Hoppy the Frog and Hoppy the Toad

A couple of new friends have recently come to visit the Young household. Ironically, they are both named "Hoppy". (I will give you three guesses as to who named them??)

Yesterday, Pete brought in a friend to show Jack. It was the tiniest toad I have ever seen! Jack was most impressed and named it "Hoppy".

Jack and "Hoppy"- small dark dot on Pete's hand.

 

Up close with Hoppy the Toad

Well, Hoppy was released into the wild backyard. But, when Pete was out mowing today he rediscovered Hoppy (or a toad with a very strong resemblance). Jack kept saying "Hoppy back!"

Hoppy visiting again today.

Pete's eagle eyes managed to rescue another friend from the fate of the lawn mower. Meet Hoppy #2. This Hoppy was not quite as timid and displayed his hopping skills as he perused the kitchen for about 4 minutes. To this, Jack said "ribbit, ribbit". I am happy to report both friends are back with their family this evening... Perhaps they will stop by again. 

Jack and Pete with Hoppy the Frog.

Hoppy #2

Patio Facelift

When we moved into our new house in Wausau, there was a special table left behind.

It's a Wausau Tile Table. And while it actually is nicely made and in high demand, it was not exactly what we had in mind for our patio. Not to mention it is INCREDIBLY heavy. Not easy to move about at all. We have another beautiful table that was a gift that we would love to have there instead. 

So, I decided to list it on Craigslist for over half off! No takers...

Then it was down to a quarter of its original value. No takers...

I lowered the price one final time and had a guy who seemed really interested. But never heard from him again.

Finally Pete said, "we will GIVE it away, as long as they can come and get it by Sunday night". I was being contacted left and right! But the early bird gets the worm and a nice guy came over with his trailer, loaded it up on Sunday afternoon and took it to his new house that he just moved into. Perfect!

And now we have our amazing patio ready, complete with table and a new umbrella, for a few more summer days. 

Our patio table- a wedding gift from Susan and Walker

Complete with new umbrella- www.potterybarn.com

Farmers Market

Good company. Tasty treats. Nice little start to a summer Saturday.

Flowers, cantaloupe, sticky buns, green beans, and corn... All from the local farmers market.

Science for Tots

I have been wanting to do this but believe it or not, I had a hard time finding "non gel" food coloring. When I came across it today, I was so excited! And with Pete fishing with a friend tonight, it was the perfect opportunity to do this with Jack!

All we needed was a clear container (vase, jar, glass), water, canola oil, and food coloring. I chose to use something that I knew Jack could not easily pick up and drink. (If you read to the end, this was a very good idea)

To start: I filled up the vase with water. I knew I wanted to our about 2 inches worth of oil at the top and I didn't want the oil to be ready to overflow- plan accordingly.

Next, with all eyes watching. I started with the drops of food coloring. It was recommended to NOT start with blue so we did red. The food coloring will drop in and maintain its round shape. Ours hovered for a minute at the bottom of the oil and above the water. 

Then, it almost exploded into the water. As Jack would say, "wow, boom!"

We tried all four colors of course saving blue for last. Only a few drops of each color will do the trick. Then you end up with muddy water which Jack kept saying, "Jack drink"

Um... No thank you.

Museum Adventures

Last week, Jack and I had plans to go to Minocqua, WI to Jim Peck's Wildwood Center (Northwoods zoo) with friends from Pelican school. With threat of rain and little ones, we decided a change of plans was in order and found ourselves at the Northwoods Children's Museum http://www.northwoodschildrensmuseum.com/. 

We have been to the museum before but of course it's always new and exciting to Jack! What I love about this museum is that there is something for everyone- ages 1-10 have a great time! This time Jacks had some definite favorites!

Driving in the ambulance in the Medical exhibit

Talking with kids as a Park Ranger

Scooting around on Jack size vehicles

Then today, we found ourselves looking for something to do. The morning temperatures were in the 60s and the  Central Wisconsin Children's Museum 

had come as a recommendation from a friend. It was a 30 minute drive, $5 admission and a lot of fun :)

There are some definite similarities in the museums but surprisingly a lot of differences. Both have a grocery shopping area with "carts" (which Jack loves!), and art centers. This museum had some new activities that Jack found extremely entertaining as well as a train table, music performance area complete with a stage, and a weather reporting desk. http://www.cwchildrensmuseum.org/

Shopping for food, groceries, and small cars.

"Little Kids" area. Lots of smaller toys in a section that is secluded from some of the busier areas. There were trucks, magenta, dolls, and this fun ball sorting station.

A "Healthy Heroes" play place where kids are encouraged to climb on small rock walls, build with giant blocks, balance on a beam, and play on this foam equipment.

There was also a snack area downstairs where we could take a break away from the action and have a small snack I had brought along- rejuvenate our energy stores for more FUN!

Jack would give both centers 2 thumbs up. And as I said before, the beauty f both places is there is plenty to do foray years to come!