End of summer 2013

The end of the summer was busy.  We had lots of fun.

A trip to Port Discovery was in the works, this time we brought friends.  It was nice to share one of our favorite places with some friends.  Of course the boys didn't want their pictures taken.  

 We had a few last minute Dr. appointments.  Of course where we take out the camera to entertain children while we wait.

 We had a few dart gun wars around the house.  This little guy is finally figuring out how to play.

It was a great end to the summer.

Red Solo Cup Rockets

 Sometimes the things I find on Pinterest save a rainy afternoon. 
When the day looks like this.

sometimes it helps to use simple Red Solo Cups to have some fun
We found these at Frugal Fun For Boys

Simple Red Solo Cup and some tape and rubber bands. Take another cup and push down... Turns it into a nice little rocket.  We used the smaller cups and the bigger cups.  The smaller ones seemed to work better.

 

Sorry, but all the pictures are a little blurry, they were moving fast.  I finally managed to upload a video, so you can check this one out.

Watkins Park

  We met some friends for a playdate at Watkins Park and it was a lot of fun.  The park is free and the Carousel and train are only 1.25 each when you buy 10 tickets. I can handle that, plus the playground is huge with lots of room for the kids to just run and play. 

Scout was scared of the carousel horse.  He didn't stay on this horse for long.

 Princess looks so much like a big kid here. It surprised me.

 Princess on the kangaroo,

 Buddy, loving the tiger, cheetah or panther, or whatever that thing might be.

Scout was fascinated watching the animals move up and down when the music started and we started moving.

 But only from the safety of my lap.

My 2 beautiful girls on the train ride.

Good Start to Summer

Some days I have plans for doing fun stuff and some days I don't plan at all and it turns into a good day. 

Wonderful unplanned Summer Picnic lunch in the park.

My cute little helper,

 This is my kids favorite game at the playground.  They take off their shoes and put them around the merry-go-round, then they get on and turn it.  They try to pick up the most shoes they can while going super fast.  They usually fall off a few times, but so far no one has gotten hurt.

 Their game is against the rules though... Really no Running on a playground?  Improper use of equipment?  No bare feet?... oh well.

Free Play

I am a type of parent who usually lets the kids come up with their own versions of play.  I don't play with them all the time and it is fun to watch them come up with their own games.  I have no idea what they do, but I love to hear the giggles and come into a room to find this.

I have no idea what he was doing in the laundry basket, but he was smiling and having fun.  His big sister loves to play with him. 

 While his bigger sister was curled up in her bed playing a game on the Kindle....

Cardboard box

I have had a cardboard box in my dining room for 3 weeks.  It is a house, drum, hiding spot, coloring page, and anything else your mind can imagine.   I love watching creativity and play.

Quiet Waters

One of our favorite playgrounds is at Quiet Waters Park, there is lots more to do there besides the playground, but I only seem to remember my camera when we play on the playground.

Yes, I tried again to get a picture of all the kids at once. I will continue on my quest.

Playground time

One of our favorite parts of our new neighborhood is the playgrounds and beaches nearby.  We frequently go for walks to burn off energy and let the kids play.

 

Again I tried to get a good picture of all 4 kids, this is something I keep trying to do, because eventually I need a good Christmas card picture.  But they Stick out their tongues.... 

 Look at each other and not me....

 Put their hands on their heads....

 And I just give up and hope for a better day.

They just want to play and have a good time.  I eventually let them.
Do you remember the merry-go-round, the playground toy that causes many minor playground accidents.  The kids love it and we play until the 1st person falls off and gets covered in mulch or gets hurt. 

Playmobil

My kids love Playmobil.  Thanks to the grandparents their collection of playmobil stuff is growing.  Now the kids tell me they are going to play "city"  They bring out the school, gym, police station, fire engine, 2 motorcycles, a 4 wheeler, a pirate ship, a power boat, and the RV.  Then they add a doll house to the mix and it all covers the living room floor.

It has lots and lots of little pieces, otherwise known as choking hazards.  So it is a naptime only activity, most of the time I like that except that I have to help them pick it all up when Scout wakes up.  It is fun to watch and listen to them talk to each other. 

Pool time

It has been REALLY hot here, so we are spending a lot of time indoors. But that leads to kids with too much energy. So we have been spending some time in the kiddie pool. they love it and it gives me time to take pictures.

Painting day

Princess has been bugging me lately to paint, she asks me almost daily. I finally gave in. Actually all 3 kids got to paint today. At least it was only watercolors and not the poster paint. I am not ready for that mess.Now I need to make a new apron for Munchkin, she is wearing mine from when I was about her age.

Train

I love imaginations at work. Check out the train the kids made. Buddy was the engineer. (and yes he did wear a turtleneck in 90 degree weather. )