Six Flags, Chuck E. Cheese, and a play set…

"Mommy, can we please stop talking about this?"
-Isla

The play set in the backyard was finally condemned after pieces started falling off while the kids were swinging.  It was quickly dismantled when the new swing set came in, this time one made of sturdy metal instead of cheap wood.  We were planning on putting it up over the weekend but the kids were too impatient so it went up Thursday evening.  So far it’s a hit with the kids and seems much more sturdy.

This was also field day week at school.  It was hot and Ashlyn didn’t want to participate in all the outdoor events but she still had fun with her friends and the rest of her class.

Going to Six Flags with three kids is difficult with only two parents.  It’s especially hard when the kids are of different ages and into different types of rides.  We thought it would be a good idea to try taking one kid at a time so they could spend their time on rides that are most fun to them.  Ashlyn went first and she had a great time with Mommy going on all the rides.

While Ashlyn was at Six Flags, James and Isla got to go to Chuck E. Cheese with Daddy to try out the “All you can play” option.  It turns out to be a pretty good deal, they got to play all the games they wanted and racked up enough tickets to get $1.25 worth of prizes.

Blackberries and parties…

"It's easy to impress me. I don't need a fancy party to be happy. Just good friends, good food, and good laughs. I'm happy. I'm satisfied. I'm content."
-Maria Sharapova

The blackberries are starting to ripen, and if the amount of fruit on our vine is any indication we are going to have a lot of blackberries this year.  That’s a good thing, these kids love blackberries.

On a rainy Sunday the kids will get creative in how they choose to entertain themselves.  Sometimes it’s a quiet spot on the floor and some puzzles.  Or it could be a set of water colors and pictures for an impromptu painting session.

And other times it’s a full on party complete with lemon water, snacks, games, and a banner.

Or in Ashlyn’s case it can be standing on her head.  It’s a strange house sometimes.

Happy Mother’s Day!

"There are three ways to get something done: do it yourself, hire someone to do it, or ask your kids not to do it."
–Malcolm Kushner

No single day is good enough to celebrate some of the most important people in our lives.  Still, the kids wanted to give it a shot.  They started by turning mason jars into flower pots with their pictures on the side.  Originally they had picked out flower arrangements to go with each pot but ended up putting them all together so every pot had at least one of each flower.

When Mother’s Day arrived the kids got up early, ran downstairs, and started making cereal to bring to Mommy in bed.  It was a nice idea, but the idea of cereal being carried up the stairs by three children made me nervous.  Especially when the three kids always have to turn going up the stairs into a race.  They were agreeable to making French Toast instead.

After breakfast the kids were excited to give Mommy the cards and gifts they made for her.  While Mommy was reading the cards, Isla decided to leap across the couches, giving Mommy a reminder that even on Mother’s Day you can’t let your guard down.

 

Mother’s Day with Nina was also a fun time for the kids; they got to run around Aunt Lisa’s house and spend time with their cousins.

Mother’s Day weekend wrapped up with Grandma coming over for dinner.  The kids were able to hand out the last of the gifts and a busy weekend ended with some cards and family time.

And this is James in a fedora.  Mommy thinks James looks cute in hats and it took Mother’s Day to convince him to put on one for a picture.

Reading, baking, and a frog…

"Letters are awesome."
-Isla

This will be a shorter week for pictures since Mommy was running solo this week.  The highlight of the week for the kids (but not necessarily the parents) was the acquisition of a frog that Nala had found in the backyard.  It wasn’t easy, Mommy had to rig up a trap using an aquarium and a paper towel cardboard tube, but it worked.  And now we are the proud owners of yet another pet. Yay!

James continues to improve on his reading.  He’s proud when he learns new words and is able to complete a new lesson, but he still tries to hide when anyone else watches him or tries to take his picture.

Our little baker gets inspired every now and then and turns the kitchen into her own bakery.  This week it was cinnamon and sugar muffins.  We’re not sure why they needed candles, but the kids enjoyed them and the kitchen has mostly recovered now.