Colored Bubbles or Jackson Pollock

The kids and I went to a birthday party a couple weeks ago. We decided the buy the birthday boy some new art supplies for the summer. While we were in the art aisle at Target, the kids saw colored bubbles. I had read online some not so great reviews about the colored bubbles. But out of curiosity and weakness (Addison was begging me to buy them!), I caved and bought two bottles: a blue one and a pink one. We went outside Sunday afternoon to play with them. They were the biggest mess!!! The colored bubbles got all over everything! Hands, face, clothes, EVERYTHING!!! As you blew them, wherever the bubbles landed and popped, that spot would change colors as well. So my OCD self couldn't tolerate the colored bubbles very well. I guess it would be fine if the kids were in bathing suits and you could hose them down after they played with them. As annoying as I found them, the kids seemed to really enjoy playing with them. Look at these happy, messy faces! And hands!

So note to self: In the future, when a product receives bad reviews from other parents: HEED those warnings and bad reviews, and opt not to purchase the product. Or find a happy place, and tolerate the mess! Speaking of happy places, those bubbles have found a new happy, and well hidden home :)

Spring Field Trip at the Zoo

May has been a busy, busy month for us! Addison's birthday kicked off the month, and we also had Nana here for a visit. We always enjoy having her visit, and one of our traditions is taking her to the zoo. So I was a little sad when she called me before she came to tell me that she didn't think she could walk the zoo this time. Nana has had some issues with her back, and it's affected her ability to walk for extended lengths of time. But we managed to get her to the zoo, with the help of a wheel chair! Alex had his spring field trip to the zoo, and Nana and Roger came along too.

By the time the buses parked, the kids de-bused, everyone got their tickets, and we got inside the zoo, it was nearly 10:30, which is the normal lunch time for the kindergartners. So Alex's teacher suggested to the kids that they go ahead and eat lunch, and then see the animals. This was such a genius idea, in my opinion. This ensured the kids were fueled and happy before we started trekking through the zoo. So our first stop was the picknic tables! Everyone ate lunch and took a potty break. Then we started working our way through the zoo. We really only had about 2 or 2 1/2 hours in the zoo. ALex's teacher did an amazing job of hearding the kids along and managed to get them from one end of the zoo to the other before they had to leave. It was exhausting though! I'm used to leisurely walking the zoo, and I was beat by the time we left! Everyone had fun though, and that's what counts. Roger did tell me that he passed the school buses on the way home. And they saw Alex asleep on the bus. I guess it was fun, but exhausting for everyone!

Sing-A-Long Stories

On Addison's birthday, she had her spring program at her preschool. These programs are so stinkin' cute! The kids go up on the big stage by class, and sing two songs. This year, they did songs that incorporated movement and learning. Addison's class sang "If You're Happy and You Know It" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes." It was really cute, but the best part was having Nana here to see it. She's never been in town when the kids have had one of these little programs, so I was so happy that she could be there! I think Nana really enjoyed herself too! And I know it was really special for Addison.

Addison with her class, the Tiny Tigers. They are so sweet!

At the end of the program, all the classes went on stage and sang a finale. Addison was so happy to see a familiar face in the crowd!

Nana, Roger and Addison. This was the best shot with Addison...she wasn't too thrilled about taking pictures.

Addison was happy to take some pictures outside by the fountain.

And Many More!

Wow, the month of May is flying by! But not without celebrating my sweet baby girl's third birthday! Many times during these first few years of Addison's life, I have wondered if we'd make it to the next birthday. And I'm not saying that in a moment of frustration or weakness. It has been a lot of work to get her to where she is today. So I'm happy to say that each birthday is truly a celebration! And celebrate we did!

Addison hasn't ever really had a birthday party with friends. In the past, we've always just done small parties with family. So I decided this year to have a party for her at Chuck E Cheese. We invited her best friends: her life-long friend, Lacey, and her cousin, Caitlin. Alex was there of course, and her other cousin Cadence. And then we had some family, and family friends there as well. It was a really fun time, and I think Addison really enjoyed herself!

When I asked Addison what kind of birthday cake she wanted, she told me Little Mermaid. So this is her cake. It turned out so darling! And tasted good too! I was so relieved after the debacle with Alex's birthday cake. Addison had a really fun time playing with her friends, eating pizza and enjoying her Little Mermaid cake. So far, 3 has been really fun! And here's to many, many more!