Water Bugs

I have always called my kids "(something) bug." Love, snuggle, lady, smart, stinky, etc. Today they have all earned the title 'Water Bug.' With summer still officially 2 months away, these kids are addicted to water. They don't mind the almost freezing temps as long as the sun is there to warm them. And oh is it here in Texas!

Bartholomew and the Oobleck

"Oh snow and rain are not enough!
Oh, we must make some brand-new stuff!
So feed the fire with with wet mouse hair,
Burn an onion. Burn a chair.
Burn a whisker from your chin
And burn a long sour lizard skin...
Go make the wondrous oobleck fall
Oh, bring down oobleck on us all!"
- Dr. Seuss

Maybe not with hair and skin but try 1 part water to 2 parts corn starch. It is a liquid and a solid, depends on how you handle it. Our favorite outside activity on a warm day. It may look messy but pull out the water hose and clean up is easy!

More Traditions...

I realize every day when we bake, read, play, etc, I am not just keeping the kids busy...I am carrying on or creating new traditions. This year we decided to bake the famous Easter Bunny Cake. I had to dig through my memory box to show the boys me with my cake when I was 6 years old. I think they enjoyed looking through my old photo album rather than decorating the cake!

And then the boys found out about the 'Easter Squirrel?!?" It all began at 0145 this morning. 2 boys ran into our room because Big saw a white squirrel on their window sill (inside that is). He jumped out of bed to catch it. In the mean time he woke up Little. As Daddy put them back in bed he explained the Easter Squirrel. Kind of like the Easter Bunny's elf...he sneaks into the kids room to make sure the kids are sleeping while the Easter Bunny hides the eggs. I told the boys I have always heard about the Easter Squirrel but have never seen him. They must be special...so the tradition is started ;)

Happy Easter to all!

Take 2!

Yes...better patch, on a low-traffic road, happier kids!

Game Day

Yes, the big day and I am not talking about UNC vs MSU. Today was green vs yellow.

After an intense 5 week training at the local rec center (45 minutes each Monday) with drills, relay races, and teamwork lessons, the boys finished the season with a scrimmage. They were on opposing teams and the score was not kept. There seemed to be more "running with the ball" than dribbling and the air balls surely out numbered the shots that actually contacted the backboard, hoop, or net. Some players passed to the defense on purpose and others shot at the opposing goals with a smile.

It was a great season and the scrimmage gave us all a workout, even if it was with just laughter! I was a proud parent of a scorer (yeah Little) and one heck of a defense player (yeah Big)! Here is to a full ride so we can cash in your college fund in 13 years.

Rotten Egg...

Last one in is the rotten egg, and that would be me. 66 degree water is too cold for swimming. The 3 young ones did not mind at all. Happy swimming this year!

Texas Challenge

It is something we all do each year...

1. Find the biggest, most beautiful patch of bluebonnets.
2. Make sure it is not next to a 70 mph freeway when you are dealing with small run-a-ways.
3. Check out the horizon. Who would want a gas station, parking lot, or big rig in their photo.
4. Time it with the kids: everyone must be in a good mood.
5. Time it with yesterday's weather: nothing like stomping through mud to get to the patch.
6. Time it with today's weather: sunny is always good.
7. Time it with tomorrow's weather: nothing like tomorrow having better weather than today and you feel the need to once again, drag your kids to the side of the highway.
8. Watch out for rattlers, yes SNAKES, we are in Texas.
9. Tell your kids they can pick up liter AFTER the pictures are taken.
10. "SAY CHEESE" and bribe the kids with McD's following the photo shoot.

Searching for Spring

Today we invited some of our friends to our favorite free Nature Center for a small hike to discover signs of spring. Each mom provided a small treat to each child...I made gift bags containing a pot, bulb, and planting soil. We received bug houses, magnifying glasses, butterfly catchers, and bubbles.

The kids had a blast and I was left on the tail end as Ms. Pink took the hike at her own pace. At one point, another little person even decided to help her move along a tad bit faster!

Before the Storm

With spring in full swing, so are the Texan storms! We were lucky enough to squeeze in a playdate and picnic before the storms approached us. Our last visit to the Log Cabin Village was almost 18 months ago. We joined 12 other kids, along with their moms, for a full size Lincoln Log tour. Despite a few tears here and there, we all had a blast.

A picnic lunch nearby followed and we even talked a few into joining us on our favorite train ride. Now I am enjoying a quiet house with 3 sleeping kids, as the thunder rolls!

SB - 2009

Spring Break 2009 Memories...

S - Swings & swimming.
P - Playing on the "talkie-walkies"
R - Riding the jeep.
I - Inner Space Caverns.
N - Napping in the hammock.
G - Green pancakes (St. Patrick's Day.)

B - Bats, blizzards, & bass fishing.
R - Running in the mud.
E - Exploring & Easter egg dying.
A - All nighter in the tree house.
K - Kranz and Kolecki kids.

...and to view more photos, click here, then play the slideshow!

Lucky Charms

The drought of 2009 has ended, as we have collected 4 inches of rain over the last 3 days. What better way to get ready for St. Patrick's Day than to share their cold rainy weather!

And to keep the kids (and myself) sane...we made some shamrock cookies and joyfully shared them with our neighbors, dressed in our rubbers!

"For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way -
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day."
~Author Unknown

slides...sculptures...STANLEY!

A busy Friday morning for our klan. Reminds me of the days in Helsinki, visiting more places before lunch than most people see all week. Only now, I have no one that can hang with me :(

After running around 2 different parks this morning, only to tire out Ms. Pink so she would nap later, the boys and I ventured to a nearby sculpture garden for a picnic lunch. The word of the day was "abstract." It is amazing (and quite humorous) what these little minds see in a crushed piece of metal.

Then onto the highlight of the day...the Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley! After purchasing tickets weeks ago, we started reading the Flat Stanley books. Great chapter books, easy reading, and simple story line. Lets just say we are ready for Broadway. The performance was amazing and we all loved it!

Weather & Wheels

You can't beat Texas weather...freezing one day, high of 80 the next. Winter coats in the morning followed by sandals in the afternoon. You never know what to expect even if the forecast showed you the 10-day outlook. That is why when it is warm and sunny, we LIVE outside.

Enjoying this gorgeous afternoon, all of our wheeled toys adorn the driveway. Kids strolling, riding, pushing along merrily. Spring must be on its way!


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Good Night Room

15 months later we are once again crib-less. Ms. Pink is now in her 'big girl bed' counting the sheep as I type. As everyone asks..."why so early?" My response..."why not?" Big was booted out at 14 months to make room for Little and I refused to buy 2 cribs. Little was 14 months when we moved to Finland and immediately took a liking to sleeping in a big bed in the same room as his brother. Success after 2, of course the 3rd will follow.

We do miss the quick and easy bedtime ritual as she would play in her crib for a bit before falling to sleep alone. But this snuggling and spooning sure is rewarding at the end of each day, as she falls asleep by my side!