Tire Swing for Number Three

Another little boy is liking the tire swing.


He thinks he likes this growing up business.

Seed Spinner

What can you do with a helicopter seed?


1. Eat it.


2. Break off it's wing.


3. Peel out the seed.


4. Dissect the seed.


5. Pulverize the seed.


6. Coat yourself in them.


7. Toss them over your head. (my favorite)


8. Experiment with different wing conditions (results: All spun except 1 and 5).


And that was fun brought to you by our giant maple tree.

he's got thighs

and he's not afraid to show 'em.

Iowa's Plants

After the b-flies, we went to a sort of green house of innovation. They had some usual plants and flowers.


A cool leaf thing.


And some fish... to generate... something... for the plants...


Grey was getting too hot again so To the Outdoors! Though it was hot out there too, but at least there's a breeze.


This is Pogo's face every time Grey is near.


Liam pumps.


Dash pumps.


Liam and Dash lead the way. It took me a while to find these three along the long set of trails.


Enjoying the giant rabbit.


Still going.


Sean called these Seuss flowers. Do you hear the Who?


Ah, finally a rest.


A moment to gaze.


And discover the finds of gift shop.

Shortly thereafter we were on the road back home. It was a quick but very fun trip. Thanks Odyssey of the Mind!

Iowa's Butterflies

We learned that Mimi's Odyssey of the Mind team was competing in the World Competition in Iowa (who puts a World Competition in Iowa?), just three hours from us. So Sean got off of work Friday afternoon, hopped in the car and spent 27 hours either in the car or hangin' with Mimi, Pompa, and Austin. Whirlwind!

How Grey passed the time in the car (when not sleeping)- pointing out every single semi. The kids traveled really well, thank goodness!

They did not sleep so well. Stayed up super late (that's what happens when we're all in one room), woke up lots, and early to rise. Ah well.



Besides swimming and eating, we all took a trip to Iowa State's Arboretum.


There we saw some butterflies and moths in their cocoons.


Then the butterflies and moths themselves!


Yep, they had a butterfly vivarium. So cool.


Sean's butterfly skittishness is rubbing off on some impressionable little ones.


(those cute little swinging legs) Grey thankfully has not taken after his dad in this regard and quite enjoyed himself. Until the hot, humid room joined forces with his tiredness and made him want to leave immediately.


The verdict: butterflies enjoy pineapples.


Also, nectar.


(sorry for the yucky noise from the waterfall) Such dainty little creatures.


And one massive moth.

Tune in next time for part two, the arboretum!

"Happy Fadder's Day!"

You better believe they told their dad all about their secret surprise when he came home, despite many reminders to not tell him. They just love their dad so much they need to tell him everything important to them, like mommy writing on their feet. We're all so lucky to have him in our lives!

Bike Transport

If we're going anywhere nearby, we now have a new mode of transportation.


It's not much faster than walker or strollering, but gosh, it makes them excited and proud!


This time, we went to the school park, which I like this year much more than last, since Grey no longer the pebbles.


This is Liam's new favorite park game, named Pull Me Up the Slide! A tiring game.


And back home again. It's a good life.

Tamarack

A friend told me about Tamarack Nature Center and encouranged me to check it out. I didn't think much of it, expecting some trails and maybe a little indoor nature room.


But we finally went and holy awesome! It's like organized nature there.


Sticks for building, a stream for frolicking, sand for sifting, boulders for climbing... and yes, a nature room and trails.

Being summer, the water does just the trick to keep things cool. We learned from our first visit and have since worn bathing suits to the place- play with no worries.


I don't have any photos of the water stuff because between chatting with my friend and keeping track of the kids, no time for clickety clacking. Another time!

Dande

Our landlords have since put down some weed-killing fertilizer but for a while there, we lived in a the middle of a dandelion's paradise. Was it glorious for the children? Oh yes. Here's why:

1. Dandelions are so fun to pick. Flowers you're allowed, nay ENCOURAGED, to pull out of the ground.


2. Blowing the white dandelions are almost as fun as bubbles!


3. The stems are hollow. That's cool.


4. Dandelions make a great study.


5. They're so much fun to point out. Grey's getting very good at spotting every single one in sight.


6. So much fun to feel!

Dandelions, they are a joy and a eyesore.