Fun Science Day with Friends

Today was our first FUN day with friends. We did more science themed activities, and they were so exciting! We first started with homemade Root beer made with dry ice -of course. I didn't get any pictures, but the boys loved the "steam", "smoke", "gas" bubbling all over. They thought it was cool to get to drink this "experiment". Then I prepped them for what all we'd be doing. One of the cute little friends asked, "Are we going to do "Arts and Craps?" I'm pretty sure I laughed out loud, and then said, "Yep!"

 Onto SOAP CLOUDS!! This is an easy, but very fascinating thing to watch. The soap grows and puffs and forms huge funny clouds within minutes. We made six clouds (we had six boys) and they were still saying "Whoa!", "Cool!", "Look!"  by the sixth one. Carter would cheer and laugh watching the big boys. They were his entertainment. This was really fun. We then took our "clouds" and broke them up into little pieces; I mixed the soap (with an electric beater) using a little coloring and water. This made a moist clay type of dough which they then pressed into cookie cutters to create their own fun shaped soaps. (I didn't take pics of this either -dang it.)

 Afterwards, they all took a much needed hand washing and root beer drinking break. They reminded me of men surrounding the water cooler at work just chatting away. They were all great boys, and everyone was so well behaved and interested in what we were doing. We had a blast.

 Onto volcanoes! The boys were each allowed to scoop as much baking soda as they wanted into their jar, and each picked a color for their foamy lava. I handed them a measuring cup of vinegar, which they added to their jars. I think the boys were expecting "explosions", but they were still pleasantly surprised and more than happy with the fast rising bubbles flowing all over the place.

 SLIME!!! This was the one thing the boys were anticipating the most. They were excited they could finally have slime. I split them into pairs and had them share the duties of creating the slime. One boy dumped the glue into the bowl (what kid hasn't dreamed of dumping all the glue out? A dream come true!) Then the other boy stirred in the water and coloring. Then they added the cup I had prepared for them -of water and Borax- and, instantly slime was starting to form!  Both then worked the slime from wet goo into the more solid slime that is HEAVEN to all boys! We finished ten minutes before moms arrived, which was plenty of time to wash up, get organized and find shoes. A perfect two hour fun time!

Carter was a STAR. He was so good. He sat well in his highchair and played/experimented with measuring spoons, baking soda and root beer. He was so good. When we were done with slime, and I let him out,  he got right into the thick of things. In just five minutes he was a mess and undressed. He was sad when I was finished cleaning up. One day Carter, one day. :)

This was a great time. I really enjoyed myself. I knew a mess would be inevitable, so it wasn't an issue. It didn't bother me at all. I also really wanted to have my boys do these fun things and make this fun mess. But, I knew other boys might LOVE doing these things too and that sharing this fun time with other kids would give other moms a break -even if for just two hours. My thinking was, "if all of this is going to happen anyway, why not share the fun, and give a fellow mom a break?" I'm really glad I did this and plan to do it again through summer months. Maybe next time, a COOKING day? or ART day?

FHE Memories

This last Monday, the boys wanted to go to the temple for family home evening. We obliged. We walked around the entire temple; at different times I was able to be side by side the boys individually. We were able to talk about all things related to the temple. It was so nice. I talked with Ben about the sealing ordinances of the temple and how being sealed in the temple seals us to our families forever. Kade told me, "Mom, I'm filled with the Lord." and "I love all the parts of the temple." So amazing.

When we visited the statue of the Savior, the boys sat with group of people and listened to the recording. Joe and I sat in the back row with climbing Carter. I'm not sure if the family there were LDS or not. When asked questions by the sis. missionary, no one in the family/group responded with more then smiles. But, when the sister missionary asked her questions, like "How do we know the Savior loves us?" Ben and Kade both raised their hands. She called on both of them. They said, "He died for us." and "He took on all our sins." "He created the world and everything." "everything obey Him because He built everything." I wish I could remember some of their other answers to the other questions, but the sister was impressed and said, "Are these your kids?" Joe and I both nodded and smiled. She asked, "Do they come to the temple everyday?" We all laughed.

It is my goal and dream to thoroughly teach my boys the gospel. They have been blessed with the the desire to want to talk to everybody.I see this as a gift from ou Father in Heaven. They'll really need to be comfortable talking with others, especially about the gospel when it comes time to defend the church and serve their missions. I hope they always keep this "gift of gab". :) I am grateful for how much the boys know about our Savior Jesus Christ. I breath a little sigh of relief and do a little "whoohoo" inside, and then re-resolve myself to keep this going. I can't stop teaching or feel like I've taught them enough. We've all got a long way to go yet.

Kade's Graduation

Kade graduated from preschool -AGAIN! He's grown so much and did such a great job. He sang every song, and did all the moves to each song. I was very proud of his maturity. He really was a "big preschool graduate." It was sweet to see him walk in proud and happy and ready. He couldn't have been cuter. We all love our Kade. He is a funny, snugly, energetic kid. He is determined and has mental toughness like I've never seen before. He is a great little and big brother, and has a lot of fun with Ben and Carter. He can write beautifully and has the desire to start learning how to read. He is a smart and incredible boy, and I am grateful I get to witness this boy in action everyday.

Mother's Day and Cute Brothers

 

 I love that my boys love each other...even bright and early in the morning.

 There has never been a more "Holly Jr." , "Joe Jr." picture then this! These boys are our minis!

 This was my favorite part of Mother's Day this year. I love looking at this cute row of faces.

These boys are the greatest blessing I could have been given. I love being their mom. They picked out some cute jewelry for my mother's day. I love that Joe really let's them pick out my gift. They bought me a necklace and bracelet that were both beautiful and thoughtful. Joe bought flowers and a card too. I am one blessed girl. Having a great mother's day only reminded me what a great dad Joe is to the boys. I love my little growing family. I had a great day and felt like the star of the show. Happy Mother's Day!

Our Kissy, Climby Boy

Carter has been very kissy these days. Joe can't get out the door for work without giving Carter an additional fifty kisses. Carter stands at the door with his head tilted back and puckered lips. I guess if there is any reason to be late for work, giving the endless amount of kisses asked for by your cute little guy is a good one.
Every time Ben would get out of the car for school, he'd kiss me, Kade, and Carter goodbye. Kade does the same thing to the boys before I walk him in to school. Well, tonight Carter picked up Kade's backpack and asked me to put it on. I did. Then he puckered up his lips and kissed me. I knew what he was getting at and quickly said the words we always say to Joe and the boys. "Love you, bye.", "See you later.", "Have a good day at work/school". He turned around did a lap around the living room and came back to do everything again. He even went up to Ben and Kade to give them their "goodbye" kisses. What a cute little guy, our Carter. He watches everything we do and mimics things the best he can. I love it. This is one of the great things about this age.
(the picture isn't his kissy face, but it's recent so I added it.)

However, Carter has only gotten better and better at climbing everything. He is always climbing up something. I've been meaning to journal these pictures. He's crazy! But awesome!

Kindergarten Graduate!

Today Ben graduated from Kindergarten! It was a very sweet and fun program. The kids did a precious job of preforming. They song the cutest songs to show how much they've learned this year. Ben was up front and very "on" and attentive. After every song he'd look over at me or Joe and smile. So sweet. Joe took some time out of work and grandma Lana took the day off to be here. We all really enjoyed the hour.
Ben has grown a lot and learned so much. He has thrived in his class and has loved and been loved by his teachers. He wrote them "thank you notes" and even signed them with the nicknames they call him. This year he made a great friend Zane who he talks about constantly. And, after visiting with his mom and dad, we know Zane talks a lot about Ben at their house.We've already had a play date, adn have planned to get the boys together throughout the summer. I was glad to get a picture with both boys. They shook hands before leaving today -I loved that.
I can't believe we're down another year and onto 1st grade! Ben is just growing so fast and is just so goodhearted and happy. We love his great heart and desire to learn. It was a great day to celebrate this milestone for our Ben-Ben. We love this big kid and will remember this day forever.