The Sensory Table

Here is the newly completed sensory table that was inspired by a post on IKEA Hacks. So far it is a big hit!

Betty Brinn Children's Museum

Today, Nana took us on an adventure to a new museum out of state! OK, so it was just over the boarder into Wisconsin, but it was fun to cross the state line nonetheless. The first thing that caught our eyes was this motorcycle jungle gym thing. We played in it for a long time.
Then, the huge Brio train engine jumped right out at us, so we had to explore that next!

Then, we moved on to the outdoor camping area, where we got to fish, row the boat, build a bird house and play in the cabin. We also learned how rain comes down from the sky and ends up helping our veggie garden grown.

Here is the demonstration of precipitation.

Amelia thought the vegetable bed was comfy enough to sleep in!

Here in the "forest" we pretended to plant saplings. The "dirt/soil" chunks were the made out of a recycled plastic, but were so fun to feel and play with.

They had a tent set up that inside had a poster that showed you how to make neat shadow puppets. We can't wait to go real camping this year!

Nothing like a little rock climbing out in the great outdoors!

Is that an animal hiding in the log home??? Nope, it's Amelia!

James really enjoyed working in the the ranger station. He worked hard keeping an eye out in the lookout tower for any forest fires on the horizon!

Then, it was time to perform! A little dancing, a little dragon slaying and just plain silliness on the stage!

Even Nana got into the act! She's so fun!
She also helped announce our performances to the audience and worked the curtain for us!

The Dancing cow, starring Amelia Hamilton!!

They even had a dance room area!!! There was a video camera that put us on the TV.

The last area that we explored was a gigantic board game all about making healthy choices. James is practicing washing his hands. We had so much fun exploring the museum, we will definitely have to come back soon! On our way out, our tummies were rumbling, so Nana programed Old McDonald's into her GPS and away we went!

Uncle Chris' Birthday

Down on the Farm!

Happy Birthday to you!
Uncle Chris gets his traditional birthday and Christmas gift of Tootsie Rolls. We keep him well supplied all year long! (This is how he quit the nasty habit of smoking!) This year we heard that he also enjoys Jolly Ranchers, so of course we had to include a couple of bags! And he real present was a brand new pitch fork for hay!

Today, was another unseasonably COLD May day, but just for a few moments the sun decided to peek it's head out through the clouds! Who is sitting on the hay wagon???

Why, it's Amelia and James of course!

Before we hit the road for home, we had to take a peek in the "big red barn". This time we got to sit on this tractor.

Uncle Chris just started the old tractor up for Amelia.

James got to raise and lower the bucket all by himself!!! I think he really got a kick out of that! I bet in a few short summers, James will be driving a tractor in no time!

Another Last Dance Class

Thanks for another great class, Miss Christina! See you in the Fall!

The Pool is Now OPEN!!!

Tonight, Grandma called us on her way home from school to envite us over for a swim! Papa got the heater running and the pool temp was 85 degrees! That is all we needed to hear, so we grabbed our suits (Mommy couldn't find hers, but that wasn't going to stop her!)
The water was perfect! It's been way too long!

James is a happy camper!

Swim Days here we come!

Papa and Grandma Judy are Proud to Announce...

Cathy the Cow was born around 6am this morning. Rosie the momma cow is doing well. Cathy is soooo cute!

A "Coming Out Party"?

Today, Mrs Koch gave us an invitation to a special viewing of the baby chicks that have just recently hatched in the Juniors room! So, we headed over to sneak a peek! Amelia was ready to dive right in a pick one up, but the rules were we could only watch them, no touching. Amelia was just use to holding the baby chicks at Grandma Judy and Papa's house, which we need to head back over and play with them before they out grow their fuzzy cuteness! They had 13 chicks and...

one that hatched tonight! We heard it make some of it's very first peeps!

James' class were busy observing a large moth metamorph from a large green caterpillar.

They also had great success with many beautiful butterflies, too! Thanks for showing us your school and all of the brand new life that has been happening all around you for the past few days! Amelia also enjoyed checking out what her classroom will look like and what toys were around the room as she will be a Thunderbird student next school year!

Round Two: More Water Fun

Our buddy, Brooke joined us for more water fun!
The three of them came up with the idea to make a puddle at one of the fence posts...they bucketed water back and forth for a good 15 mins!

Good times!

Spring Right into SUMMER Weather!

This morning's forecast on Channel 5 (Pete Sack) said today's high should between 68-81 degrees, Waukegan should in the low highs. Well, Pete was a little off...rumor has it that the actual temp got up to 90!!! So, right after preschool even before I put the groceries away, we ran outside and dug out the itty-bitty pool and water table for some good ol' water play fun!
Now, the water temp was probably in the 50s! Ahhh, to be a kid again!

Poor Amelia was posing for a pic and her big brother got her good! No, fear she had her sweet revenge on James soon after!

James and Amelia are sporting their brand new bathing suits from the Easter Bunny at Grandma Judy and Papa's house! So, cute!!

Um...James....I know that look on your face....PUT IT DOWN!!!

(He only splashed my feet per request of the Momma!)

Now, who's hungry for some lunch?