lake earth day

The lake events are always a hit, and they went big on the earth day fun around here. The highlight was the boat tour around the lake (which both the boys did not seem as excited about but tolerated). Everyone has these party barges and one even had a huge pergola and wisteria vines. This was our first jaunt out on the open water where we spotted turtles, fish, and a very rare sighting of a great horned owl during the day. After the boat cruise, we caught most of the raptor show, where we saw three more owls and hawks up close and personal. The tiny screech owl was adorable. Then Aiden enjoyed seeing the dead fish on display, me not as much... Aiden assured me he didn't touch the slimiest ones. I preferred the tables talking about energy and the NASA giveaways.

drizzle

We don't let a little spotty drizzle stop us... But after our mild morning of soccer and a stop at our favorite bakery deli for lunch, we didn't have to go far to find more fun. There was a little festival at the park where there are a bunch of geocaches. The bouncy house for little athletes brought out the smiles. The swings and slides brought on many more that seemed to chase the rain away... There is a huge train climbing structure and a little booth next to it with 'kompan' written on it, which Aiden read as coupon... He was making me laugh by calling out "Get your coupons here! One coupon per ride!" (but I guess Kompan is the playground equipment company - thanks Google)

geo 5 and 16

We found our 16th geocache today. It was one that eluded us when we found the Pipe Down cache with my folks last month. We took daddy back and he found the cool pipe and then was determined to find the next one.
Number five may have been the coolest geocache I've found. I was so surprised when I found it hidden in a sign. As for number 16, the round, very well camouflaged container wasn't far from the path and no poison ivy! Phew! I keep joking it is all fun and games until someone gets itchy ;). It had a frisbee to join the disc golf course if you wanted... Maybe next time after Aiden has mastered throwing a frisbee ;)

sampler sweater

My car pool, late night knit sampler sweater is complete! I started the sweater officially on February 15, and two months later it's complete. In stolen moments these knits and purls were eeked out while KC snoozed in the car while we waited to get his brother or nights when I stayed up too late or during long car rides on the weekend or while my folks were here keeping the boys happy or during my hour and a half six classes up the street or even while nursing the big boy with my hands free! The pattern was developed by this women up the street and it gives a great overview of some nice looking stitches. I snuck in some extra tips from her by bringing in some of the little knit toys too. It will hopefully be the perfect fit for KC once the fall sweater weather rolls around.

hockey

It was a full on scrimmage in sports class today - these guys understand how to play hockey without whacking each other now. Woot!

meadow muck

It was a decent day for a field trip to H.untley Meadows Park... Temperatures rose quickly in the morning and it felt nice in the sun.  KC fell asleep almost immediately in the ergo as we began what turned out to be a nearly two mile walk.  The turtles and frogs were sunning themselves at a distance.  The muskrats came out to munch in front of us.  The geese were not happy to see the group of 25 preschoolers tromping down the board walk. They promptly pooed throughout the area, which some kids tramped through... Then just when I started thinking - oh I guess this no railing thing is going to be ok because these kids are staying pretty calm - one poor little guy stepped back and landed in the muck.  Yep, waist deep in the muck and another mom fished him out quickly.  I missed the hubbaloo, as did his dad, who luckily was there to make sure he was ok.  I was determined that the kids in "my group" were not going to fall in on my watch after seeing that poor gucky gooed guy.  You will see a turtle enjoying the muck in the far bottom right.

blue

math alive

The Ripley Center is hosting a Raytheon sponsored exhibit called MathAlive.  Aiden translated his image into binary, rode at different angles on the snowboard, played 1/2 and 1/4 notes on the instruments, created some tessellations, learned about circumference in the 360 degree photo booth (where he picked his first username: Kooker), directed a robotic rover, and attempted to climb a rock wall. I think J would tell you the highlight was winning the snowboard video race with the baby sleeping on him in the ergo - and then the security guard making fun of me for losing!

obstacles

One of our favorite things this time of year in MA/RI were the spring carnivals at schools. We managed to find one here that was similar although not as popular ... The big kids set up an obstacle course and Aiden wanted in on the action. He was so careful and a bit serious about following the big kids. A+ for effort kiddo!
 

sensory

The Hirshhorn is hosting what they call a sensory experience, not just an exhibit.  The different ways they use warped light and color are interesting. There was an area where you had to put on booties so that the floor would stay pristine white to reflect the light...and Aiden and J thought it was fun to slide on the slippery bootie. The area with hanging blue plastic cord really had you seeing that color and the breaks in color in a unique way.

miss earth

Little Miss H celebrated her second birthday, and since she was born on Earth Day Aiden dubbed her Miss Earth. She had a craft for everyone to paint their own pot and plant a flower. So fun and somehow none of the kids made a mess?! (Aiden just decorated another earth day pot earlier this week at doodle craft time, so pretty soon I'm going to have a full garden on my window sill.). KC was being such a big boy at the sand table (only two somewhat accidental sandy mouths and some poured on his hair by a sneaky neighbor girl). Aiden also had a field day with all their ride on toys and play house. Thanks to the C family for having us! Happy Birthday Miss Earth!

brothers

These crazy brothers are interacting more and more... and what I mean by interacting is wacking, kicking, wrestling, splashing, and squealing at each other... Do all that in the least gentle way possible and you have true brotherly love, right?!

video updates

This crazy boy is toddling, pushing or even pulling on anything to get around on two feet.  He takes a few steps here and there and can stand on his own, but I'll call it toddling, not really walking, but beyond just cruising along the furniture.  Here he is using his brother's favorite chair as a push walker toy.  He gets a bit feisty if you don't help him walk.  Although I think the scream here is a blend of excited and overstimulated.


I also don't think I posted about KC's signs. He uses 'more' and 'all done' fairly consistently. He sometimes uses mommy and daddy, but mostly just says the words, especially dada. He knows 'cheese' since that is a favorite.  He also asks for 'books' and his 'play' is sorta like a yay cheer.

baby

Where's my little baby? He gave a photo of me as a baby a big smooch.

jelly

Mr. Jelly is my second knit toy, which KC likes to chase around the room and Aiden likes to spin in the air... then I hang him back up for safe keeping ;)  Good to learn some toys are special, eh?

UNO part two

We had a low key part two to KC's birthday at our house.  Daddy made an UNO card cake with KC on it.  Thanks for coming! I realized that most of our favorite songs from the XM radio in the mama mobile had something to do with color....and this sure was a colorful year!  So here was the playlist to KC's first birthday party:

bike

Look at the birthday boy on his new bike!  Thanks Nana and Grampa! KC loves his new wheels ;)

go pirates!

The Pirates were defeated by the Hurricanes in the season opener.  Do pirates ever have a chance against hurricanes? Despite only scoring one goal, Aiden and the rest of the Pirates were so excited!  So even though the other team had some experienced kids (maybe all of them) Aiden rocked the defense and his coach was happy they all had a good time! Here is an excerpt from her email: "Great game today - please tell your kids how proud of them I am. They've come so far since our first game last season, and even Aiden, who's first practice ever was this week, was getting it done in a big way today."

Getting warmed up with a nice high kick:

Cheering and goofing in the "pirate's ship" aka. the bench (a six seat fold out!)

Ahoy Pirates!

The tired biggest fan did manage a good nap:

This is the only goal the Pirates managed and the Hurricanes had at least twenty...  My favorite moment is when Aiden yells and points in the direction of the goal at 0:45 - Good reminder bud!

hunt

We had a real hunt for thirty eggs - Real as in they were hiding and not just thrown out in the open grass ;)  And Uncle Woah hid some tough ones and added junk to his basket (like a wine cooler) and Great Uncle Billy was swiping and rehiding them ;)  Those teasers!  Thanks for the easter treats!