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!

Good memories

Pete's cousin, Chris Williams Funk, would have been 40 today. He lost his battle with brain cancer a little over 3 years ago. There are not too many words that I could write that would measure up to the man Chris was. He lived and loved every moment. I came across this tonight and thought we could all use a little reminder of what's important in life.

Chris Funks favorite one liners:

- Leave a party when you're having fun.

- Work hard, play hard

- Turn it up a notch

- Do you need a beer?

- So stoked!

- Go big (or go home)

- Wuss. Take your pansy-pants off.

- Way to go, you nailed it!

- (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)

- I love you.

Hug your family and tell them you love them an extra time tonight. 

Swimming Lessons

II have mentioned before how much Jack LOVES swimming! We started him in lessons last summer with Ms. Karen at the YMCA in Rhinelander. Best decision ever! He is now a star student in his new class at the YMCA in Wausau. His new teacher was Ms. Nichole. She sang lots of songs and played games along with some free time for toys! Now Jack loves to:

- blow bubbles in the water

- say "hi kids" and "bye kids" when we arrive and leave class

- kick his legs when he floats on his back

- jump in and let his head go completely underwater 

- make "rain" 

- splash, splash, splash

I am pretty sure he would get into the water all on his own with no hesitation. He's a fish!

Jack with Ms. Nichole- practicing bubbles

His favorite song was "Humpty, Dumpty". All the kids would sit on the wall while the adults said, "Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great FALL!". The kids would rock side to side before their graceful entrance into the pool. Then we would swim across, all the while Jack is yelling "Dunty! Dunty!"

Maybe if gymnastics does not work out, swimming would be a good plan B. At least we have options!

Jack's "Shrimp" certificate