Ladybug Release

For Kenzie's 5th birthday, Nana Bieker bought her a ladybug kit. We received our bugs as larvae and watched the transformations occur. As they were fully mature, and we'd read that they might stay in your yard if released in the morning, she (& her bedhead) let them go bright and early. The bug lover loved the whole experience...but was especially hyped to come out the next day and find a few stragglers hanging out on our deck plants.

It's pool time!

The neighborhood pool opened Labor Day Weekend and we LoVeD it. Kenzie starts her swimming lessons in a few weeks, but found her waterlegs quickly. She was also pleased to note that she's apparently grown a GREAT deal over the winter. She can walk almost all the way across the pool this year (minus the deep end). Last year, she was only able to go half way.

Preschool graduation

Today was Kenzie's "graduation" ceremony from school. The classes did several song performances in sign language and song, and then it was followed by a certificate presentation by each classes teachers. Here she is with Mrs. Villegas and Mrs. Hawk. It was a touching ceremony, which Kenzie fully enjoyed. I felt myself getting teary toward the end, so quickly camoflauged it with the camera.

Following the ceremony, we had a picnic out in the preschool yards and it was a fun end to her preschool career. It's official, she's a kindergartner now!

Deanna Rose

We made our maiden voyage to Deanna Rose Farmstead today, at the Kenzie doodles request. It was a beautiful sunny day...just perfect we thought. This was Rylan's first true experience with the place, given that he spent all his time asleep in the stroller last year. Although we had to move a bit slower and couldn't go fishing because I couldn't imagine hooking worms while maintaining him a safe distance from the pond water...Kenzie had a great time. She enjoyed teaching him what she new about the Indians, animals, and ...bomb pops.

Little Joey

Some neighbors found this little turtle walking through their ball game and thought of Kenzie, bringing it to live with us. We have had a turtle once before after finding him wandering up our drive...but we soon returned him to a nearby creek.

This guy has been named Little Joey, or Baby Joey by the neighborhood kids and is currently living in a little turtle habitat we set up. He seems happy, is eating well, and as long as the kids follow the directions of "NO TOUCHING" we'll keep him for a few days, before sending him on his way in the same creek. Rylan gets really excited watching him - pointing and SQUEALING - and dancing around his home.

Kenzie's taken it upon herself to teach Rylan ALL about turtles, and he's thoroughly enjoying the lesson, it appears.

Park

We ended up at a park, during one of our recent walks. It was here that we were surprised at how much Rylan could finally participate. Kenzie taught him all kinds of tricks that she learned at gymnastics class and we played several rounds of her favorite chase game. Mommy (the alligator) chases the babies up and down and around the slide...over and over and over again!

Rainy Day Play

Oh man. It's been rainy around here. We're digging deep in the stash of nonsensical activity to keep you busy ~ and less bored on the days that outdoor play is impeded by torrential downpours. So, we melted some old candles today and let you paint the wax on some trash. You also discovered the joys of wax covered fingers.



OOoooh boy. What fun!