Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Rain boots

We've certainly had some unpredictable Spring weather, and some cold snaps that those of us that have already started planting aren't too happy about.  One thing we are all thankful for is the amount of rain we've gotten this Spring, it has been such a blessing for our dry state.  And a great excuse for us to all try out our new rainboots. 


Rain 1

With a good rain our back yard very much resembles swamp land so I was thankful for these Sloggers my mom got me for Christmas this past year. Aren't they cute? I love that they're a made in the USA product and also really lightweight and comfy too. They've been great for tromping around in the muck this Spring.

Of course the girls couldn't be left out so I had to find them some "boots like mama".  I was disappointed that Sloggers didn't make boots for kids but then I found these Kamik rain boots.


Rain 2

Rain 3


They're very similar to my boots and the girls absolutely love them. I love that they have a great recycling program for worn out boots. Though I imagine it would take quite a lot to wear them out.


  Puddles 1
 
 
Puddles 2
 
 
Puddles 4
 
 
The girls have obviously put them through some serious testing and they've passed with flying colors.  In fact it has been difficult to get them to wear any other shoes since these arrived.  I'm all for shoes that spray clean and they can put on and take off by themselves so everyone wins. 

Monday, April 15, 2013

Nesting Time

Nesting 1
 
 
The weather has been absolutely lovely so far this Spring.  A few cold days but otherwise some lovely sunny weather.  We've been able to spend most of our time just where we love to be, outside.  Lots of planning, gardening, cleaning up, and of course playing.  We are also trying to make our yard as welcoming for the animals as we possibly can.  Our first project was to help our bird friends find some great nesting materials. 
 
 
All you need is:
 
  • yarn or other nesting material
  • scissors
  • ruler
  • suet cage 
 
Nesting 5
 
Nesting 4
 
 
The yarn should be cut into lengths between 4 and 8 inches long to be used as nesting material.  This is a great chance for the littles to practice their measuring and cutting skills.  It was a bit too windy outside which added an extra challenge to measuring.  We probably should have moved inside for this part.  

 
 
Nesting 3
 
Nesting 2


Our cage is hanging above our feeder in the backyard right now.  Hopefully we'll be able to see some bright colored bits sticking out of nests while on our nature walks.  And don't worry this is perfectly safe for the birds!  There are lots of other ways to attract birds to your yard an you can find lots of ideas here. 

Friday, April 5, 2013

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual inspired by Soulemama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
 
 
 
Saturday 10

The bouncing egg Experiment

Exp 6

Have you seen this experiment floating around blogland and Pinterest?  It was so much fun and super easy to do which is always a plus.  If you haven't tried this yet I highly recommend it. 

All you need is a jar, a raw egg, and some vinegar.  What could be easier? 

Exp 1
 
 
  1. Put your egg inside the jar.
  2. Cover the egg with white vinegar.
  3. Let it set for 24 hours.
  4. After 24 hours dump the old vinegar and put fresh vinegar into your jar.
  5. Let the egg rest in the new vinegar for another 2-3 days and watch the process.
 

Exp 2
 
Exp 3
 
Exp 4
 
Exp 5
 
Exp 7


These pictures were after sitting in the second jar of vinegar for 2 days.  See how cool! 
 
Exp 10

Exp 11
 
 
 We also tried a few different eggs just to see what the differences would be:
 
Exp 18
L-R:  Boiled egg, boiled egg soaked in vinegar, raw egg soaked in vinegar, raw egg.

 
 Then came the fun part, the bouncing!  And yes they did bounce, a little at least.  Although I think the best part was when we found out at a certain height it would bust. 
 
Exp 12
 
Exp 20
 
Exp 21
 
Nothing like some good gooey fun with some busted eggs.  My girls are already asking to do this one again.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Rain

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.
 
 *******
 
Saturday 12
 
 
Saturday 14
 
 
Saturday 13
 
 
Saturday 15

 

Monday, April 1, 2013

Easter



Easter 1
 
 
 
Easter 6
 
 
 
Easter 7
 
 
 
Easter 9
 
 
 
Easter 11
 
 
A wonderful day filled with family, a lovely church service, beautiful weather, and lots of good food.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Science Fair

Science Fair 5



With all the excitement of Spring starting I forgot to share pictures of Kinsley first science fair.  She has always been a lover of all things science so this opportunity was one that we couldn't pass up.  She worked so very hard on her experiment and her display.  Taking lots of time and care to make sure that each piece was exactly how she wanted it.  Making the display board was a great way for her to work on her letter recognition, letter sounds, and writing as well. 



Science Fair 13
 
 
Science Fair 14
 
 
Science Fair 11
 
 
Science Fair 10
 
 
 
Science fair 9
 
 
 
And in the end she ended up with a great project, and a wonderful experience.  She was nervous about talking to the judges but she handled it extremely well. She kept saying how proud she was of her hard work and I was one proud mama as well.