Family Time

On Saturday we got to spend some much needed family time at Grammy and Pappy Lynn's. The kids finally got to see their cousins that they had been talking about often. Aaron was our photographer for the day so here are a few of the moments he captured.

I hope that we can all get together again soon!

The Best Play Dough Recipe Ever

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
food coloring

Mix the flour, salt, cream of tartar, water, and oil in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until it holds together like mashed potatoes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. When the dough is cool enough to touch, knead it on a floured surface. Divide it into smaller balls and add a different color of food coloring to each ball.

Crazy Caterpillars

Who hasn't made an egg carton caterpillar? We did today and they turned out great!

To make these you will need an egg carton cut into strips, paint and a pipe cleaner.

Let the kids paint the egg cartons any color they would like. I think the more colors the better.

Draw on a face and add a pipe cleaner antennae. Now you have a very cute caterpillar!

Rough day #2

This is why we don't get Felicia up at 6:00am. Poor little girl could not even get all the way on the couch.

Rainbows

Today we made rainbows!

We used a paper plate, scraps of paper, and glue.

First, I cut the plate in half, and then I colored the rainbow to give the girls I guide to glue the paper on.

Then they glued the paper that was torn into small pieces to the rainbow. This is a great way to use up scraps that are left over from other projects.

Paper Plate Umbrellas

Today we awoke to a rainy morning so, we decided to make paper plate umbrellas.


We used paper plates, our homemade fingerpaint, and construction paper for the handles.

These girls love to paint.

Of course, by the time the paint was dry, the sun was out and the rain was no where in site. I guess our next project will have to be rainbows.

Finger Paint Recipe

ingredients:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
cold water
1/2 cup cornstarch
4 tablespoons dishwashing liquid
food coloring
4 to 6 wide mouth jars
directions:
1. Stir the gelatin into 1/3 cup cold water; set aside.
2. Measure the cornstarch into a saucepan and stir in 2 1/2 cups cold water until dissolved.
3.Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir until thickened.
4.Remove the pan from the heat and blend in the gelatin mixture and the dishwashing liquid.
5. Allow the mixture to cool and spoon it into jars.
6.Stir in a generous amount of food coloring.
7. Store at room temperature in airtight containers.

Kidsburg

Mike and I decided that a day at Kidsburg was in order. All of the kids had a blast as usual (and the adults too). The only one missing was Michael (of course), I guess we are just not cool enough for him.

Mady quotes

Today while I was fixing Mady's hair, she looked up at me and said, "Mom, you're this bestest Mommy in the whole wide world!" -I must be doing something right.
Later at Wal-Mart, she said "Mommy, I'm being kind...now can I have a goodie?"

Sponge Painting

Sponge painting with our shape sponges is so much fun.

Cherries

Don't panic, we did not have an accident. Just two girls who have discovered they love cherries.

Aaron's Playdough Pretzel

Aaron has been perfecting his pretzel making technique for the next time we make the real thing. Looks good Aaron!

Rough day

About two minutes after sending Felicia to the timeout chair, I realized that she was very quiet and still. Upon further inspection I discovered that she had fallen asleep. Can you say "rough day"?

Crazy pretzel making

Everyone got to make their own pretzel in whatever shape they wanted.

Don't they look great!

Fresh out of the oven.

Felicia said they were tasty!

Madelyn made an M for Madelyn!

Summer is almost over

Tomorrow will start the last week of summer for the boys. I think that we are all ready for a new school year so we are kind of the excited. Michael has begun football practice and I am thrilled that this year I will be able to see him play. Brandon decided at the last minute not to play this year. That's ok with me because sometimes he can be a bit accident prone. Last week, he litterally got "clotheslined" while playing manhunt in the dark. He will probably have a pretty good scar and a funny story to go along with it. Aaron is ready to start cyber school and Felicia will begin preschool on Sept. 2. Madelyn will continue to learn at home doing lots of arts and crafts and helping me care for the babies (she is such a good mama). Well, here are a few random pictures from our summer. Enjoy!