Bartering

Eamon is entering a world of money and finance. He wants many things, but with only $8 every two weeks his buying power is low. He set about finding what he found valuable among his things. He then stashed them in his pockets as we headed to various stores. He found what he wanted from the shelves and asked the closest employee if they will buy his item or trade for it. He has done this at Target, TJ MAXX, Little Blue Choo Choo and a few others. So far no one has taken him up on his offer, but he is certain it will work.

Got Your Nose

Today was enhanced by two of my nieces. The kiddos played very well together. At one point both Kai and Benton were sitting on my lap. Kai looked at Benton and grabbed his nose. She quipped: "Got your nose. Chomp." and promptly ate it. They both dissolved in peals of laughter. This was then followed by a rousing game of peek-a-boo.

Habitats

We spent the day at Eldorado Park today with one of the homeschool groups we belong to. The kids had a great time playing tag, building castles and looking for clams in the little stream that ran through the park. Eamon was overjoyed with his finds - approximately 25 little clams. He stored them in one of our water bottles while he hunted more with a new friend. He equipped the container with some plants and sand. He also was able to find a "sucker fish" to clean the tank. I had to break the news to him that the sucker fish that liked to suck on his finger when he moved it was actually a leech. The whole day has led to much discussion and exploration about the life of clams and leeches.

Reading

Thank you Aunt Cathy and Uncle Steve!

Today was a beautiful day after much rain here in the valley. We decided we needed some time outside, so we headed to the Phoenix Zoo. We love the zoo and are thankful to Aunt Cathy and Uncle Steve for the membership renewal they gave the kiddos for Christmas.

We took a different path today starting with the Arizona Trail. Everyone including Benton was enthralled with the reptiles and amphibians on display. From there we went to check if a new mountain lion has made it to the zoo. Unfortunately one has not been procured to replace the lion who died much to our chagrin.

Then we chatted with workers using an excavator to dig a trench before heading to Harmony Farm. All three kiddos enjoyed petting and grooming the goats. Benton especially liked the hands on experience of milking the cow. At one point he tried to take the "milk"(water) directly from the source!

From there we saw the wallabys, birds, elephants and many other animals. It was a wonderful day, although Eamon was displeased with the Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches that we viewed toward the end of our visit. We pledged to return again in a week or two as Aine feels we do not go often enough.

Just like Daddy

Favorites

At breakfast today, Eamon and Aine asked to be interviewed. Eamon came up with the questions, and then the whole family joined in the game.

EAMON

Color: Gold

Season: Autumn

Lullaby: Golden Slumber

Thing to Do: Walk in Autumn when the leaves turn gold

Dessert: Golden Cake

Drink: Apple Cider (or hot cocoa)

Art: Using marigold crayons

Toy: Armored truck transformer or Mario Kart for Wii

Food: Potato Leek Soup

Snow Activity: Snowball Fights or Sledding

Joke: Knock, knock

Who's There?

Banana (5 Times)

Banana Who

then, Knock, Knock

Who's There?

Orange

Orange Who?

Orange you glad I didn't say Banana!!!

Summer Activity: Drawing, Bike Riding, Swimming

Hair Length: Short

Meal: Breakfast

Favorite Website: Marvel Kids, Webkinz, youtube, lego

AINE

Color: Pink, Blue, Gold

Season: Autumn

Lullaby: Rock a Bye, Baby

Thing to Do: Play with horse; Play with Rachel

Dessert: Ice Cream with a Cherry on top

Drink: Apple Cider (or hot cocoa)

Art: Drawing pictures of my family

Toy: New Horses from Bonnie's daughter (violin teacher) or baby dolls

Food: Eggs with lentils and hot sauce

Snow Activity: Building a snowman

Joke: Knock, knock

Who's There?

Lily

Lily Who

Lily my dog barking at your door of course and licking your feet

Summer Activity: Bike Riding, Swimming in our pool or grandma's

Hair Length: Long

Meal: Lunch

Favorite Website: Starfall, webkinz

MAMA:

Color: Blue and Green

Season: Autumn

Lullaby: Sleep Baby Sleep or the Dixie Chicks one

Thing to Do: Craft, Read, Spend time with loved ones

Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Drink: Chai Tea Latte or hot cocoa

Art: Knit

Toy: iPod or Laptop

Food: Sausage or Candy (specifically swedish fish or jelly bellys)

Snow Activity: Sledding

Joke: Knock, knock

Who's There?

Little old Lady

Little Old Lady Who

I didn't know you could yodel!

Summer Activity: Bike Riding, Swimming or laying in hammock

Hair Length: Depends

Meal: Lunch

Favorite Website: netflix, ravelry, etsy

DADDY:

Color: Blue

Season: Spring

Lullaby: Rock a Bye Baby

Thing to Do: Be at Home with Family

Dessert: Chocolate Cupcakes

Drink: Milk

Art: Drawing

Toy: Guitar Hero

Food: Sushi

Snow Activity: Staying inside

Joke: Knock, knock

Who's There?

Interrupting cow

Interrupting cow who?

mooo!!!!

Summer Activity: traveling or camping

Hair Length: Short

Meal: Breakfast

Favorite Website: google reader

BENTON:

tbd

LEGO Mania

Everyone here loves building and creating.  Currently the media of choice is LEGOS.  Eamon has quite a few sets that he received for his birthday including two Star Wars sets from Craigslist.  He loves building with them.  Aine enjoys building with the plain blocks creating houses, buildings and vehicles.  Benton grabs for the Duplos and builds large towers which he can then knock down.  They will often be found with their heads together creating LEGO masterpieces.

Bubble FUn

Hiking

We headed out to Usery Park for a ranger led hike. We were a little late, as the kiddos had to have their picture taken on the rock at the start of the path. After posing, the kids just ran up to meet the group. The ranger discussed the Sonoran desert, snakes, pack rats and a few other animals. She was impressed with Eamon's and Aine's knowledge.

Concentration

Enjoying the Weather

After Benton and Aine had their hair cut, we headed to a park we used to frequent quite often. They loved playing on the super swing and searching out a little mud.

Aine has almost mastered the monkey bars.

Benton is always fearless. Climbing to the top of structures and defying his age at every turn.

Aine

trying to determine if the Palo Verde has thorns

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2010

We were joined on our annual trip downtown for the Fiesta Bowl Parade by the kiddos' cousins, auntie and uncle. We rode the Light Rail again this year and sat in the same spot (thanks to our good friends who continually stake out the front row in the wee morning hours). The kiddos had several cans of silly string, which they had almost exhausted before the parade even began. They could be heard loudly telling the balloon holders to "spin it" and were delighted by the Star Wars marching band.