How Does This Work?

W loves gadgets. He loves buttons. He loves cords and sockets. He loves batteries and battery powered toys. He loves to play with them, poke them, and sometimes even try to pry them apart with his teeth just to see how it works. He already loves to take things apart and put them back together again...if possible. It's a scary thing for us to think that one day we'll walk in the room to see our 4 year old son taking apart the DVD player or the telephone just to find out where the red light comes from.

W found our travel size tool case and got to work immediately on dismantling a toy.

 O joined in on the fun.

 Look at that...taking turns and everything. Sweeeeet.

It's a good thing they don't really know what they're doing. Look at O use those pliers. He was getting the job done! They're both smart cookies. It'll be interesting to see if W's love of tools and electronics continue.

Fire Station

While we were at the beach, the fire alarm sounded in our building. It was not a drill. The blaring lights, the siren, and the sudden exit from the room terrified E. Everyone descended the flights of stairs to get outside as the deafening siren pierced the air. Fire trucks arrived on the scene and firefighters in full gear entered the building. E was soaking it in and quickly generating a million questions.

So, naturally, when we returned home we had a lesson on fire safety. We took a trip to the fire station to see the big trucks and meet a real firefighter. All the kids were super excited.

E stepped into the mammoth machine known as a fire truck. She was a little timid at first, not sure if she was allowed to move around inside the cab, but then she saw O.

There was no sign of fear or the slightest hesitation from O as he climbed up into the unknown. Everything was cool...it was a truck! A fire truck! He couldn't move fast enough to explore the many gadgets and buttons or the gigantic steering wheel.

He really was excited. The fireman decided to stand near him, just to make sure he didn't push any buttons he wasn't supposed to. O had his eye on the CB radio and that big RED button. The firemen did a great job keeping O at bay.

E drifted into her imaginary world and she became a firefighter ready to save the world. 

RIIIIINNNNG!! Hurry! Get your boots on! Don't forget your hat! Everyone, get in the fire truck. We've got to go!  She ran to the truck , rang the bell, climbed inside, and 'drove' away in a hurry. We're here. Everybody out! Get low and go! Should you hide in a closet? NOOOO! Get low and go! Don't be scared. It's ok, it's ok. Don't use the alligator (elevator). You have to use the stairs. Quick! Go to the meeting place!

 

W tried the wheel out, but he wasn't as thrilled as his siblings. What he loved was...

being able to reach the door latch to open and close it over and over and over.

I'm glad our good friends came along for the fun. Here's Little Cheerio testing out the wheel for the first time. 

Thanks to our local fire department. They were really great with the kids. It was sad to say goodbye to the trucks. O was very sad and nearly impossible to buckle into the stroller, but we were able to get a tour of the station, get some coloring books and shiny badges to rip up or eat. 
E wore her badge proudly.

Sweet Girl

If we decide to eat somewhere while traveling, we try our best to make it to Chick-Fil-A. It has a great play area for the kids. E has played here before, but not my boys. This is a first for them.

 E bounced her way upwards and then noticed her brothers having a hard time keeping up. The height between stairs was a bit too tall. So what did she do? She helped her little brother out!

 W held his hands up to her  and said E, help me please. She grabbed on and pulled him up to the next stair.

 Here comes brother number two.

With a little more effort, she pulled him up too! Such a sweet girl.

After a couple times, O got the hang of it. But E continued to help W until he realized he could use the netting to his advantage. Clever little thing! 

What a sweet girl to help out her brothers. It was so cute to hear the boys call out to her and she would come help. After awhile, they were all off playing and I was grateful the boys have such a caring big sister who watches out for them. I know they love her. And even when I hear her screaming as they chase her through the house, attempting to hit her with a bean bag or throw a bug on her, I know she loves them too. She's a sweet girl.

September Weather

September rolls around when you've just about had it with hot and humid days. It's when I start to get that internal itch for a nice crisp breeze. I can't wait to see the leaves change color. I'm excited to see football just because it simply means jeans, sweaters and jackets. I feel a craving for soups, breads, and cookies. September, like I said, is when I start thinking these things. October is the perfect month because all of these things really do happen. September is in limbo. I'm thinking of cool days, but I can't break out the jeans and sweaters yet. It's still hot most days, but every once and awhile there's a cool day or the evening drops to a chill. Those are the days I think of Fall. And those are the days that my kids are confused.

 I usually do have clothing on all my kids. I can't remember why the boys did not. Oh well. Anyway, it was a very hot day. Boys are in diapers and sandals. E is in shorts and t-shirt.

 Cools off near evening. Instead of getting dressed, they want jacket and vests...and boots.

W- Ooo! It's cold, Mommy. 

Do you want some pants? 

No, I want my vest. 

Do you want better shoes? 

No, I want these. (The foam sandals that are WAY too small for him.)

They continued to play thinking it was too hot today, but feeling the chill. They'll love Fall.

Just a Bunch of Lazies

We hit the pool, but our favorite was the Lazy River. We probably drifted our way around close to 534 million times...forwards, backwards, clockwise and counterclockwise. Some of us made our way with rafts, some with floaties, some with float suits, and some just armed with squirt guns.

 I'm sure E and cousin L swam the most out of any of us. They were nonstop!

 Daddy was awesome. He made sure everyone had a good time and that the mommies could have some down time.

 She is swimming so well now!

 Me and W with his favorite innertube.

 It took a split second to realize O was missing. He had just rounded the corner on a Lazy River innertube...by himself! He was all smiles as he waved goodbye. We followed him around and decided we could be a little more lenient. He was actually pretty good in the water.

 So, we put wings on him and let go. He loved it.

 W loved getting wrapped in a warm towel.

 He also loved playing in the water fountain, just like E at his age.

 Tired? Yes. They stayed in the water until the last possible moment and crashed shortly after dinner every night. It was fab.u.lous!

 All the kids in one shot, plus our new friend...Christy? Christine? She was cute and she swam with us throughout the week.

The goggles were important, especially to the 4 year olds. W didn't realize this as he chucked them over the deck railing more than once. We were on the 8th floor and they landed on a roof about 5 floors down. Once, Pa climbed out there to rescue them and another time Aunt S used a broom. We had to watch that sneaky W!

Beach 2010

Ahhh...the beach. So nice and refreshing. We had a glorious time frolicking on the beach with family. We have lots of family traditions, but this one is talked about ALL year long. It's a crowd pleaser.

 We were so excited to pack less than ever before. Would you believe this is all our luggage? Ha! It's actually one of two rolling carts and were were very proud.

 These girls are so cute together. They love the water!

 Hooray, the ocean!

 Singing and dancing in the waves...performing for the world.

 Thank you! She takes a bow.

 The boys chased waves, chased each other, chased birds, collected and dumped water or sand, and felt completely free.

 Relaxing...not a care in the world.

 Playing in the waves.

 Pits and sand castles. Best friends at work.

Next up is lazy river and pool time. Yeah, I'm really behind.