Feeding Time!

Today I spread a plastic table cloth on the floor of our dining room  play room room next to the kitchen that still has no defined purpose.

In the middle of the table cloth I placed two bowls:  one filled with peanuts in the shell, the other empty for collecting said shells.

I'm not exactly sure, but I suspect it looked much like feeding time at a zoo.

Maybe we've found a purpose for our undefined room. 

The peanut eating room.

AKA the monkey cage.

Little Tappers

Yesterday Jack and I were signed up to attend a program called "Little Tappers" at a nature center nearby.  It's a program designed for 3-5 year olds to learn about the process of tapping maple trees and turning the sap into syrup.

I used to take a similar field trip with my 2nd grade class every year, so I was excited to be able to share that kind of experience with Jack.  It was a beautiful, sunny, 70-degree day too!

We started out exploring the nature center, then went to the class where we decorated sirup buckets, heard a story, and had a snack.  Next it was time to head outdoors and try this tree tapping ourselves.

Step 1:  Use a hand drill to drill a small hole in the maple tree.

Step 2:  Use a hammer to gently tap a spiel into the tree.

We were surprised to see the sap starting to flow almost immediately.

Jack got to taste the sap right out of the tree, and declared it to be good.



Step 3:  Hang a bucket to collect your sap.

Now you just have to sit back and let the tree take it's time to let the sap drip into the bucket.

We had a really good time on our trip, and can't wait to go back and explore some more!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

May the luck of the Irish be with you.

I'm pretty darned lucky myself : )



Jenna's Gymnastics Birthday Party

The treat bags are filled ...

...the table is set ...

...the cupcakes are baked.

Add in one sister ...



... and 5 little friends ...



...and you have a hoola-hooping ...



...jumping, bouncing ...



...birthday party that will make all of your wishes come true.



Happy Birthday, Jenna!



Jenna's 8th Birthday

Jenna's day started out like any other birthday does at our house.  She woke up to a kitchen decorated for a party, and her choice of breakfast (chocolate chip muffins) ...

After making her wish it was time to head off to school, with her birthday treats in hand (sugar cookies from the bakery).

Once she got home, I insisted on taking our traditional shots on the stairs.  I think she's mocking me now when I make her hold up the number of fingers for her age.

We did manage to get a couple of serious ones, though.

Next was the surprise we had been working on all last night and all day while she was at school.

Jenna got the desk (and bookshelf) that she's wanted in her room.  Big girl stuff.

Her room is finally complete.  Other gifts she was hoping for ...

 a new soccer ball (and net) ...

and getting her ears pierced!

All in all, it was a very busy and very special day.  Jenna declared it to be the best day ever, so it was a success!

Big Boy Bed, Big Boy Bedroom, and Boats!

Jack's crib is finally gone, and the nursery set has been removed.  Thanks to some friends who were moving and giving away a bedroom set, Jack finally has a big boy bed!  His room looks so grown up now.

When I Was Your Age ...

... gas was only 95 cents per gallon.  I could practically fill up my tank with $5. 

Granted, I was driving a Buick Skyhawk at the time, but still!