at her fingers and there was the tooth in her fingers!!!

It took her about 2 seconds to realize the truth of this and I was like - wow - I should take a picture!!! So while I got it out of my pocket and got it ready - it started to bleed! (: But she was glad it was out!

Then I went and got her some water to rinse out her mouth. (:
She's growing up.

1st Soccer Practice

Z is playing soccer too this spring. He is excited after watching B last spring. The coach brought small gatorade's for the players at the first practice - Z was VERY excited for a whole bottle!!! (he shared with his sisters - but he usually only gets sips from dad - so this was special.) Here's B after her practice. (: Their games start in May - the are ready mentally/emotionally - but they could use some more time practicing skills!!! (: I hope D gives them some private tutoring!!!

Spring Break - Part 2

Some friends from church invited us to go to the Zoo - there was a pretty good sized group - I was excited that it worked out for D to come with us!!!
D took some good pictures of some animals . . .
and of the kids . . .

Z was VERY excited he can go from pad to pad now alone . . .

All the kids had a great time!!!

The weather was FANTASTIC - it was crowded - but it wasn't HOT so I was happy!

D's hand was HURTING as we left and had to take a loopy pill so I drove home and then he took a 3 hour nap - but it was a great, fun family activity!!!

During break we also had fun with one of B's school friends at the park.

And to end the week we got to go a wedding reception! With DANCING!!! The colors were pink and orange - so my girls were happy to match! (:

Spring Break - Part 1

Grandma invited us to a picnic and to skate at her cottage! Yes that's both my parents here with skates! I am impressed each time with them! Yes they are in their 70's - cool huh?! Z was happy to try out his new elbow and knee pads. (:
All the kids are improving!!! B with Grandpa!

Thanks for the fun!!! D came along too - but due to his hand/finger injury - he did NOT get on skates!!! (:
And in case anyone thinks I might have unfairly posted a previous picture on a post - here's a flattering one of me over spring break getting a cavity filled. (: Looks fun huh?! I took this to show my kids - "Brush your teeth OR this could be you!!!" (:

Easter Sunday

Cute family dressed up for church!We went to D's mom's house. Mammaw loaded the grandkids w/ loot! (and actually the girls had been eyeing such dolls at the grocery store - I said my normal, "put it on the list" comment - so I was kind of glad they got something from the "list"! I suppose it needs to happen occasionally for my list story to keep working!) And AJ hid lots of eggs out in the yard for a fun egg hunt!!!

They each found an egg with a $5 bill in it!?!?!

Thanks for a fun Easter Day!!!

Good Friday

We started at Cradle School.The kids got to "color" eggs - she made some concentrated dye and they got to paint it on with Qtips.
While there - it didn't look too impressive - but it dried very nice looking!
Then when we got home Grandma D and Grandpa P were there!
Here is Ak showing Gma D how she writes her name ?!? I was VERY surprised to see her write letters - when did she learn this??? Playing school w/ B??? (:

Then B came home with the basket she made out of a 2L bottle at school and her loot from the egg hunt at school. (:

The grandparents had loot for all the grandkids which they were very excited to receive - including cute bunny ears!

. . . and this elephant game - cathing "butterflies"!

Then Uncle M and AJ showed up for some games . . .

with our injured one and their dad. (:

Thanks for coming to visit!!!