Making Dinner

The other day, I took on a dinner project that was a bit longer than I anticipated it to be. Luckily, Jonathan took quite the nap that day so I just had to ensure that Catherine was entertained. I was making something that used dough, so at first I gave her her own ball of dough and a rolling pin... which kept her interest for about 5 minutes. Without thinking I just handed her a bowl of flour and some water, along with a whisk. he he Well, it made a really nice messy paste (if you couldn't guess) that ended up everywhere! Catherine had a great time and it gave me the chance to finish up the time consuming dinner I took on.

She was having fun!

Giraffe's, Elephants and Seals, Oh My!

On a whim this past Sunday afternoon, we decided to take a trip down to the zoo. It was the perfect time to go- the weather was nice and it wasn't too crowded.

On the way down to the zoo, we asked Jonathan what he wanted to see. His response, "I want to see some giraffes. And the hippopotamus not sleeping and in the water." Well, he got his wish! (though, we didn't get any good pictures of the hippo swimming) The giraffe's were inside so we got to see them up close and personal!

The seals were happpily basking in the warm sun

The elephants were out attempting to cool themselves off with the hayFun times with mom?! More fun times! As our second to last stop was the carousel

We got an annual zoo pass for a Christmas present, and it has been a wonderful gift! It has been great to use anytime we have company, during the week when I am looking for something to do with the kids, on days off with Chris or on the weekends. We don't feel any pressure to stay for an extended period of time, but enough time for the kids to have fun (and wear them out for a good nap). Thank you, Mom and Dad, for such a great present!

Bowling!

This past Saturday we and our good friend, Father Matt, went bowling! It was the kids first time and a serious long time since the three of us had bowled. It turned out that the kids got the better scores with the bumpers and ramps. he he It was a great and memorable experience! And, since kids bowl for free all summer long (Monday thru Friday at all AMF bowling centers) we might be taking a trip back. The kids with our friend, Father Matt

Catherine's first bowl... I think it turned out to be a strike! Jonathan loved being able to pick out his ball and carry it on it his own to the ramp


He decided that the 6lb ball was just too light... so he ended up bowling with my super heavy 8lb ball :-)After a few times with the ramp, Jonathan decided he was too big for it. So, he wanted "to bowl like the adults." He did pretty well. Though, after the ball got stuck in the middle of the lane for the third time- because it wasn't rolled hard enough- and the attendant had to come and get it, I put my foot down and said that the ramp had to be used. I know. I know. I am no fun. :-) The kiddos enjoyed the assitance from FatherAs you can see Catherine was having a grand time Jonathan attempting a picture of Chris bowling... not too shabby

Of course there was pizza and soda, which made both Jonathan and Chris VERY happy:

Daddy and Daughter

Catherine and Chris were spending some quality time together right before dinner... opening mail. Catherine looked over and saw the camera and asked to have her picture taken with Dadddy. (note: Catherine's squinty eyes again. he he) TOO CUTE!!

Dressed up

The other day after Sunday Mass the kids wanted me to take their picture because they knew that they looked nice:TOO CUTE!

The mall play area

The day after the Focus on the Family excursion, I took the kids to the local mall play area. They had fun jumping, climbing and sliding but, had the most fun sitting in the cars and trains next to the play area. Each ride was $1.00, so they just sat and pretended to drive. (They actually didn't know they were supposed to move. It was great!)

Focus on the Family

A couple of weeks ago while Chris was traveling for work for the week, so I headed to Colorado Springs for a few days to spend with my parents. It was GREAT having their assistance and extra hands to play with the kiddos! One of the things that we did was visit Focus on the Family, they have a nice play area for kids of all ages.

They have some scenes from various videos and books you can color by just touching the screens:

They have a toddler area where the kids can climb, jump and crawl:(Catherine gets so excited to have her picture taken that she says "cheese," smiles really big and squints her eyes real tight... it's pretty funny.)
We also enjoyed some of their books in their story corner:
There were also cut-outs:
The kids also enjoyed playing on an airplane, going down slides and playing with puppets in the puppet theatre... though, we don't have that documented! he he

So, if you are ever in the Colorado Springs area and are looking for some free entertainment, this is a place worth checking out.