Summer Activities

Summer is in full swing here, it seems. Our library's summer reading program started this week, so we attended the first program at the park. The theme is Read on the Wild Side, and this week the kids learned about bugs and other creepy crawlies. They looked at a book about insects, made foam and paper notebooks decorated with bug stickers, and ate a snack that included gummy worms. Of course, we took some time to play on the playground equipment too. We'll have several more weeks of these fun programs. Our library opens the reading program up to kids of any age; I know of several others whose program begins at three years. Check with your local library to see if they offer a program in which your young child can participate.

Another source for fun kids' activities in the summer might be your local Conservation District. Ours offers several toddler camps, so Landon and I will be participating in one in few weeks. We're also thinking about going to a Conservation District program on insects at the local library this week.

Last night I hosted a Summer Fun Night for the kids at church. We played water games, such as water limbo with the hose and a water bag toss (like a water balloon toss, but with Ziploc bags instead--much easier to clean up). The kids also decorated bug catchers. (Ours came from Oriental Trading. I tried to include a link, but it seems that the ones we used aren't currently available.) For our snack, the kids got to make their own ice cream sandwiches. We used Chips Ahoy cookies, vanilla ice cream, and multicolored sprinkles. I saw red, white, and blue sprinkles at the store, too, so I think that Landon and I might make more for the 4th of July using those sprinkles and homemade cookies. The ice cream sandwiches were a big hit with the kids.

It's pool season!

It was hot here this morning, so we filled up the pool to use after naptime. Unfortunately, by that time it had cooled off a lot and was about to storm, but Landon still got in some playtime. He was too busy shooting hoops to smile nicely for a picture, though.


Here's Simon trying out his infant cabana for the first time. It's designed to keep UV rays off of baby. It's not huge; something much bigger than the bouncy seat wouldn't fit inside, but it's plenty big for a little baby. And folds up compactly into a backpack carrying case. They do make a larger family-sized one, but since we live nowhere near the beach, I didn't figure we needed one that big.

Outdoor play

Landon received several toys for outdoor play at his birthday party this weekend, so we've been enjoying them plenty this week, since the weather's been gorgeous. Here are some photos from yesterday (5/18).

The Fisher Price Bubble Mower has been a big hit. It's too bad doesn't really mow the lawn, because Landon's covered almost the entire yard with it. I like that you can refill it with any bubbles, rather than having to purchase special Fisher Price ones.


This sand and water activity set is a Toys R Us exclusive item, but I couldn't find it on their website to provide a link. However, it would be worth looking for in their store, as Landon's having a blast with it (plus it's a great price--only about $13!). It comes with a truck and four boats, and there are gates that raise and lower, a movable crane, and a paddle for making waves. I also like that it's small enough that we can bring it inside during cold weather if we want. In fact, it will even fit in the tub if we want to contain the mess.


Bounce, bounce, bounce! Landon now has his own mini trampoline. He's getting plenty of exercise with this item. He'll bounce for a few minutes, go do something else, then come back and bounce some more. We do plan to store it in the garage when it rains, since the online reviews mention that it doesn't hold up well when exposed to the elements.


And here's what Simon did while we were outside yesterday:

Happy Mother's Day!

Me and my boys

Hello, Spring!

Finally, spring weather has returned! We spent some time in the backyard this afternoon.

It was baby Simon's first time hanging out outdoors.


Daddy and Landon worked together to build a big mountain in the sandbox.


I don't think the nice weather's going to stay, but we're enjoying it while it lasts!

Our Easter

We added a new baby to our house this week, so our Easter celebrations were pretty low key. Here are some photos from our weekend.

Easter Egg Hunt

We went to a community Easter egg hunt this morning. We weren't there more than ten minutes--the horn blew, the kids were let loose, and it was over as quickly as it had begun--but we came home with two suckers, two fruit snack packages, and a package of Sweet Tarts. Landon got to see someone in a big chick costume, too. We could have stuck around to see the Easter bunny, but he said, "I want to go home now." So instead, we came home and enjoyed the nice weather by spending time in the backyard.