She Can See Clearly Now...

After realizing that Hannah wasn't just crossing her eyes to make things "look funny" a trip to the pediatric eye doctor confirmed it, our big girl needs glasses.  She has been great about it, probably because they are princess glasses that came in a purse for a case.  The first morning she sat at the breakfast table reading all of the letters on the cereal box because they "not fuzzy anymore!"  

Number 1...Done!

Green Goal #1 is done!  Compost bin has found a home right behind the wood pile and has been filling up with a nice mix of browns and greens.  The kids are really good about bringing items out, Alexander loves to add banana peels and Hannah brings the corn cobs out after dinner.  In that way I guess goal #3 is also done as they are great at remembering "natural scraps go in the back" (of the yard that is).   Still not sure how to collect items during the fall/winter when it is not as convenient to go out every day.  Any suggestions readers?  

Reusing our Recycling

I don't know if it is because I joined Pinterest or if it is because I am not working so we are watching our spending but lately I have been taking a second look at things before I toss them in the trash/ recycling bin.  One collection that I started was the tops to Emmett's food pouches.  They are round and colorful so I instantly thought they would make great counters for the kids to use.  We have quickly collected a lot of them and needed a better way to store our large collection.  The empty formula tub seemed like a great solution and it was a perfect way to reuse a container.  Alexander was more than happy to help with the project and he was a great worker!

Empty tub, paper, markers, decoupage...

and you have your own custom container.  

Alexander Had My Camera

Beating the Heat

It is very hard to have a beautiful bright sunny day and have to stay inside, but it is just too hot.  We have been going out in the morning when it is slightly cooler and trying to take an "evening walk" before bed so the kids remember what fresh air feels like.  Even then their little bodies have a hard time processing all this heat, especially Emmett.  I have found myself pulling out activities that we usually do on snow days when we are cooped up in the house.  The past few days it was tent making in the living room...

...and playing cars in a new place.  

Mom, Boys, Museum

To celebrate Alexander finishing Kindergarten with such success, I took him and Emmett up to North Hampton MA to the Eric Carle Museum.  Hannah was still in school so I thought it might be a bit easier with just the 2 boys.  We had a very special day getting to know this wonderful illustrator a little better, enjoying the well stocked library, creating our own pieces of art and having a picnic lunch out on the grounds.  

An Improved Birthday

Alexander has always loved the monthly Home Depot Kids Workshops.  As soon as he learned how to read a calendar he sat down and marked the first Saturday of every month with an "HD" to remind everyone about the workshop.  We have even been on vacation in RI and he has gone to workshops there, with cousins in tow!  When it came time for his birthday party we were thrilled to be able to have it at the Glastonbury store.  The kids were given their own orange aprons and then able to chose between a sailboat or an herb planter.  They worked so hard and did a great job, it was a very special day for all.