Rare Sighting!

SSShhhh!  Come with me...I want to show you something.  Something strange and wonderful has happened!  This seldom occurs in these here parts and I want to capture it...you know, for proof.  You have to be quiet, though, I don't want to scare them.  We need to capture them in their natural habitat.  Stay close, we may never have another chance at this.....

Look what I came upon right in the middle of the day!

I couldn't believe that I would have such an opportunity!  Let's go in for a closer look, shall we?

As you can see, it is currently unaware of our presence and has continued to remain in its untainted state.  This is a treat, indeed!

OH, NO!  Wait, what's happening?!  They have caught our scent!  They are in a panic!  They are using their defensive camouflage now....

Well, at least we were able to observe it for a moment.  There is always hope we might come upon it in its original form again...

Busy Bag Alooza!

I am involved in a busy bag swap and I am super excited!  I had the opportunity to be a part of one back in the winter, but I just couldn't get myself together enough to participate. :(  Now, I find myself NEEDING busy bags for my two middle kiddos.  NEEDING, I say!  So, I am going to put a list of as many busy bag ideas I can find on here.  Its gonna get all crazy up in here, so watch out!

#1 - Art bag - small notebook, short colored pencils or crayons and stickers.  Here is a good example.

#2 - I spy bag - no sew tutorial here, but I would just run a stitch along the inside edge of the zipper to make sure little fingers can't open it....or you can glue a ribbon over the zipper.

#3 - dry erase kit - example found here

#4 - popsicle stick puzzle

#5 - sensory balloons

#6 - felt faces

#7 - felt dress up dolls

#8 - button snake

#9 - pipe cleaner activity

#10 - felt monsters

#11 - #a lot:) - this blog has bunches of options!

Okay, maybe not so crazy up in here per se, but that last link is a doozy!  I just got tired of posting it myself.  Why do that when someone else has already done all the leg work?!  Well, should you choose to accept this mission....it should at least prove interesting! :)

A Weekend Visit

The kids and I had the opportunity to go for a visit with family in East Texas.  It was really nice to be able to hang with Ben, Jen and the boys for a couple of days.  Sam went trit-trotting off to Carlsbad Caverns with a couple of friends, so it was a good opportunity to get out of the house for a bit. :)  We had such a good time and of course, I snapped a few pics.....yeah, I don't know where Zekers got to during the picture taking....;)

 We enjoyed the rain..and the food. :D

 Happy Birthday, Gabe!!!

 These two are best buds!

 Happy Birthday, Luke!

 I got a smile outta Lije!

 Braden in usual form. ;)

 Ailey was having a blast in Aunt Jenny's swing.

Elijah and Brea having a face making contest.  Love this!

We have some handsome nephews and they are growing up so stinkin' fast!  Every time I see them, they have grown another foot.  Not exaggerating, either.  I'm going to end up being the little old aunt.  That's okay, I guess. :)