oh my, mud pies!

I'm not sure how I tied making mud pies into an outside/bug themed week, but I'm so glad I did!  These kids had an absolute blast digging their hands in the mud!  And boy were they dirty.

Here's a couple of interesting facts about me:  I don't do bugs and I don't do worms.  Yech!  So, I went out and bought some dirt for the occasion.  You should definitely use clean dirt when making mud pies, right?  We had a bucket of dirt, a bucket of water and plenty of utensils and containers.  I turned the kids loose and was amazed to see what they came up with.  I had an awesome time watching them discover what happens when you use too much or not enough water, realizing the ultimate power of "capacity" (you can only add so much water to a pie tin before it runneth over into your lap) : ) and getting an overall picture of their personalities at work.

Little Miss was all business and concentration the whole time... measuring, strategizing, and problem-solving.  She was one serious chef.

 

Then there was Lady A... she was all squishing and giggles and a big ball of mud by the end.  She was one inspired chef!

 

 

 

Fortunately for me, the babies slept right through this activity. : )  They did have a good time keeping each other entertained most of the day though.  I am so lucky!

Hooray for Sun!

The weather has been so nice this week, so we took advantage of being outside as much as possible.  Here's a few shots of the kids playing in the water.

outdoor... bug week

This week we're learning about outdoor life, mostly bugs.  Today the kids and I took a "nature hike" {to the end of our block} to visit the horse and look for some bugs.  The only bug we found was a bee, but we put him in our little bug catcher and watched him under a magnifier.  *It was FREAKY* (according to the kids, of course).  Here's a few shots of our adventures.

In the 'back 40', looking for stuff.

Talking to "Lightening/Sugar".  I'll let you decide who named her what.

"Sugar" decided Lady A needed a kiss in the middle of the pic.  Too funny!

 I think she's a cowgirl at heart.

Bugs hide under rocks, ya know.

At least we have cool equipment.

Since we couldn't find any real bugs, we decided to make our own.

 All the while, Baby B was full of cheese.

ocean week wrap-up

tis the end of ocean week.  we will have to do some variation again soon.  it was so fun.

 

making peekaboo aquariums

whale watching

We watched a tale of whales today and then the kids made their very own from paper bags and googly eyes.  Any craft that involves googly eyes is a hit with these kiddos!

And then there was a dance party with Alvin and the Chipmunks.  SO cute!

I think this was some break-dancing moves.  A-Dorable.

ocean pudding

We made some vanilla pudding today and tried to dye it blue.  {Note to self:  vanilla pudding is yellow and when you add blue it only makes a disgusting green.}  But the kids loved it anyway.  I guess... they ate it.  Here's a couple of cute pics with their gold fish graham crackers swimming around.

Lady A really knows how to "Vanna White" her pudding!

Not sure what jj was up to.

Baby B was less than impressed at first.

But then decided to cheese it up a little. : )

ocean week

This week is Ocean/Marine Life week in America.  You wouldn't BELIEVE how many holidays there are that most people aren't aware of.  At least I was never aware.  Well, in looking for educational themes to tie into what could be mundane learning for kids... you learn lots of holidays and QUICK!  This week we'll be making projects and learning things that have to do with marine life and the ocean.  Check back for more photos.

Here's what we made today.  {An octopus made from egg carton cups (and boy do I have plenty of those the day after Easter), felt and pony beads.}  Making these wasn't a huge hit with the kids, but they sure loved the finished product.  They named theirs Sponge Bob and Patrick.  Oh my!  We also watched Finding Nemo and tried to name as many of the "fish" as they could.

milestones

I love it when babies start doing new things.  Baby B  stood up and cruised around all of the furniture today.  It was too cute.  Oh boy!  Walking is just around the corner.  Look out world!

Such determination!

And Pretty Darn Proud Too!

hoppy easter

Our last day before Easter was full of fun.  There were lots of crafts and activities.  Here's a few, but I was too busy running around to snap very many pictures!

Painting Flower Pot Hats