Lounging By the Pool

Sunshine + Crayons + Magnifying Glasses = Fun!!

After I discovered Grace and Mark with magnifying glasses outside trying to set leaves on fire, I channeled their enegry (and the sun's energy) into a art/science project.

The temperature was only in the 50's today, but the sun was strong enough to melt some crayons.
We usually do this activity on rocks, but since we have't collected smooth Lake Ontario rocks yet this year, I resorted to giving the kids paper, knowing full well the excitement the anticipated smoke would cause.

I just love the shadow in this photo.

Yes, this is my only grater---my favorite grater---an exceptionally wonderful grater---but it gave its life in the name of homeschooling fun. (But, I do believe there is a chance that if I put it in the oven at about 200 degrees, the crayon with melt and be able to be wiped right off)

Again, I love this shadow!!

YES!!! Luke melted some crayon and made some smoke--- a 4 year old's idea of perfect science class!!

Say cheese, Kim!!

Redneck Kids Start Young

New airsoft pistols--purchased from the CNY Sportman Show.

They will be putting food on the table

before we know it!

Look at these lovely children

They are not feverish....
they are not crying....
they are not coughing and

and they are not wheezing....

the big kids are back to school after 2 weeks.....

I think we may have made it through the swine flu!!

Thank you for all the prayers!!!!

A totally different view.....

Do you remember this from last week?
Well, this is what we saw today, at Family Fun Day.
How cool is this?!?

Inside the balloon,

the very same balloon that flew over Grandma's house 7 short days ago.

The owner and aviator of this balloon remembered all the kids running up the hill to call for the balloon to land, he wanted too, but his paying passengers weren't quite finished with their trip yet.

The balloon is flown by Dwight Cramer. Check out his website and amazing photos!!

Backyard Fun

Matt's boss gave him a trampoline, and the kids have been enjoying it--a lot.
Whether they are big or little, they have been jumping-a lot.
I am afraid they are going to get hurt-a lot.
That's why Daddy is putting up a safety net right now, I believe it will come in handy-a lot.

Look out kids, here comes Kim!

Peanut Butter Playdough

We had fun with one of our stand-by craft/snack/boredom buster activities this afternoon, peanut butter playdough.

Kim and Luke enjoyed cutting it, squishing it, rolling it, pounding it, and then starting over again.

Peanut Butter Playdough

INGREDIENTS
3 1/2 cups peanut butter
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 1/2 cups honey
4 cups dry milk powder
DIRECTIONS
In large bowl, cream together peanut butter and confectioners' sugar, then beat in honey and fold in milk powder. Divide into 15 equal portions and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.

Of course, the best thing about craft time with this mixture is
the eating it!