In the Bag

For Easter the kids and I rubbed a little bit of gel food coloring with water on our boiled eggs, which were inside of sealable baggies. We stayed clean, but did drop a couple in the process. We usually use plastic candy-filled eggs for our Easter egg hunts, because I don't like the idea of two-month-old eggs that no one found smelling up my living room, but we still like to dye our boiled eggs. I've always enjoyed boiled eggs, because they're delicious and remind me of my Grandma Ruth Hooper who prepared them for us as kids. I also like eggs in salads, so they get eaten, despite the egg whites' bright colors.

Easter card and decor from Great-Grandma Sue and Great-Grandpa Porter

Zak's bunny basket made for each of the grandchildren many years ago by Grandma Rena Porter

Snow Play in Spring

On our way to church there were little wisps in the air, but nothing much. Three hours later on our way out to the car, the thick flakes flew through the air, but hadn't stuck yet on the pavement. This morning we woke to white lawns and some snow on the driveway, so the kids and I bundled to shovel. Ironically, by the time we made it outside, the sun had worked its magic, and there wasn't much left on the sidewalk or driveway, but there was just enough for play time. I think Miss V's favorite part was me pulling her with rope on our flat sled. I'm pretty sure Mr C just liked eating the snow.

Thinking back on the first snow of this last winter when we built our little snowman, I had no idea we'd be in Salt Lake by the end of it, but we do like our new home and Zak's new job. And no matter where we go, these kiddos are so adorable!

 

Logan Family Center

What a great, free resource to the community! The Logan Family Center (formerly Logan Family Information and Resource Center) have a free toy, book, and educational movie library, so you can take the items home or just play and read while you're there. I felt like I didn't have to go out and buy every developmental toy because Miss V and Mr C could play with them there. They also have parenting books, English classes, Love and Logic classes, and many other resources for adults and families.

Last year we attended a few song and story times at the Logan Family Center down in the "Island" and some of the summer activities, but this last fall they started doing Storybook Preschool. A free preschool for 3+ year-olds, where I can bring my younger children and they're allowed to participate?! Yes, please! I loved how fun Miss Coral made each class, and parents were given opportunities in each section of the 75-minute class to participate and learn how to teach their children. The units were based around classic kids books, which we enjoyed even more as we got to play and do activities along with each book. We had sections for crafts, large motor activities, and language skills.

I loved that my kids also got to practice being in a classroom setting, where they learned to listen to the teacher, follow instructions, and how to act around other kids in that environment. Miss V enjoyed the rotating opportunities to bring a book from home that I would read, and the times we had our turns bringing snacks. (My fail was bringing blue pierogis on the blue-themed day. Should have stuck with the berries.) Miss V learned the days of the week to the tune of "Clementine," The months of the year to "Ten Little Indians," and of course reinforcement with the alphabet, numbers, colors, and shapes.

One of the hardest things about moving out of the valley is not having this incredible resource anymore. Thanks for all you've done, Miss Coral, and the rest of the Logan Family Center staff and volunteers. For anyone who spends time with children in Cache Valley, I highly recommend checking out the Family Center for yourself.

Christmas activity

Each child knew where to set, where to put his or her bag, 

and where to gather any projects with a personal animal. 

Miss V's was the pink lamb, and Mr C's was the gray horse.

One mom went above and beyond one day.

Jumping on the "bed" (after reading The Napping House)

Pretending to be the night watchman from the Corduroy book