What a hunt!

Friday we set off on what would turn out to be an adventure and more than we had bargained for! We went to find the letterbox set "silly story". This was a set with five different stamps. We ended up finding all but number two and that we searched for for around two hours!! Finally, we had to abandon our first stamp ever, but are determined to go back and find it. Anyhow, we had planned to visit the zoo also, but didn't realize the stamps would take all day. By the time we finished the zoo was closed so we went down to the beach for a bit. Matt had been wanting to go to a beach since we arrived in Washington but we hadn't made it to one. On the way out of the park we saw this racoon just sitting there on the side of the road. I made Matt go back to it so I could take this picture. He was staring right at me and I started to get a little fearful. I asked Matt if racoons could jump and attack and he said "you better take that picture quickly". Still don't know if he was saying that to scare me or not.

Seri asked if she could go swim and we said yes, however the water was so cold she only made it in up to her chest.

The children jumping over the waves. I am not sure why we even bothered rolling up their pants as they were socking wet. For the second day in a row we drove home with three naked kids.

Sariah was not at all sure that she liked these rocks. After awhile though she was trying to put fist fulls in her mouth.

Finding box number four. I love it when they say "Look for the tall tree", or "behind the nurse stump". Hello, we are in the middle of a forest!!! Exactly which tall tree are you refering to?

These boxes were planted very well, and I was impressed because they taped the bottom of the boxes with a forest camoflage duct tape, so they were REALLY hidden!

The park where the clues were hidden was a fairy tale park and had little statues and houses from fairy tale characters. The first clue was hidden behind Gingerbread Jill's house. Unfortunately the storms this past winter really damaged a lot of the park and much of it was missing or in repair.

A part of the clue said "find the place where you think Jill's house will be, Hint, she likes to live close to the library".

Well, Point Defiance park is actually a really huge park (Setting: Pt Defiance Park—the greatest park in all of Puget Sound, covering 698 acres and 18,500 feet of shoreline. It is the second largest metropolitan park in the country, second only to Central Park in New York City!) and we had no idea where to begin since we had never actually been to the park part before. We pulled over and looked at a map and saw a location called "Neverland", Bingo!!!! Sure enough we pulled up and saw these huge books!! We knew we were in the right place.

wrapping up the dinosaur study

We are finally finished with our study of the dinosaur era's and to celebrate we went to the Member preview of "collosal Fossils" at the Pacific Science Center. It wasn't as good as we were expecting as far as the age it catered to. Great for adults, the children were less than enthusiastic even after learning about them. Here they are in a "grid dig" brushing dirt of the dinosaur eggs.

end of coop

Isaac's preschool did a rendition of the ABC's. Guesse it is a good thing he has one more session of preschool left as you can see he got the l and k mixed up :) No, really for those who may be concerned, he does know his alphabet....

Seri showing off some of her martial arts moves

This past session of coop is now over so we had a show-and-tell kind of day. Seri took Martial Arts, Creating and managing a buisness, andmy math class. Michael was in Art, Educational games, and Solar System.

100th post

At the Seattle Center Thursday we had lunch at the lawn near the fountain and this couple was right in front of us. They were so sweet, always holding hands and everyonce inawhile she would lay her head on his shoulder. Makes me think of a time when our kids are all grown and we can sit here like this remembering when they used to play around the fountain. I hope we are just like this.

Since Sariah is starting to get into her messy eating stage, our new after dinner routine is I do dishes, she plays in the sink and eats raw potatoes...don't ask :)

And he wants two more? Where will we put them? Also, another good shot of the bald spot.

Hey, I just noticed we are on our 100th post! So to celebrate here are some of our favorite pics from this past month.

Feel free to comment with what number post you are currently on!

Letterboxing

Isaac wading in the fountain.

Seri and Michael in our newly discovered wading pool, fully dressed please notice :) Yes, I drove home with three children in underwear.

Our nice security officer who showed us in the right direction and his Segway that we are all jealous of.

Stamping our new find into out log book.

Seri and Isaac finding the "Seattle Inn" letterbox. It was hidden beneath this rock.

A few of our friends participate in a hobby called letterboxing. find out more info here; http://www.letterboxing.org/index.php

So, finally we decided to join in. We found our first letterbox in a nearby park. Of course I forgot to bring the camera and so we don't actually have pictures of our first "find". After following all of the clues we (well, actually Matt. It was hidden behind some stickery branches) finally found "Danni's Palamino". It was so exciting and we so wanted to do more that day, but ran out of time.

Tuesday on the way home from coop we stopped off at the rest stop that was the exit before ours and tried to find the "Inn at Sea-tac hitch hikers hostel". What a tricky one that was! It had us looking in a variety of areas, I think because I read to much into the clues. We really thought we were going to have to abandon looking and come back later with dad. Then as we were heading back to the car Mom had a realization and found it. Yeah!

Today we went to the Seattle Center for the members preview of Collosal Fossils (more about that in another blog). There was also a letterbox in the Seattle Center that we wanted to find, "Blockhead". We went to the fountain as the clue said (the fountain I blogged about earlier) and looked all over for the plaque that said it was built for the "World's Fair". We so couldn't find it. So we went about our day. However, it really bothered me that we couldn't find it so we looked again, everywhere... Folklife fest starts tomorrow and there were a ton of booths being set up so I blamed it on the sign being lost behind the booths. Right as we were about to give up I asked this nice security man on a really cool Segway where the plaque for the Fountain of creation was. He laughed and said we were at the wrong fountain and them proceeded to take us to the right fountain. Ha!! I didn't even know this one existed! So we get to the fountain and the children are begging to play in it, clothes and all. So I said what the heck. Well actually it is a wadding pool that is about two and a half feet deep, so they really went swimming. The officer and I looked all over for the plaque and then he had an aha moment and left. When he came back he announced that the plaque was actually at the top of the fountain at a look out. Would have never found it if it wasn't for him, so thank you Mr. Security officer!!

Tomorrow we are off to the zoo for our walking program and to find the letterboxes in the "silly story" series at Point Defiance park. Wish us luck!!

Typical

I love our home, it has a ton of space and a very open floor plan for my very active kids. (Yes, I know some of you are still asking for pictures of the inside. I am waiting for it to be clean enough to show pics of :). The other day I was in the kitchen and heard way too much laughing coming from the staircase. I came out into the front room and this was what I saw. The children had taken an empty laundry basket (actually it is the same one that the boys were using as a ship the other day) (hmmmm.....wonder why we buy them toys?) and were riding down the stairs in it. The staircase actually turns for another set and I finally convinced them to stop doing it on the first set as I was truly afraid that one of them might go through the wall. You would be surprised how much speed one of these things actually picks up.

Scholastic Warehouse Sale!!!

Scholastic, the major book company that all schools send out catalogs from, has a warehouse in Auburn, which is just a couple of minutes away. Once a year, towards the end of the school year, they open up the warehouse to all PS educators and homeschoolers and offer the books at a substantial savings. We stocked up!!! It was so hard to be good in there though. It's hard not to get alot when some of the books are only a dollar!!

My rules for shopping were #1 get only books that the children will REALLY enjoy and treasure.

and #2 Only get books that will bring knowledge to all the children as they get older.

I figure, the rest of them we can get at the library.

all in all, I think I did very well. What a joy it was to come home and have the children tear into the box and then spend all of lunch devouring their books! They were all so intent and quiet.

Zoo

Finally we got to go to the zoo. This is one place that we really enjoy and we would like to go more often then we get around to. They have a walking program, and if you walk their mile loop eight times in three months you get behind the scene passes to talk with the care takers and see how they care for the animals. They have a peacock that roams freely and the children were fascinated, at least until he got annoyed and hissed at them.

We also saw an animal show and had the chance to see some up close and pet others. They have an intern program and as the children get older we will keep this in mind. Since they will not be attending PS

we can waiver to have them intern at 16. What a fabulous oppurtunity!!! Hopefully one of them will choose to do this so I can live vicariously through them :)

Dinos....

Seeing if Michael's armspan measures up. Also, a really good shot of Matt's bald spot. :)

Me at one end of the measurement, the kids at the other.

Our Allosaurus measuring line went from the neighbors on the left all the way to the neighbors on the right.

Michael and Seri measuring the Dinosaur length.

We have almost finished with Dinosaurs (at least for now). We went outside and measured how long different dinosaurs would be with sidewalk chalk. We measured an eight foot one, thrity-two feet, and the mother of all Dinos at eighty-eight feet long. It was decided that the 88 foot one would take about five and a half of daddy's car to measure up.

We were going to fill in the measurement with a drawing of the dinosaur on the street but figured that may take up too much chalk, maybe some other day.

We had the children estimate how long the Dino's were before we measured and Daddy's estimation came real close. He then revealed his trick of touching one end of the yarn to his nose and holding the other straight out. On an average adult this length will equal three feet. The kids were so fascinated that he then showed them that their height is usually equal to their arm span, pretty neat information. I am sure it will come in handy some day.

Happy Mothers Day

She came tonight as I sat alone,

The girl I used to be,

And she gazed at me with her earnest eye

And questioned reproachfully:

Have you forgotten the many plans And hopes I had for you?

The great career, the splendid fame, all the wonderful things to do?

Where is the mansion of stately height With all its gardens rare?

The silken robes that I dreamed for you And the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad For I wanted her pleased with me,

This slender girl from the shadowy past The girl that I used to be.

So gently rising, I took her hand And guided her up the stairs

Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay Innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems, And precious they are to me;

That silken robes is my motherhood Of costly simplicity.

And my mansion of stately height is love,

And the only career I know

Is serving each day in these sheltered walls For the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,

She smiled through her tears at me.

And I saw the woman that I am now

Pleased the girl I used to be

Day at the Park

Sariah adores swinging! She laughs out loud the whole time she is in the swing. We are so addicted to it!

We have always been sort of relaxed parents, and with the fourth even more so. I love the looks we get from other people when they find us doing something that "we shoudln't be allowing that baby to do". There were three different people who made comments as to the fact that she seemed to young to be in the swing. Oh Well, she surivived.

I laughed when I saw what the others were doing, the activities really show

their personalities.

Isaac is hanging out and care free at the swings, talking dad's ear off.

Michael is hanging out in a tree with a bunch of girls.

And of course we found Seri on the basketball court with some guys.

Typical.

She thinks sh'e a big girl

My baby just turned eight months. A few weeks ago she started pulling up on things which has been interesting. It is funny to watch her try to figure out which things are stable enough for her to pull up on. the couch is OK; Boxes, little plastic chairs, and the other babies at co-op are not. Yesterday I caught her standing by herself for a few minutes as she switched from holding onto her sister to a chair.

You would think by the time the fourth goes through these stages it wouldn't hold half the excitement, but it is still brand new. Now it is even better because the sibling are experiencing it to. these moments are much more exciting when it is more than just mom and dad cheering her on and watching in awe.

We have been debating what to do with the stairs. the logical and most ready answer is to get a gate, but I am afraid that would do more harm to the other members of the family as they navigate it (if you know what I mean). I finally told the children that it was time to teach her how to go down the stairs on her belly, so they have commenced those lessons with great zeal, not sure Sariah is up for the intensity the lessons exhibit.

The older two walked at 10 months and it is looking as if she may do the same.

Too bad she couldn't remain this small, then we wouldn't ever have to have another one :)

Come See!!

After much contemplation I have decided to try a new venture. I have started an Ebay store for handmade crafts. To start with I am offering Wee Spy Pillows, here's the description:

A variation of the popular "I Spy" books, this pillow has a fleece backing and a clear plastic front. Inside is a delightful assortment of objects hidden within. Inside the large bag (10 inch diameter) there are at least forty different objects, plus the letters of the alphabet to find. This toy can be used as a quiet toy at church or in the car, as children focus on trying to find each object. Younger children are fascinated by the textures and the variety of objects as well as the hide-n-seek factor. For pre-school and school-aged children the pillow turns into an educational game as they try to find a particular item, "Can you find a duck", or "Try to find me something that is blue". In our family of four children they often like to challenge eachother to find things within their own bags.

I would greatly appreciate it if you would stop by and take a look. Any and all feedback is appreciated.

http://stores.ebay.com/Gifts-from-Nana

Thank You!!!!

Rash

Last weekend Michael developed a rash on his back. Not being the kind to rush into the Dr. we watched it, gave him Benadryl for the itching, washed his bedding and everything else we could think of. It countinued to get worse. I finally conceded and made an appt.

It was strange because usually I dress in jeans and a t-shirt or sweats, comfortable clothing. but for his appt. I felt I needed to portray an educated woman. I knew one of the questions that would come up was going to do with vaccines. When Sariah was born we made the educated decision to not have our children immunized any longer until circumstances require they be, for some reason or other. It was impotant to me to have the Dr. respect our decision and not look down on me as a frumpy homemaker who wasn't educated enough to know any better. Luckily, the question never did come up. I like the Dr. though. He looked at Michael and said "wow, that's impressive. I have no idea." Finally a Dr. who does not profess to know everything! He pulled out his picture books and we looked through them, but still have no idea what caused it. The Dr. did say he could guarantee it was not contagious or a disease we need to be concerned about. Poor Michael. If it is health related it will happen to him.

My boys.....

These two. They are truly a wonder. A large percent of the time they are the best of friends and are inseparable. Where you find one you will generally find the other not far behind. Yet at times they fight like nothing I have seen before. Rolling on the floor with their appendages all entangled. Matt laughs and says they are boys and siblings and this is how they act. Maybe that is true, after all I am an only child and know nothing about siblings or boys. Half the time I can't figure out if they are really angry at eachother or if they are playing.

Yesterday Michael wsa downstairs and I guesse he told Isaac not to follow him. Isaac ame running upstairs and then leaned over the railing and yelled "but I love you, Michael". Michael yelled back "leave me alone" and Isaac repeated, "but I love you!!" This went on for a good three minutes and Isaac is really angry but is still yelling that he loves his brother. All I could do was laugh.

Today I caught them playing in an empty laundry basket. From what I can gather it was really a ship and they were having trouble steering it through a storm. five minutes after I took the picture Michael kicked Isaac out saying it was only big enough for one person. Isaac kept trying to get in and finally Michael climbed underneath it. Not to be dettered, Isaac promptly sat on it so that Michael could not get up. He continued to sit on it till Michael was nearly in tears and mom intervened.

Seattle Center Fountain

In the middle of the Seattle center is this huge fountain, one of the biggest I have ever seen in my life. these pictures do not do it justice.

I remember watching this fountain when I was in school every time we would go on a field trip. The water jets out so high, you can barely see the top sometimes. Around the perimeter of the fountain is a stereo system that plays music and the jets are in sync with it. It is truly beautiful to sit and watch. There are usually a ton of people picnicing, playing in the fountain or on the grass surrounding it. A ton of birds join the mix scavenging for food and dive bombing those brave enough to stand still.

I don't remember ever being allowed to play in it, but I remember being envious watching others. The kids and I are in Seattle quite often and I alwasy ensure that we have a pair of extra clothes in the van so that they can get as wet as their little hearts desire.

This day I sat on the side revelling in the sunshine and watching my healthy, happy children chase eachother in the water. For this moment, everything is right in the world and I am the luckiest person ever to be in it.

Here's to the fountain!