Showing posts with label Summer 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summer 2011. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Something Special

As soon as school ended in May, Cathy (our neighbor across the street) asked my if she could teach Tyson to sew. She was thinking she could do weekly lessons with him in the afternoons. I mentioned it to Tyson and he was thrilled. He enjoys playing outside, running, looking for bugs and "exploring." But since he was little Tyson has always enjoyed sitting down with me or my mom and doing a "hands on" craft. I had no doubt he would enjoy sewing.

Well Cathy definitely went above and beyond when it came to the lessons. She ordered a couple of books on sewing for kids, she put together his own sewing box filled with supplies including his very own tomato pin cushion. But before he could sew Dave(Cathy's husband) had to get the machine outfitted for Tyson, which meant attaching a wooden block to the pedal so he could reach it while sitting at the table. He spent the first two lessons learning the parts of the machine and practicing sewing on paper. By the time his third lesson was finished he was working on a pillow case. She even sent him home with homework to do like word searches and crossword puzzles involving sewing terms.

When summer came to an end Tyson had sewn one Dr. Seuss pillow case, one pair of pajama pants, one super cute cat complete with button eyes(which he sewed himself), a throw pillow with a silly face and even one Strawberry Shortcake pillowcase for Emmy's birthday. Cathy was impressed with what a good student Tyson was. She made his summer special and he can't wait to sew some more with her. We are so lucky to have such caring neighbors.

Em is already asking for some one-on-one craft time with Cathy.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

What else do you do when it's 110 degrees in the shade?

You play with the water hose!!!

After dinner Paul went out to the front yard for some impromptu lawn watering. It wasn't five minutes before Tyson made his way out there too. When I stepped outside to see what was taking so long I discovered two wet boys. Of course Em was not far behind.

There is something pretty enticing about getting soaked in your clothes.



Why does he look so old in these shots?

My little dancing queen!

They had so much fun. And every time they wanted a break from Daddy and the water hose they would run behind me because those little stinkers knew Daddy wouldn't get "mommy's camera wet."

So much for the watering restrictions......at least it was an even day.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Emerson Grace


So glad she's come out of her shell!!!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Date weekend

This weekend every one had special one-on-one dates. Our neighbors across the street, Cathy and Dave took Tyson to the movies and out to dinner. My kiddos definitely benefit from them not having grandkids.....they spoil mine rotten. Anyway that meant that Emmy had Paul and I all to herself.

We took punkin shopping for back to school clothes at the mall. She had such a good time and was such a good girl. Of course it probably didn't hurt that she had a few cookies, fruit punch, a pretzel and may have even picked up a new stuffed Winnie the Pooh from the Disney Store along with some new school clothes. I'd call that a good date!

Tyson had the best time going to see Mr. Popper's Penguins then out to eat at McDonalds. They were impressed with Buddy's good behavior and manners. I think I see more dates for those three in the future.


Sunday Emerson had her first movie theater experience and I was lucky enough to be her date. Sherri and I thought the new Winnie The Pooh movie would be a great first movie for the girls.

And we were right! The girls loved the whole experience, everything from the popcorn, the skittles and of course the movie. They both walked out and asked if they could see another movie.


Friday, July 15, 2011

When it's too hot to bake.......

Typically when the kids tell me they're bored we BAKE. But it's been so hot with record breaking temperatures lately I haven't really wanted to hang out in the kitchen with the oven for long amounts of time. So.....we are resorting to other ways to fulfill our sweet tooth and still learn some kitchen skills.

Smoothies 101

a few simple ingredients (we've been experimenting with different fruit combinations) and a blender is all you need



every one takes turn chopping and adding fruit(we use a mix of fresh and frozen) to the blender


Tyson samples to make sure we have just the right amount of yumminess


From the looks of these faces I'd say every thing is just right!


Cheers!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

~~Rain is a good thing~~

Tuesday it actually rained here. We are in serious need of some rain and cooler temperatures. The minute the kids heard the rain they came running down stairs asking if they could go "check it out." Of course I said yes, but first let me grab my camera we may not see rain again for a few months.

I stood by the front door and attached my zoom lens and let the kids go to town.

They were so funny, it was as if they had never seen or felt rain.





There is country song by Luke Bryan titled Rain is a Good Thing. My kids LOVE this song and almost have all of the words memorized. Coincidentally as they played in the rain they sang this song over and over (and by the song I mean the chorus). Feel free to click on the link so you get a feel for madness around here sometimes.

I wished I had videoed them playing and singing but then how could I have gotten all of these great still shots?!?

Sunday, July 10, 2011

I see BLUE!!!

A quick mid summer shot of my 7 year old and my almost 4 year old.

Who are these big kids?!?

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

4th ofJuly, Fireworks Edition

One year ago we took the kids to see their first professional fireworks display. You can read about it here. They were not sure what to expect in the beginning, but ended up really liking it. Well this year when it came time for the 4th they were all about seeing the fireworks. Being new to Oklahoma we asked around, "where were the best fireworks?" Turns out the best show was right here in Edmond on the UCO campus just a few miles from the house. And they did NOT disappoint. They were spectacular!!!

We had to get there a couple of hours before the show began to secure a good viewing spot. We packed a cooler with drinks, a bag with snacks and a few footballs to help entertain the kiddos and we were off.

Tyson and Paul threw the football back and forth for a while.



And of course Emmy did not want to be left out of that fun......


Paul gave her a few tips and she held her own.


Nice form Em!

Meanwhile Sam and I felt it was important to stay hydrated with our Malibu/pineapple orange juice concoction and take pictures of Paul and the kids.

It was almost time and they were beginning to get a little restless.
See what I mean?


Happy 4th of July!!!! Already looking forward to next year!!!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Memorial Day Weekend Celebration

When I say Memorial Day Celebration I really mean ALL weekend celebration. We kicked off our holiday weekend with our neighborhood picnic at the pool. However, since the pool had literally just been filled the DAY before......yours truly was NOT getting it. It was COLD!

I opted for enjoying the yummy food instead! And so did my family.

There were tons of age appropriate games for the kiddos.

Tyson LOVED the "Minute to Win It" games!


Then we spent Sunday at our neighbor Tyler's family's house. They have a pool and it was a little warmer than the neighborhood pool. The kids had so much fun and so did the adults, we ate pizza and snacked on chips and queso.

Chilling on the chaise lounge!


We wrapped up our holiday weekend by spending actual Memorial Day at Sherri's house for a cookout with more neighbors.

She had a kiddie pool set up........ironically only Tyson (the biggest kid) enjoyed it.

Great long weekend filled with friends, neighbors, and lots of FOOD! I love my neighborhood!!!