38 Days of Summer- Tubing

Olivia's First Time Tubing

SO MUCH FUN. We have been to Indian Lake before as you can read in the linked blog. However, Olivia has never been too much into the tubing. Isaac went for the first time last year, but Olivia is a bit more cautious. I was surprised she even considered tubing today as the Lake was pretty choppy. First we hooked up the tube for Isaac and and Jeremy to tube. We went too slow around the first turn and flipped them both off. I think it really scared Isaac. But in typical Isaac fashion, he jumped back on and went again. They tubed until Jeremy and Isaac's hands were raw.  

Olivia passed tubing when we asked after the boys were finished. So we got out the ski's. Jeremy and I got to try our water skiing skills. We both popped right up and had a blast, but that really takes the wind out of you. Especially when you have to battle the choppy water. 

After skiing we asked Olivia if she wanted to tube. She said she'd go with mommy! I felt pretty special. We went a good speed- not too fast- and she squealed with excitement. She loved it. I was so proud of her. She isn't one to take risks or do things that are too crazy. Lately she has been more daring, and willing to at least try things to see if she likes it. 

After a day on the Lake we headed in to get cleaned up and then get a bite to eat. Went to Woody's. We were excited to get right in and get seated- especially on a Saturday night. Food was good and we were on our way back home around 9 p.m. I was shocked that the kiddos didn't pass out on the way home, but they talked the entire way home. What a great day on the Lake! 

64 Days of Summer- Rockets

Rocket Man and Woman! 

Well I've been on vacation for a week with my wonderful husband so the grandparents on both sides had to step in with my crazy ideas! I thought I'd have internet access in the middle of the trip, but it turns out Verizon doesn't work in the US Virgin Islands. So these posts will be spotty throughout the next week.

Today's "out of this world" project included some straws and paper and a great imagination. First the kids painted a printed out pre-lined rocket. After they painted them, we cut them out and found some straws.  You will need two different sized straws. One needs to be just a tad smaller so when you blow into it you have lift off! You simply tape the larger straw securely to the back of the rocket. Make sure there are no air pockets so you don't get grounded too quickly!

After making the rockets, it was time to test them out. with a line in the driveway to stand behind, the competition began with who could shoot their rocket the farthest. Don't be fooled into thinking they're going 30 feet. But the fact that it worked is usually enough to impress the kiddos. So get out the art kit and get busy creating your rocket to soar to the moon!

75 Days of Summer- Story Hour at Lima Library

A Storybook Ending to a Perfect Day

 Looking for something fun to do with your kiddos during these summer months that still stimulates the brain and works on much-needed reading skills? The library is where it's at my friends. The Lima library has a extensive list of fun activities for children of all ages. Check out its complete calendar. Today both kiddos learned about the life cycle of plants with activities based on the book, “Zinnia’s Flower Garden.” And today's story-hour happened in one of our favorite places- The Children's Garden! 

After hearing the librarian read the story, they next played a pretty cool game to emphasis what they learned. With a yellow foam ball and a squirt bottle in hand, the leader and children gathered in a circle and started in a ball down at the ground. One person went around the circle with the "sun" ball and tapped the kids in the head while the other gave a squirt of water above to help them "grow." After four times around the children declared what marvelous plant they had become. Olivia declared she was a pepper plant and Isaac a tomato. Guess what two veggies we grow in our garden! lol. 

Next every child got to plant their own Zinnia seeds in a pot with soil and water. Helpers of the garden club were present to help, but really let the kids dig in. Most impressive to me was the cleaning station they had prepared so when they were finished. Hopefully our flowers grow! 

76 Days of Summer- Lima's Children Garden

Growing with Excitement

Lima is lucky. We have an amazing spot to picnic, wonder, take pictures or have story hour! According to the website, located at the Allen County Museum complex, this garden has grown to include over 30 mini-theme gardens and child-inspired works of art, with historical elements which relate to Allen County's rich history.  It is an interactive green oasis for "children" of all ages. 

The kiddos little imaginations run wild throughout the garden that is made just for kids. Isaac calls it the Gumball Garden... As seen in the picture they've painted bowling balls and lined the side of the garden path with the balls. The stones are multicolored to give the illusion of the gumballs.  After you enter under the arch, they lead around the gardening shed within the grounds. 

While Isaac is running, Olivia has discovered the Dr. Suess borrow a book mailbox.  Located next the cutest tree forest, kids are encouraged to take a book and sit down and read. One of the ladies who works in the garden said children can take a book home, but are to bring it back. I don't allow my kids to take the books, but instead to sit and read it while we are there. 

I tried to read it to her first and then she would know all the words, but she told me know to worry about it and the boy statue wouldn't know. LOL.  So here is the video of her reading the book to her friend. Go check out the Children's Garden if you are ever around Lima.  It's worth it!