Muscles & Bones

Last weekend Daddy did a science project with the kids. They had their pick and decided on 'Muscles & Bones'.

Gathering the supplies

Drawing an example of what an x-ray looks like.

Cutting for lesson on joints

The different examples of joints. ie: ball & socket

Rolling up newspaper for ball & socket experiment

Looking on as Daddy explains how joints work.

Diagram of different muscles & bones.

Sweet Pea took these pictures as I was getting a much needed break. =0)

She & Boo Bear said they learned a lot.

Fun with Science

Dave was home last week to help out with the kids, our new baby & me. At the end of the week we thought it would be fun for him to do some projects with the kids. He had been teaching them their math & having them keep up with their basic studies. But this stuff was fun! The kids were so excited when they heard they were going to do some science with Daddy.

First they took the book "Mudpies to Magnets" and picked an experiment. This book is fun b/c it is geared towards younger children. The big kids love it as well.

Boo packs potting soil around their can helping to make their volcano.

The kids added some grass to make it look more like a mountain.

They added the ingredients & then the volcano erupted!

It settled down again. Look at that mudslide!

The kids took turns making the volcano erupt. Here it goes again!

This time it really oozed!

To follow up on the bird unit we had been studying earlier the kids made a birdhouse. It was easy as they used a recycled milk jug. After cutting a hole in the side for the birds they lined it with pine needles & grass. We'll let you know if we get any residents.

Another view. Should we hang out a "Vacancy" sign? I'm thinking of painting it with the kids to make it look a little more fun.

I was teasing Dave b/c he took all these pics of the projects but none of the kids faces. He said he thought about that afterward. Next time! Lol!

Birthday Fun

Dave celebrated his birthday a little over a week ago. It was nice that it was on a Friday as we could relax and enjoy the celebration. The kids decided they wanted to do all the decorating so I let them have at it. They were about to bounce off the walls they were so looking forward to Daddy coming home and seeing what they had done for him. Sweet Pea also wanted to make him a cake. I had planned on doing it the next day but since she wanted to so badly I let her. IN the long run it was nice for me b/c it saved me something extra to do on a very busy Saturday. =)
Another neat thing is that the kids bought Daddy presents with their OWN money. I had told them we would take a trip to the Dollar Tree after we visited WIC (Holy Cow, was THAT a job!), and they immediately raced to their piggy banks to get $ to spend for Daddy. That really touched my heart. They don't get a lot of $ of their own. Sometimes for a birthday gift and if they earn it a little bit of allowance each week which would only be $1-$2.

They used the football toy kit to decorate the table for Daddy. I thought this was a very creative idea.



Here are some of the drawings they made as decorations. Most had to do with the Steelers, Daddy's absolute favorite team. =)

Daddy's Special Hat

When I spotted this hat in the Dollar Tree I simply could not resist. It was a big hit!

Pizza was a special treat for dinner!


Cake by Sweet Pea ~ Daddy loved it!

Daddy makes a birthday wish.

Elvis bought Daddy a new tape measure. His had recently been broken and he was very happy to get a new one to replace it.

Bugsy bought Daddy an 8-pk of his favorite candy - Butterfingers!

(I helped him with the purchase since he is only 3, after all.)

Boo Bear selected & bought this calculator for Daddy all by herself. She was proud she thought of a gift Daddy would use all the time.

Sweet Pea remembered how Daddy is always searching for a pen. So she bought him a new bag of fancy BIC pens - his favorite!

I bought him some movies I found on sale. We are looking forward to carving out time for a movie date night.

I couldn't pass up this monkey puzzle when I spotted it. It was too funny! Dave got a big kick out of it as we had hoped he would.

Bugs helps Daddy out.

Daddy received some new duds too!

And what would a birthday be without some treats! They will keep him going late nights when he is balancing the budget & paying the bills.

Daddy has a soft spot for Sassy.

Everyone loved Daddy's hat and wanted to try it on. Here is Elvis!

Boo Bear wanted a turn too!

Bugs managed to capture Pixie.

Lovey Boy

I couldn't resist the cuteness.

What a patient kitty!

How can that face NOT crack you up?

Boo settles in the watch the newest episode of Clone Wars.

Of course Elvis was right there! Clone Wars is his absolute favorite show!

I think Daddy is hooked now too.

Bugsy's turn wearing the coveted hat.

Sweet Pea cuddles with Pixie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!

The Days Before Christmas

Here are a few miscellaneous shots from the days leading up to Christmas Day.

Bailey

Sky Walker
Or as I like to call him, "Sky-Sky".

One night Dave spent some time with the boys making models. They were so excited!

Posing with their projects

Getting down to work

All my boys

All it needs now is paint!

My dear friend Megan sent us a package for Christmas. It was filled with this to-die-for delicious caramel popcorn drizzled with chocolate. There was also a homemade muffin mix which I am looking forward to mixing up. Last but not least she included a blanket for Baby that she stitched herself. It is gorgeous. Elvis loves how soft it feels. I can hardly wait to cuddle Baby in it. Thank you, Megan!