Big Smiles

Don't these smiles just melt your heart?!

We're excited to start Spring Break, visit a couple of museums, have lunch with daddy, learn more about dinosaurs (the latest interest), visit the barn and just R.E.L.A.X.!

Fun Friday!

There's nothing better than a lunch date with Daddy down at his office!  Happy weekend :)

The Kiddie Park

Somehow, in my entire childhood, we never once visited this Kiddie Park!  I can't believe it.  Perhaps because by the time we moved to this city, I was taller than the 50" limit (but Uncle wasn't), so I was a bit beyond it.  But anyhoo...we were suppose to go with friends today, but then one of the little girls got sick (boo--we missed you!).  The Noodle and I decided to go anyway, just the 2 of us.  One of the last hurrahs of summer.

We hit all of the rides and had a great time in the process.  While it was busy, we didn't really have to wait, except for the train.  One of the little bonuses?  When you buy a book of tickets, those which don't get used, can be used the following year...actually they can be used forever.  There's no expiration date!  Cool, huh?  We'll definitely be back!!

Ready with her ticket.

Fun on the merry-go-round.

 

Fun Friday

Anytime we get to go and meet Daddy downtown for lunch is always fun...even if we're just brown baggin' it!  The Noodle had a good time running around, chasing birds and just plain acting like a goofy-ball!

And look at the longing in those eyes...just 1 bite, please Daddy?!

Happy Friday :)

Fun Friday

Although Daddy is claiming the the Noodle is a big goofy-ball, I happen to think that they are BOTH goofy-balls!  And of course I love them to pieces :)  Happy Friday everyone!

Fun Friday--Lunchtime with Daddy

If J's schedule permits it, the Noodle and I love to go down and eat lunch with him.  Sometimes we sit by the river, sometimes we sit by the Lake, other times, it is a park close to his office.  Today, we decided to venture a little further and headed over to the main library's reading garden.  It is filled with dappled sunlight, lots of chairs and benches, various water features and constantly changing artwork.  My favorite part of the garden, however, are all of the little boys and girls who cavort around the ABC gates.  I love to spot them hiding, or hanging out and just think they are too darn cute!  It was so relaxing to "picnic" and enjoy this little bit of tranquility among the busy city streets.  Happy Friday to you!

See the little guy up in the corner, holding the letter B?

These 2 greeted us as we walked in :)

Finishing up the last bits of lunch.

National Cheesecake Day

We've had a pretty quiet week here.  Nothing too exciting or noteworthy going on.  Just life.  Tonight we decided to go out to eat and use a gift certificate that good friends had given us (thanks so much!!) to Ch*esecake Factory.  Good food but large enormous portions!!  We got an entree and split it 3 ways.  More than enough, but ohh so tasty.  Bet ya didn't know that today is "National Cheesecake Day", did ya?  Well it is, and so the cheesecake was 1/2 off.  Even though we certainly didn't NEED cheesecake after our meal, we got it anyways.  It was as delicious as you can imagine.  Afterward, we walked around and attempted to work off a few of the thousand + calories that we had just consumed.  I don't think our leisurely stroll is gonna cut it though.  Sigh.  I LOVE cheesecake.  Too bad it is so bad for you.

Fun Friday

For a super cheap and fun toy, grab a container and fill it with some popcorn kernals, dried beans, dried peas, etc. Add some plastic spoons and small measuring cups and voila--instant fun. Another great option is to make rainbow rice (1 C rice, 1/2 t food coloring, 1 t rubbing alcohol). Make a couple of different colors of rice and then combine. These are both great sensory activities and are very calming to children (and adults too!). Rainbow rice was an ongoing sensory activity in my classroom and it was always a hit. It goes without saying that you should use your best judgment as to whether your child is at an age where they can use the materials appropriately. The other nice thing about this, is that it keeps for a loooong time. BTW, it is also a great developmental way for children to begin learning about volume, measurement, capacity, etc. I guarantee you'll have fun playing right along with them. Oh yeah, unfortunately the clean-up isn't quite so great. Those darn kernals tend to keep reappearing, even after you've given everything a good sweep. Oh well, dim the lights and light the candles instead :0) Happy Friday everyone!

Fun Friday

Fun Friday--On the walking path with Lollie

Fun Friday--The zoo and lunch with Daddy

This morning, the Chinese Noodle and I went with Dr. G and her son to the zoo. While the day started off gray, the clouds quickly parted, the sun came out and the sky turned a brilliant shade of blue. Perfect for looking at all the animals! As always, the monkeys and gorillas were a hit, but the big area of interest (at least for the Noodle, the little guy fell asleep) was the dinosaur exhibit--moving, roaring dinos. It was the perfect way to stroll and chat, while keeping the youngsters interested too. Dr. G and I have been doing bible study together since 2005, and she and her husband have been so supportive of J and I. Thanks for a fun time and our friendship!!


After the zoo, we took a detour to go meet J for lunch. One of the things I love about being off is being able to take the Noodle downtown so we can eat with Daddy. Thankfully, J's job is flexible so that, barring any meetings, he can usually take a few minutes out of his day for his girls. We ate down by the river and watched the seagulls and the boats come and go. While it was still sunny, the wind was quite a bit stronger here and so it made for a chilly meal.

Fun Friday--Bouncin' off the walls!

The scene that greeted us
I've finally gotten my hands on a ball
Let's play Daddy
Enjoying the parachute
Taking a break to do some arts and crafts
Tonight the 3 of us went to an event sponsored by our local early childhood PTA group that was held at one of the elementary schools. They call it Bouncin' Off The Walls. I can't think of a more appropriate name! There was a parachute, tunnel to crawl through, music for dancing, balls to kick and throw and in the cafeteria, snacks and arts/crafts. When we walked in, there were kids running and laughing all over the gym, burning off the energy that's been bottled up all winter. The Chinese Noodle had fun running around, was able to get her hands on a few of the balls, crawled through the tunnel and even manage to grab a seat on the parachute as it slid by. Amazingly enough, we didn't witness any collisions the entire time we were there. When we put her down for bed, she was out in no time fast! Sweet dreams!!