Puzzle power

For a long time Nick was super into puzzles of all kinds. Lately, his attention has wandered to more creative/crafty kinds of projects, but a recent trip to the Dollar Tree changed all that. Even the dollar stores are cashing in on the Toy Story 3 mega marketing scheme. Right inside the door was an end cap with multiple TS3 items, including three different 100 piece puzzles. Nick was in love, but I was hesitant. He can fly through 35 piece puzzles without problem, but struggles with 65 pieces. I figured 100 would be way too many, but for $1 I figured we could at least try.

As soon as we were done with dinner he wanted to sit down and start on one of the new puzzles. So Mike and I sat down with him to see how he did. I have to say I was quite pleased. He needed a little gently prodding, but for the most part did everything all by himself.




He wanted to try another one but was obviously tired, so we convinced him to wait another day.

Zander wanted to get in on the action, too. Instead of letting him play with Nick's puzzle we tried to entertain him with his own. Despite what these pictures looklike, he wasn't all that interested. I swear, these two kids are absolutely nothing alike.

Under construction

I love finding new fun things for my kids to do. I love cheap new and fun things even more. Pink and Green Mama is one of my favorite bloggers for finding these creative things that I can do with my kids and some things that can help develop their imagination on their own. Most recently I came across her idea for a construction sensory box. She had several other sensory boxes that seemed either a bit girlier (she does have two girls) or a bit messier than I was looking for. But the construction one seemed right up my alley.

So after work I headed to the Dollar Tree to find the rocks she mentioned in her post. After about 10 minutes of searching I found them in a set of bins that also held decorative pieces of glass and marbles used for decorating. I picked up six bags and headed to Target for a tub. I would have loved to bought a large flat tub, but I knew filling it with rocks would have been quite pricy so I settled for a smaller tub that was just barely big enough for both boys to get their hands in at once.





After one afternoon I'm thinking that even if a larger tub would have been a lot more expensive it might have saved my sanity. The boys loved the box and had a hard time sharing the small space. Maybe two small tubs would work just as well and still be a little less expensive. Or, maybe my kids could just learn to share. Yeah, I know, wishful thinking. Anyway, when they tired of playing construction guys they didn't give up on the tubs. They just switched gears. They used their new Toy Story 3 buckets (another Dollar Tree find) to unload the construction site and build new ones on their work bench and the porch floor. Sure, it got a little messy, but the rocks are big enough that clean-up was still a cinch. In all, not a bad toy for $10 ($6 for the rocks and $4 for the Rubbermaid).

Out at the park

My kids love to go to the park but with our crazy wet weather lately we haven't had many opportunities. Nick was so excited he got to ride his own bike to the park today! I was nervous, but he loved it. I think his excitement for riding the bike made his interest in the park wane just a little. After about 20 minutes he was ready to go -- which was fine given how hot it was. Just look at his poor little red face.

Last summer he would barely walk on these without me standing nearby. Now he hops along with no real worries.



And then there is this guy. He is my trouble maker (times two). And I can't stop him. So he climbs. And scares the crap out of me.



And tries to be just like his big brother. Only shorter. And if it is possible, less coordinated.



The safest thing he did all day was sell me some fruit! It was so cute, he would repeat every word I said and the "grab" the item from behind the counter. Even though his attitude is beyond fixing I still love him to pieces.

Chow down

There are days I can't get my kids to eat a thing (except donuts and Pop-Tarts). Then there are days I worry they might explode if they eat another bite. Lately, Nick has been chowing down whenever we get McDonalds. He has consumed 3 chicken nuggets, an entire cheeseburger, a handful of fries and about half of a second cheeseburger. Yes, this was a super rare occasion, but a cheeseburger, a couple of nuggets, half a small fry and 3/4 the bag of apples is becoming the norm for this kid. I'm thinking I could be in trouble in just a few more years.


Then there is this kid. Most days I worry he isn't getting enough food. But, that swollen belly and his endless energy supplies tell me I probably shouldn't worry too much.

Ice cream sundaes

The boys are always begging to get ice cream cones everytime we go get milk. Tonight, I finally held strong and said no. Instead, I promised Nick a homemade sundae with chocolate and sprinkles and he seemed satisfied. The little single serve treat cups are the perfect size for my little guys, though it does make it kind of hard to add chocolate syrup and sprinkles.

Zander had just taken a bath so Mike decided it would probably be a good idea to leave him naked for this treat. Good call -- within two bites he had ice cream running down his belly and into his diaper.

New friends

My college friend Kati was in town visiting her in-laws and managed to squeeze in a little extra time for a playdate. They brought the kids lunch and then we let them run wild play while we chatted. I was absolutely amazed at how well everyone got along, especially considering my kids were both in dire need of a nap. Can't wait 'til they are in town and we can get together again.

As always, Nick felt more comfortable playing with the little girls. He's got a thing for the ladies already. I think this one might be trouble (my kid, that is, not the little girl).




Our living room transformed into a toy war zone.

The whole crew!


And this is Kati's adorable baby girl Ashlee. Unfortunately, everytime I tried to get a picture of her smiling face Zander decided he needed to love on her. It would have been frustrating if it hadn't been so dang adorable.




Here's one cute one, though. Would have been cuter if the bright red shopping cart wasn't right behind her head!!

Fast asleep

Nick loves to stay up late, especially to watch his Black Hawk play a little hockey. Unfortunately, there are some night he just can't make it to the end of the first period.


Maybe next year, kid.