Bubbles

I get a little panicky this time of year, because I realize that the summer heat is only 2 months away and we haven't been maximizing our outdoor play time.  Especially now that Emma is in school, our daily routine doesn't allow a whole lot of sit-around-and-play time unless I consciously add it to the day.

On Friday, we were out running errands when the kids found $1.00 packs of bubbles.  They begged me asked me politely if they could have some, and in a fit of niceness, I said yes.  

They're finally bubble-blowing experts now, and I don't think bubble solution was spilled once!  It might have been a record.

Drew just loves exploring the outdoors.  He particularly enjoys throwing rocks.  I should probably teach him not to do that, but he just loves it so much..... plus "throwing" isn't exactly the right word for what he does- he pretty much just drops them in front of him.  Soon, I will instruct him in the ways of well-behaved toddlers, I promise.

He's starting to look more like a little boy instead of a baby.  Who said that could happen?  I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.

Of course, when it's really nice outside, you have more unpleasant tasks to perform.

Multiply by a thousand.  

Don't judge.  Marcus hurt his arm playing softball and I have RA, plus, it's rained a lot, so the weeds have just been allowed to proliferate.

I did pick weeds later that afternoon.  It helped.  A little.  And I couldn't move the next day. Time to break out the weed killer.  We've missed you, toxic labor-saver.

 And, just in case this post isn't silly enough, here's a face from Kyle that always makes me laugh.  I'm not sure what he's trying to convey when he makes this face-- he looks mildly disgusted but entertained.

 I love my little rock star.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Emma has her class Valentine's Day party today.  It was the first thing she told me when she woke up today.  Here are the valentine's we made for her friends:

We hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Our Winter is Your Summer

It's been an awful winter for most of the country.  Cities and states have more than doubled their annual yearly snowfall.  Ice storms have cancelled school and shut down towns.  Mothers with children are pulling out their hair trying to keep everyone sane and entertained.

It's times like these, I don't miss living in a cold climate.

I admit it.  My blood has thinned.  I think anything in the 60s is cold, and anything below 90 warrants the wearing of pants.  Of course, that last one could be because I can't stand my "summer clothes".

Now, I am not writing this to gloat.  In another few months, most of you will be enjoying the beautiful outdoors, while for us it will be hot enough to fry an egg on our cars, showers will become pointless unless you take three a day, and I will be tearing out my hair trying to keep my children (and myself) sane and entertained.  But for now, we are enjoying what might be the best time of the year in Arizona.

Last winter was wonderful.  Kyle was finally old enough to play in the backyard without me hovering six inches away from him.  (If you could see him climb and jump with reckless abandon, you'd stay that close too!)  Drew was young enough that he couldn't move, so I could just sit with the kids and enjoy the weather, or let them go out and play by themselves.

This year, I had to start over.  With a 16 month old, I am back to hovering, as he climbs the slide and tries to figure out how to sit down without falling off the top.

He finally tolerates grass enough to explore the lawn,

and he is learning the joy of digging in the sand/rocks.

Emma is getting bored with our lack of a playset in the yard, so she mostly sits around and complains that there's nothing to do.  I point her to the giant tub of outside toys and tell her to get busy.  Or, I grab the older two and play "Bump the Ball" or "Red Light, Green Light" (our version just involves running and stopping- that's it.)  The slide and swing are also favorites, even though Emma and Kyle are too big for both.

The kids are either asleep or in quiet time, right now, so I think I'll go sit outside and read.

Okay, maybe that passed the line into gloating.  Sorry......


P.S.  If you haven't noticed, my craft blog is hosting a giveaway that ends tonight!  If you'd like some cute hair accessories, or have a friend who would, go on over and enter!