what can I get into next?

This little one has that familiar look in her eyes and sneaky little smile on her face -- just enough of a smile to reveal her prominent dimple on her left cheek.  Yes, this one is a handful.  Oh, we love her dearly but she is into everything, all at once, it seems.  She goes and goes with every ounce to keep up with her older sisters, sometimes surpassing them as she climbs to great heights (the table, counter-tops, stairs, etc.).  I am not sure how much birth order, hair color or personality have to do with this fiery little stinker but a day with her can be quite exhausting.  She teaches us something new daily and we all struggle to keep up.  

But with all this activity comes the most loving and affectionate little girl.  

We are in awe.

the museum

“When we treat children's play as seriously as it deserves, we are helping them feel the joy that's to be found in the creative spirit. It's the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.”  - Mr. Rogers

We recently had the chance to check out our new children's museum.  It was a special day for my big girl who was out of school on holiday.  We met up with some sweet friends and enjoyed exploring all the fun!  It is a wonderful place that fills the imaginations of children and adults alike.  Just playing, exploring and experiencing this new space was very magical.

We look forward to going back again very soon when some of the newness wears off.  Whew, there were tons of people there!

ice day fun

We just experienced our second ice day in less than a week's time.  That is unheard of in our neck of the woods.  I must say, it has been nice to have an unexpected day off with my kids.  Yes, there has been fighting and arguing between siblings, but for the most part, it has been a welcomed change in our weekly routine.   

Ice and snow were discovered first thing.  

Only robes and footed PJs were worn outside by these anxious observers.  

New cozy spots were found in the house by indoor explorers.

Cake balls were made and decorated for no reason other than to occupy little minds for a few minutes.

New games among siblings kept them busy inside for most of the day.

And the wonderful world of PBSKids and Starfall entertained the oldest and the youngest equally well!

Happy Snow/Ice Day to you!

baby love

She longs to be with her smallest cousins and sister.  Gentle and thoughtful she plays for hours, happy to entertain.  "When can I babysit?" she asks. "Let me take care of her.  Can I hold her?  I can give her a bottle."

They look back with such joy and delight in their eyes, happy to have her attention.

ice ornaments

With the arrival of freezing weather, comes lots of fun with water and ice!

My kids and I made ice ornaments for the first time a few weeks ago.  It was such a fun activity to do with them on a cold day.  

Just gather a few simple supplies and some Arctic weather and your trees will be adorned with colorful ice ornaments this January!

Supplies:

ice cube tray

twine

food coloring

water

Step 1:  Let your little ones mix the water and food coloring to make the colors they want for their ornaments

Step 2: Pour the colored water into the ice cube tray/mold

Step 3: Lay pieces of twine inside each cube

Step 4: Place the ice cube tray outside and wait for the water to freeze

Step 5: Watch the excitement when the water turns to ice

Step 6: Hang the brightly colored ornaments from the trees to enjoy on your snow day!

could it be?

Ice in the dog water?  

Yep, the freeze is back and with it anxious kiddies just hoping for a snow day!

lucky seven

She got off the phone that morning and exclaimed, "Uncle P said seven was a lucky number!  I am going to have a lucky year!"

I had forgotten about lucky seven and was delighted that my brother pointed it out to her
on her special day.  

Per her birthday wishes, only cookies were served.  No cupcakes.  No cake.  A dear friend put me in touch with an amazing baker that made the most fabulous cookies.  They were perfect and tasted so good too!

She celebrated with friends that morning with a Rainbow Loom party.  The kids were so into their looming, it had to be the quietest party I had ever been to.  The instructor was wonderful and helped each kid with a challenge bracelet.  

Later that evening, we celebrated with the rest of the family.  

Once again, cookies were served.  No cupcakes, no cake!

 

We had a hard time getting seven candles to stand up in a frosted sugar cookie.  She blew out seven (actually eight candles because Momma miscounted) candles that were propped up in a votive holder instead.

It was a wonderful day of celebrations for my girl.  

7-year-old interview:

1. What is your favorite color?

purple, blue and yellow

2. How do you feel about being seven?

I feel big!

3. What is your favorite book to read?

"Ivy and Bean" from Auntie Beth

4. What is your favorite thing to do outside?

Swing and play with my sisters and Sadie

5. What do you like best about school?

Playing with my friends.  Playing baby and puppy on the playground.

6. What is your favorite food?

Chicken and french fries.

7.  What is your favorite thing to draw?

I like to draw Christmas trees.

8. What is your favorite subject in school?

Music, art, theatre arts...

9. What time do you go to bed?

7 o'clock

10. What time do you wake up?

5:30 am

11. What do you want to be when you grow up?

a mom