Family Trip to the Zoo

It was amazing. We had a wonderful family adventure to the zoo, and nobody melted. The weather was cloudy, and occasionally drizzly, but nobody got cold. We were all full of smiles. Nobody complained about the food from home (fried rice, full of veggies, packed into a tiffin box, thank goodness for the carrier, it was still warm.

These pictures of the kids were taken in our Zoo's new Serengeti exhibit. But really, this a true snapshot of our life. Babybug is ALWAYS zooming around. That boy is a mover and a shaker. All of my kids fascinate me, who they are becoming, who they've been, and where that is leading. They are amazing, all of them. I get the older two, they are a lot like Hubby and I, however, the little one...he's an enigma.




The chase continued around a big ol' baobob tree in the courtyard for several minutes. It was hilarious!

Hubby and I were having fun, and maybe he looks a bit tired here, we were waiting for the train to start. Babybug has this look of awe and wonder that I adore.



Caveboy rides again, with his side kick, Cavegirl. Really, they are in a log in the Pacific Northwest exhibit. But pretending is fun!




This was the beginning of Caveboy in 2009. He crawled into some rocks on the lava flow and we discussed how it must have been for prehistoric man to live in a cave. So ever since he's been Caveboy! Cavegirl didn't get to go on that adventure, she was busy doing other things, like fishing. Ever since, I never pass up opportunities to call him Caveboy. Hee hee.

This Moment {Mr Froggy}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual began by Amanda at Soule Mama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment you want to pause, savor and remember.

Our Ekone Trip

We spent a wonderful weekend with some dear friends on Ekone Ranch. A wonderful time was had by all! Ladybug had a horseback lesson on Grasshopper, 25, who has trained many kids to ride, apparently including the instructor herself. The instructor was one of the most perceptive teachers I've ever met, she knew how to match the children with the horses, emphasizing that each horse had a different lesson to teach.


Ladybug is hoping to go to summer camp there next year. However if that is to happen, much saving needs to be had by all. It will be a lot of work for her, but very worth it.



Babybug had a great time throwing rocks, climbing hills, eating dirt (and ACORNS, oh my!), and getting carried by mama. Just he and I climbed a mountain. It was amazing.


We were treated to some amazing sunsets thanks to the forest fires in nearby Lyle.



My bestest friend's daughter has quite a fire for the outdoors. She was constantly catching bugs and frogs and investigating their magnificence. She also rode an amazing horse. I swear they are both smiling.

Well, I've learned something new about my darling daughter today. She's doing long division, and the issues with it are:
1) She doesn't understand the relationship between division and multiplication
2) She doesn't realize there are multiple ways to do division (minor differences, but they make all the world of difference to her. Dad was confused about her method, and tried to change her method the other night. She went to school crying and confused to her teacher. Too bad I can't be here every second of the day.)
3) She can't jump back and forth between types of math (ONLY multiplication or ONLY division, etc)
4) She has a very difficult time transferring numbers off of a paper (her multiplication chart) onto another paper (the homework paper)

She's gotten a lot done, so far tonight. She still has 2 assignments to work on between 6:30 and 7:30 and she'll be done for the night.

Sensory Integration Disorder and Household Fun

OK, if you know anything about SID, you know it isn't really fun. Both kids have some degree. We've done brushing, and that weird music. Nothing helps for any length of time. Ladybug goes crazy if you have to rush her in the morning, or you need to brush her hair. Taterbug doesn't like certain foods, and hates baths. Our toughest challenges are Ladybug's meltdowns. Ever seen a 9 year old lose her mind? It's not pretty. Tonight she spent an hour in her room under her blankets trying to pull it together (her choice). Imagine trying to brush said hair after the blankets...

Today I found a new site, OT Exchange. My membership is approved, but I haven't had a chance to rootle around yet.

I'm considering making a weighted vest, maybe one that I can vary the weight so I don't have to make 2. Any thoughts or suggestions?