March 25, 2009

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!





March 21, 2009

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!





March 13, 2009

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


March 06, 2009

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!






March 04, 2009

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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March 01, 2009

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!


















February 23, 2009

Kopy Kat!

An easy birthday party for any child is to copy the exact same party you gave the sibling 2 1/2 months ago! Little turned 4 this weekend and he had a garage full of friends join us for a Hammer Time workshop. Each child wore an apron, safety goggles, and hard hat while they pounded away on a project created out of wood. The pre-drilled nail holes made the hammering easy, along with the help of a parent. Each child took their creation home with their bag full of toys!

The following day we celebrated with all our family that lives in the area, menu decided by the guest of honor...Chicken Pie and Edamame!


















February 20, 2009

210 years!

1 month, 3 generations, 4 birthdays, 210 years...

Happy birthday family!




February 18, 2009

Holy = Happy

Years ago (many) I would see dirty, sticky, kids in holy jeans. I thought "NEVER will I let my children look like that." Like most expectations I had, this too has changed.

Dirty = Played hard
Sticky = Independent eater
Holy = Happy

Today when I see a clean child in pressed clothes I tend to think "Honey, you need to get down and roll in the dirt like a kid should." Sunday best is my only exception...and that all changes after we eat pancakes loaded with syrup that gracefully lands on our sweater vest.

I am proud of my kids holy jeans, need for a bath at the end of each day, and shoes that are too dirty to wear in the house...as most moms should be!



February 10, 2009

Make 'em Don't Break 'em

It is that time of year to clear the candy bowl from the stale Halloween and Christmas leftovers. Valentines is here...and I am one of those moms who refuses for my kids to pass out 'store bought' valentines (until they are old enough to demand) filled with candy. This year we made heart necklaces made from old crayons. An easy and fun craft all ages can enjoy! So rumage through your art boxes, drawers, purse and car collecting crayon nubs, peel the paper (if your kids have not already), melt, mold, and wear.


 
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