Discovery Center Play

Since this summer has been quite the scorcher (several record-breaking days in a row) with 100+ degree temps, we've been seeking out the indoor activities. And thank goodness our discovery center opened a month ago. 

It has several areas to play in, but the girls all love playing in the medical office. 

They get and give check ups, walk on crutches, look at xrays, and complete a handful of other medical activities. 

We seem to be going there about once a week--it's a nice place to get out to. And with the membership bought, it's free--if that makes sense. 

And the area where they can paint on windows is another favorite. They can make all the mess they want with paint and paint brushes. I'm just happy there are aprons to put on them!

And they are always so proud to show off their beautiful artwork! And I'm proud, of course. 

It's been such a nice escape from our house and the heat, but I can only imagine that it'll come in handy during the snowy months as well.

Brownie's Date

I recently had a specail date with a very special girl. Her name happens to be Brownie. Her game happens to be Charming Princess! Can you tell by the way she is dressed that she agress--she is in fact, a real live princess. Ah, she melts me with that grin.

So dainty, this one, but she is so sweet. And I just adore getting only her all to myslef. I'm just selfish like that.

 

This is a picture of us as we were headed into the movie theater to see Rio-cute movie, by the way. We both loved sitting next to each other, munching on popcorn, junior mints and a brownie. It is such a treasure to just have one with me sometimes. We love getting to do things that we aren't able to do when there's so many of us, or babies crying, or toddlers being sent repeatedly to time-out!

Take this doll for instance. Since I had just one (big girl) with me and no baby or toddler, I was able to try my hand at the claw game. I actually won this doll for Brownie (you can actually see her holding in in the above picture) due to a mechanical error. A pin on the claw got caught in this dolls hair. So she stayed hooked to the claw instead of being released into the drop box.

Here's a shot from a few steps back. I shook it. Thought about sending Brownie in after it. Looked around for help. And I actually sent a janitor to customer service to find help--he offered. In the meantime I continued shaking the machine (yes, I was that mom) to no avail. I even called the 1-800 number which wit all the noise I couldn't here the recording anyway. Frustrated with the situation I just shook the H-E- Double Hockey Sticks outta that thing and what do ya know? She shook loose and my little Brownie had a prize! Definetly one of my finest and proudest MOM moments.

                                            Ummmm... I think she was proud too. Can you tell?

And as a bonus, we happened to be at Chick-fil-a on family night. So we were able to make Daddy a card at their arts and crafts station. And that made the night even more special.

Thank you, Brownie for our awesome date. I can't wait to have more alone time with you in the (very near) future! I love when we can spend time together just the two of us. I adore you and your sweetnesss and I appreciate getting to know your heart. You are just precious and your personality shines when you get to be alone with me. It's so fun getting to know what goes on in that pretty little head of yours.

 We've been staying plenty busy this summer, what with all the lessons, camps, playdates and book mobile trips we've been taking. But there are those rare days where we just stay home and I try to play creative mama  by trying to think up ways to keep my kids out of trouble. And also how to keep the messes outside.

 One day recently, it was quite a scorcher (literally, you should see our scorched yard). We decided to head out to the alligator pool and play in the water.

 And then I got a wacky idea. I decided to actually get the kids incredibly messy outside. I grabbed the chocolate syrup and mustard on my way out to the pool--two ingredients that almost never get used in this house (I guess we're just not that into ice cream or sandwiches--but ice cream sandwiches, well that's another story). So I decided I may as well put them both to good use.

 And so we painted. We painted with the chocolate first, and then we painted with the lovely mustard.

 Some of us decided to taste the chocolate (who can blame her, right?)....

 And (I don't know if you can see it well, but...) some of us decided to taste the mustard-- what?

Crazy girls! I, personally would never ask for a mouthful of mustard, but they seemed to enjoy it! 

Some girls just like to get incredibly messy and have a good time.

And some girls just like to stay clean and look angelic (even if her sassitude was in full swing, ahem Boushka)!

Swimming Lessons

The girls particiapted in swimming lessons this summer. They each did great and I was so proud to see them learn new skills. Peach just completed her third year, Brownie her second and Bug her first. All three girls had class at the same time, but Peach was in her own Beginner II class while Bug and Brownie were in the same Beginner I class.

 Among the many things Peach excells at are: picking up ring, jumping in in a jacket, tread water in a jacket (and she's not too shabby at doing it without her jacket), back glide, open eyes under water... and many more. I can remember when this timid girl wouldn't even jump in the water, and now look at my super star!

 Bug had her very first experience in swimming lessons. And honestly, this was one of her first times in the water. I'm ashamed to admit that she's probably been swimming in a real pool as many times as I can count on one hand, but that's what happens when you're only 3 and in the middle of 5 young children.

But I'm still proud of her accomplishments!

 She's the best at blowing bubbles, putting her face in the water, holding her breath, opening her eyes, jumping in in her jacket, treading water in her jacket, front float, back float and glide and flutter kick. Of course, these are just a handful of the many wonderful things my girl can do. What I'm most proud of is her jumping off the diving board (in a jacket) her last day.Not once, but twice!

 My sweet Brownie is a great little fishy. This was her second year in lessons, and also her second year as a beginner I. Including the list from Bug's accomplishments, Brownie can also do a great beginner stroke, submerge her head, front flutter kick on the board, pick up a ring, front glide, and so much more. And of course, she also jumped in. She's a brave little gal, that Brownie!

I'm hopeful that I can get these three to a pool near us before summer is over, but I better hurry up because we enroll Peach in 2 1/2 weeks and she starts school 2 weeks after that! Then the next two will be starting a couple weeks after than. Sheesh, time flies all too fast!

Bye Bye Auntie

Aunite, also known as my sister Allie, was traveling the world from July 2010 to June 2011. We were fortunate enough to Skype a few times with her, but we really missed seeing her. So when she was stateside, we of course forced her to come see us for a month. Well, nobody forces Allie to do anything, but I sure made my girls turn their charm on her. And it worked.

 She was here for many important dates--Memorial Day, my mom's birthday, seeing the girls' recital, watching some of their softball games, seeing them play hard at soccer camp-- not to mention the dates she had with each girl. I really appreciate how much she loves my daughters--and I can't wait until she has kids. I always tease her that by the time she settles down, my 5 can help out with her babies. Hopefully, we won't have to wait that long...

 Boushka and Auntie visited our Discovery Center for kids. Peach and Brownie somehow managed to work in a trip to Target and a movie--many treats as well. Bug had a special time swimming and painting nails with her. And Scrunchie got lots of love. 

 I was lucky enough to go to a couple movies (sans kids) with her. We also grabbed a drink and chatted and went out to dinner with our mom one night.

I love when we can go out just the two of us. There's nobody in there world who knows you in the same way a sibling does. They know where you came from, have seen you through your major accomplishments and disappointments in life, and can help you understand yourself. I'm lucky enough to have been blessed by a sister who has forgiven me for my many faults in this life, lifted my spirits when they were down, and shared the joy of my children with me-- among many other things. Allie has been there for each of her nieces births--I include Scrunchie because she was checking in on me the whole time I was in the hospital, called the exact second Scrunchie was born (we have that on video even) and she was actually one of the first people to see her via Skype just minutes after her birth.

 So as you can see, Auntie is quite special. We all love her dearly, and I'm pretty sure my kids would gladly trade me in for her any day. She shows the girls how much she loves them constantly. And any mom out there will tell you just how much it means to her when she sees somebody else (especially somebody close) love on her babies.

We're sad to see you leave, Allie. But I think you knew that already. I hate goodbyes, so I'll just say we'll see you soon. Love ya! Enjoy your new job!

Happy (Really, Really Late) Fourth

I am so far behind on this darn blog. I think it's best if I just let the pictures do most of the talking.

Our 4th (though long ago it was) was spread out over several days. We first celebrated early on the 30th because my sister was leaving the next day. And of all the people in my family, she's definitley the pyro (love you, Allie--there are many stories I could tell here, but that's for another post). So we had family and fireworks and fun. The girls loved (always do) shooting off parachutes. We could blow all of our fireworks money on these things, and nothing would please them more!

On Saturday July 2, we had our friends over. There was food (some allergy free for sweet L) and a few more fireworks--though Traci and I left that up to the boys (aka the dads).

The ladies (aka the moms) sat on a bench while a water fight ensued. And as a side note, I'm going to go ahead and mention that someday, this little red-headed boy will be my son-in-law. We mamas think the universe has this match of strong-willed cuties made in heaven.

Can you see the water being thrown? Yes, there were many children and two dads participating in this craziness!

On the fourth we visited my SIL's house for a couple hours where I managed to not capture a single moment. I remember a fussy baby.... I think that may be why I slacked on that.

But then we came home and celebrated with our own fireworks at our house. My mom joined us for dinner on the deck.

Where we dined on what we call, dirty chicken salad. The girls named it that a few years ago because the balsamic vinegar used in the marinade for the chicken plus the grilling make it look "dirty." But it's quite delicous, actually.

We proceeded to play with water for a while, which is always good when you're also playing with fire (unless of course, you're my sister Allie... again, I'll save that for another post).

Some of us found comfy laps to sit on while the loud noises kept scaring a little toddler (ahem, Boushka).

Brownie was winning me over with her grin under the Dora umbrella!

Peach wanted to pose infront of a tree. I, of course, agreed to take the picture!

Well, she practically begged me to take her picutre. That smile was calling my name!

She was actually getting the water turned on for the hose, but I thought she looked adorable next to that brick wall!

And let's not forget to mention that I attempted (like, several times) a group shot of the kids. They were all pretty pathetic, so I decided to include the one that made me laugh the most.

There came a point in the evening when the girls started heading in, one by one, to lie on the couch and watch the fireworks from the Hudson River on tv. Only a few wanted to stay outside.

And when I went to check on them, after being outside with Peach for a couple minutes...

... I found this. Brownie is on the arm. Bug is lying sideways and Boushka is sprawled out over a pillow. It was quite the site for tired eyes.