Arcade Museum

Our plans fell through on Saturday so we had a whole day free!  We decided to be spontaneous and head to Arcadia, the Arcade Museum nearby.  We had so much fun! The kids loved playing all the older games, while mama and dada relived some of the games of our youth. Most of the games were $.25 and we were happy to contribute to a fun, family friendly local establishment.

Smunchie was a big fan of Stun Runner (a motorcycle riding game), while Dada and Lil G really rocked it on the Doctor Who Pinball.  Mama stuck to the classics:  PacMan and Mrs. PacMan.

Archaeological Dig

This week, we had a unique opportunity in our community.  Last year, the folks at a local college buried a lot of everyday (and some not-so-common) objects.  These objects were subjected to the elements for an entire year.  Then, this year, a local archaeologist plotted out the site and invited kids to come and excavate the site.  We, of course, decided to check it out!  It was a great learning experience.  The kids used trowels and brushes to gentle remove the items.  Then, each item was photographed and placed on a table, according to the plot in which it was located.  Finally, any soil that was removed was placed in buckets, and then gently run through a sieve.

The kids had a great time and found several items that they deemed "very cool".  This was so exciting for all of us, despite the heat and the insects.  We would definitely check it out again next year (as they're planning on repeating the experience).

Smunchie found a pulley

Lil G found a horseshoe

Lil G digging with his buddy

Putting their finds on the table

Mama and Squish, trying to beat the heat

Squish's Newborn Shoot

We had Squish's newborn photos done at 2 weeks (a little later than we intended but life got in the way!).  He was a little bit of a stinker during the process, trying to stay awake and nurse the whole time.  But, our photographer got some AMAZING shots and we could not be happier.  

Squish's First Days

Our little Squish had a rough time of it at first.  His birth was so quick that he was unable to get all the fluid squeezed out of his lungs and stomach.  So, we went on a rollercoaster ride of IVs, oxygen and an NG tube, to extract the fluid from his stomach.  We were so blessed that he did amazing!  He had to stay in the nursery for one night but then was able to room in with mama.  He is such a wonderful part of our family and we're so pleased to have him with us.

Here are some pics of Squish's first days.  More to come!

Pumpkin Patch

One of the coolest things about living where we do is the local pumpkin patch. It's not just a place to buy pumpkins, mind you.  It's a virtual amusement park for kids!  Lil G and Smunchie had been asking when it would open again for the whole year and it did not disappoint.  We've been twice already (we have a season pass) and I foresee many more trips this season! 

First Grade Read Aloud #1- Charlotte's Web

This year, we are enjoying reading books aloud in school, in order to facilitate a love of the written word.  While Lil G is really coming along in his reading, this is a way for our family to enjoy some works of literature together, that would normally be too advanced for Lil G to read on his own.  Our first read aloud this year was Charlotte's Web by E.B. White.  After we finished the book, we decided to have a celebretory party, complete with a viewing of the film adaptation of the book, in order to compare and contrast the two.

Lil G had a few friends come over for the celebration.  He made lots of decorations, including spiders and the "Salutations" sign.  Mama helped with cutting out some trash bag spider webs!

We had pigs in a blanket and corn on the cob for dinner and then proceeded to make piggie noses to wear while we watched the movie.

After we made the noses, we settled in to watch the movie.  We ended up watching the live action of Charlotte's Web and it was a really cute, accurate adaptation of the book!

During intermission, we decorated cookies with "mud" (chocolate frosting).  Most of the cookies were piggie shaped but some were other fun shapes.  The kids really got into the cookie decorating!

The entire party went off without a hitch.  Lil G and Smunchie both had a terrific time, as did N and J.  We're looking forward to many other celebrations, after we finish each of our read-a-louds!