Adventure After Adventure!

     After alphabet week was superhero week.  We read books, watched movies (including the old Adam West Batman movie, which both the kids LOVED), and even created our own Superheroes.  I thought this was a great week to celebrate superheros since both of the kids think their dad is one.  During that week it was our anniversary, his birthday, and Father's day.    The kids loved every minute of it.

     Unfortunately the kids didn't get to spend Father's day with their superhero dad because he had to work and we were headed north to visit my parents.  We enjoyed a week with cousins and learning more about our great God at VBS.  I don't know that I can even list off all the things we did during our time there but I'll give it a try.  Besided VBS the kids enjoyed: play-doh, slip 'n' slide, walks, playgroud, making bread, washing cars, watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, duck duck goose, riding the horse swing, and so much more.

     The kiddos spent a day or so with my folks while the hubby and I went to a wedding.  It was a gorgeous day and I couldn't be happier for the couple!  Love you D & G.

     I have been spending a lot of time preparing for our vacation, so we haven't done much as far as activities this week.  Mostly the kids have been helping me clean up the house and we have been watching some documentaries about animals.  I've been working hard on those projects I made mention of in a previous post and am happy with how they have come out. So now time to share.

First was I-spy bottles for the kids.  I have found lots of different versions of this on Pinterest.  I decided to use large Gatorade bottles and colored rice.  Then I just poked around the house to find objects to put into the bottles.  I also hot glued the caps on so that the kids wouldn't make a mess with it (they like to take things apart, which can be frustrating).  So here are some pics.

First I had to dye the rice.  Was a lot easier than I expected it to be.

Second was collecting things.  After I took this picture I decided that I needed more so there are about 23 objects in each bottle.

Then I just dropped the items into the bottle and glued the cap on.

 

I also made lists of what was in the bottle so the kids can check them off as they find them.  Having one reader and one non-reader means I put pictures with the list so that my little Peanut can find her stuff as well.

My second project was putting together some travel binders for the kids to use for entertainment.  At the end of this post are links to where I found all of these great things.  I easily could have made them myself but why make them when someone has already made it and is willing to share.  They each have some "Bingo" games that they can play.  There are small Post-it notes or dry erase markers that they can use to mark things off.  They each got a new coloring book AND new Color Wonder marker books.  I made six folder games. I laminated all the pieces and then put tape on the back of the movable parts.  I found these on teacherspayteachers.com.  Amazing website and again these were free.  They both have scratch paper, stickers, crayons, pencils, erasers, and they will also have some letter pages to work on.  Each of the kids has a bag that will include their binder, kleenex, wet wipes, trash can, and snacks.

     

     I still have a lot of work to do before we are ready to head out.  Being with the kids almost constantly for the last month has started to wear on my patience.  Thankfully I've had some time away with their wonderful dad.  I'm thankful to family who are willing to watch the kiddos so we can get some time alone.  I am so excited to spend a week with they hubby and kiddos on vacation.  It will be good to have some time away from all the craziness/stress that comes with his job and trying to constantly keep our kids entertained.  But even with the craziness and the stress, I take a step back, and can't believe how greatly God has blessed me.  I have amazing parents, hilarious nieces and nephews, amazing in-laws, and a husband and kids who never cease to amaze me with their love.  It is all more than I deserve!

                                                                            (Source)

Binder Links:

Bingo Games 1

Bingo Games 2

File Folder Games

Summer Time

     It is hard to believe that the school year has already come to an end.  The end of the school year always means that there is a lot going on at school.  With Nonny in school this year the end of the school year stress was doubled.  However, with the stress there was some fun as well.  We got to help at Nonny's Field Day.  It was fun to see all the kids and watch him participate in the activities.

     Nonny also had Kindergarten graduation.  I was so proud of him for participating in all the activities.  He sang, he did the actions, he was one confident little man.  I can't believe how much he has grown up this year.  I was very nervous for graduation because of how he handled the Christmas program.  He has obviously grown and matured since that time.

     Another big change for us is our new vehicle.  Daryl is our new (or at least new to us) van.  My husband is very pleased with himself for talking me into a van.  I have to say that I absolutely love it.  As much as I fought getting a van I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

     As the school year came to an end my stress level was crazy.  I am about to show how big of a dork I really am.  My stress reliever was creating plans for the summer and planning for vacation.  My husband thought I was a little crazy because I have "lesson planned" the entire summer and have already started packing for our beach vacation.  I have lots of things to create and put together, and I look forward to sharing the finished projects with you!

     After school got out my little Peanut turned 4!  It seems like just yesterday that she was a newborn.  She really is growing up way too fast.

     The first week of summer vacation was Alphabet Week.  We did several different activities all centered around learning the alphabet.  The kids created alphabet books, did letter hunts, and read books all about the alphabet.  Here are some pictures of Nonny's alphabet book.

     We have also had the pleasure of going to the zoo a couple of times already this summer.  It may be one of our favorite places to go.  The kids always have a good time while we are there.  During alphabet week we looked to see if we could find animals that started with every letter of the alphabet, and we got almost all of them.  An impromptu visit this week made it possible for us to see the animals we didn't see on our first visit of the summer.  I look forward to going several more times this summer!

     One of our other favorite places is the splash pad.  The kids always have a good time playing in the water, and it is especially fun once the "wonderful" summer heat kicks in!

     So there is your Hines Family update!  We have stayed busy and are enjoying our summer so far!  And here is my mantra for the summer:

(source)