National Bird-Feeding Month

Anna and I were excited to learn that February is National Bird-Feeding Month! So were our backyard friends! Anna and I made birdseed feeders in all sorts of shapes and hung them outside. We have seen a flurry of birds in our backyard. Alex was a little confused when we gave him a birdseed feeder to hang up - he thought he was supposed to eat it!

Wax Museum

Kate and Max had wax museums in their classrooms this week.  They each selected a significant African American individual, did research, wrote a speech, and PRACTICED a lot.  Anna, Alex, and I walked around "pushing buttons" and listening to lots of speeches.  It was very cute and all the kids were so proud of themselves.

Kate chose Ruby Bridges

*First African America child to attend a white school*

Max chose George Washington Carver

*Famous for teaching farmers how to make new things with their crops (specifically the peanut)*

Quadcopter

Max and I spent a little time learning how to use his remote controlled hovercraft this weekend! Max took over the remote in no time. I love how he analyzed every flight - determined what worked, what did not work and how he was going to do it different next time.

Mimi Time

We were ALL thrilled when Mimi asked to come visit for today!!!  The kids all had something special they wanted to do with Mimi so they came of with "Mimi Time" so that each one could have one-on-one time with Mimi! Mimi and Max went to tennis practice and had lunch.

Kate taught Mimi how to make madeleine cookies. 

Mimi and Anna sewed pillows, blankets and aprons for her girls.

Alex got some extra love at the park!

Since the weather was GORGEOUS, we squeezed in a visit to Mimi's Park (aka Bond Park)!

 WE LOVE MIMI TIME!!!

Mini Winter Weather Event

We got blasted with freezing rain for about 12 hours.  The kids and I took advantage of our free day - played outside, rescued some turtles stuck in an "iceberg", played with neighbors, made pancakes and hot cocoa for lunch and got some extra play time in at home!

Kate's Baking Day

Kate asked for a "baking day" for her birthday present.  I was more than happy to oblige and Peter made sure to keep the rest of the crew busy, busy busy! We spent the entire afternoon baking, packaging and making special deliveries! Max requested peanut butter cookies.  Daddio requested scones. Kate and I decided to try something new - Madeleines - now her specialty! We had SO. MUCH. FUN!!! 

Welcome Home Watson Family!

My friend Jennifer had this awesome idea to surprise the Watson Family with a welcome home brunch. Shannon, Karl, and Haldley just moved back from New York.  We totally surprised them when they were met at the door with an entourage of kids screaming "SURPRISE" and "WELCOME HOME".  It was a wonderful morning of brunching and playing.  The kids had a blast.  Thank you Jennifer and James for hosting!

Max's Valentine's Party

Alexander and I joined Max for a super fun Valentine's Learning Experience in his classroom. They rotated through four stations and could not have had more fun building, making, playing and handing out valentine's to friends.

BINGO

Cookie Decorating

Marshmallow and Toothpick Build

Minute-To-Win-It

3 different challenges, each a little more challenging

Valentines

Kate's Valentine's

Kate came home absolutely tickled by her Valentine's this year.  She loved reading all the sweet valentine's and she had a story to tell for each kid in her class.  She loved making her bag at school so much that she asked her teacher for the supplies so she could help Anna make a bag at home - so sweet! We all worked on Kate's valentine's together by taking old crayons and melting them down into new heart-shaped crayons. I am so glad that these small acts of kindness and love make the day extra special!

Frog's Class Valentine Party

Alexander and I got to celebrate Valentine's Day with Anna and her friends in the Frog's class.  The teachers set up a couple of games - Stick the Heart on the Frog,  Heart Puzzle Relay and Bucket of Love. We finished off the day with a lovebug snack and sharing valentine's with each other. Such a sweet and simple way to celebrate the day!