Caterpillars and Butterflies

Durning the first week of July, we took a look at caterpillars and butterflies through some great books and crafts thanks again to the Mailbox's Day by Day Preschool Plan book.

Our Own Toy Story

Since we watched Toy Story 3 in June, John Palmer has been pretending all kinds of things with our toys. We don't have actual Toy Story brand toys, but we do have Little People...LOTs of Little People. With John Palmer's imagination, there is no limit to who or what they can be and do. (Kind of reminds me of Andy from the movies.)

Thursday Morning Visitor

Just as I was walking out my front door this morning, I spied a teeny tiny gray kitten on our next door neighbor's walk way. It is a stray and a baby and very cute. When the kitten saw George for the first time, it freaked and ran up the nearest tree like a squirrel. When Ellie saw it, she immediately exclaimed, "AWWWW! She's so cute!" and named her Baby Sarah after the other cat that roams around our development. Ellie also asked if we could keep the kitten. I definitely said NO. John Palmer had no interest in it whatsoever. I am sure we'll be seeing that kitten around again very soon.




(George is like, "DON'T even think about it!")

Almost One

These are just too cute not to post. This is Abigail Rose at 11 months old. She's scooting all over the place, standing up on her own, and taking little steps. I can't believe it's almost been a year since we welcomed our Summer Sunshine into the family.

 

Summer Magic

 

In my opinion, one of the most wonderful and magical sights ever is watching a child learn how to read. John Palmer has really started to put two and two together this summer and READ WORDS. I could go on and on about it, but it's absolutely amazing the way God created us to learn and discover and I get to watch the process right before my very eyes.

Roly Poly Day

While it was still cool earlier this month, we found the best place around our house to hunt for roly polys. The kids had a great time catching them and making an "aquarium" (as Ellie called it) to watch them. (By the way, roly polys are pretty quick, so we had to stay on your toes to catch one.) Yet another great way to have an inexpensive summer activity!

 

Okay, I think this is the teacher in me, but for any of you who are interested, here are some really cool facts about roly polys:


ROLY POLYs-
*live under rocks and logs and roll into a ball when disturbed.
*go by many names including roly-poly bugs, pillbugs, woodlice, tiggy-hogs, parson-pigs and by their scientific name, Armadillidium vulgare.
*are important for their part in decomposition, but they are not bugs. They are crustaceans. They are in the isopod family (same pod or foot) and have seven pairs of legs that are all similar in size and shape.
*have simple eyes, three body parts, uropods, and a pair of prominent antennae, gills and lung like adaptations.
*need moisture to survive but cannot live submerged in water.

(Read more: Roly-Poly Bug Facts | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6514405_roly_poly-bug.html#ixzz04Jm7HJao)

Stacking Cups

 

I can't go another day without showing off one of John Palmer's favorite activities: stacking cups. He got the idea from the t.v. show A Minute to Win It. Jalm's been putting them up and taking them down on a regular basis since this winter. (FYI: If you're looking for an inexpensive game for your kids...this is it. Just buy a pack of Solo cups and you're set!)