Play Dough

I was cleaning out the little one's room, and I came across the play dough bucket.  It is filled with all kinds of tools, rollers, and cutters.  We hadn't played with it for a while, so it was eagerly embraced and Piper was occupied for at least an hour.  Maybe it's time to try out some of the yummy looking recipes I've pinned on Pinterest for play dough.

Hair Cut for Piper

We got Piper's hair cut finally.  It was just too much to manage, and she cries and is frustrated when I try to style it.  She has only had her hair trimmed once before when she was about two, so this was kinda a big deal.  Well, for me anyway.  I'm sure she's just fine.  

Planting Flowers

Today we planted flowers in the window box.  This is actually the side of the old playhouse from the playroom, and now is currently on one side of the sandbox.

Stella wasn't too excited about getting dirty, but she tried a couple of times to plant the flowers, and even added some of the soil to the flower box,

Piper remembered to "tickle the roots" like we did when we planted the tomatoes and herbs last month.

I think this was Piper's favorite part- watering the flowers.  She always likes to do this at Grandma's house too.

Finally we were done, but not before she had to play fireman in the clubhouse.  Apparently it was on fire and she was saving the baby "Stella" and safely put out the blazing fire.

Snack Boxes

 I'm not sure where I go the idea for our new snack boxes.  It might have been on Pinterest, except I can't seem to find it pinned to any of my boards there.  I think it might be something a friend told me about.  Either way, the girls and I put them together to combat their never ending need for food.  Seriously, Stella would eat all day if I let her.  The snack boxes give them control over food choices and hopefully will lead to trying some new things.

The way it works is the boxes are "filled" with items to snack from.  They can choose to eat something from their box throughout the day, but they still have to eat meals.  Once the box is empty for the day, they are done.  No more snacks.  I'm still trying to figure out how much to put in the box.  Sometimes they pick the food, sometimes I choose what to fill it with.  Today there was an apple, string cheese, trail mix, graham crackers, a fortune cookie, and a cupcake.  No veggies I know.  They are really good at eating fruit, but not so much the veggies, but I am still hopeful it might click.

So far, the boxes are a hit.  Next week, there will be veggies I promise.  :)

Ice Eggs

There's nothing like summer vacation to give me all the time in the world to try out more  Pinterest ideas.  Today was no exception.  I made ice eggs for the girls, inspired by this post http://alittlelearningfortwo.blogspot.com/2011/09/ice-eggs.html

They turned out just as they promised.  It was a little difficult getting the toys into the balloons, but it was well worth the effort. I think next time we might have to use smaller toys.  I just dug these out of the kids' tubs and did the best I could.

Stella had so much fun playing with the ice eggs before the big kids ever noticed them.  She especially loved the star confetti that was inside the eggs.  I need to figure out how to make the items distribute a bit more evenly next time though.

And yes, there will be a next time.  They loved it, and it was great for a hot summer day.

Park

This is one of the tree hots I took that I decided not to use.

Pictures from the park.  We saw a blue heron up close.  Of course I brought the wrong lens for my camera, so I couldn't get a good clear shot.

All I ever get is squinty eyes

Lakeshore Grand Opening

As a parent and an educator, I was excited to hear that a Lakeshore ® Learning Store was going to be opening in Indianapolis.  I have used many of their products over the years in my classroom.  The Grand Opening will be taking place this weekend May 18th-20th.  They will be offering community free crafts, contests, hourly drawings, and hands-on product demonstrations.  There will be up to 50% savings on store favorites.  In addition, they offer free crafts and educational activities for kids every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.


 Click on the link below to see more details, and for a coupon for $15 off a $50 purchase.
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/store_locations/042312_GO_Indianapolis.jsp?utm_source=offline&utm_medium=flyer&utm_campaign=indy_go

All the Grandkids

Jelly Face

She loves toast with jelly!

Fun with Water

Ginger

Look how big Ginger is getting!

Last Day of Preschool

Ms. Handel

A Visit to See the Goats