Pirate Week

Arrrrgggghhh!  Back in June, we had pirate week at our house!  I had been trying to take advantage of our more open summer schedule and plan some fun themed activities for the wee ones.  Pirate week was my first attempt and it went over really well and was a lot of fun for everyone.  Between pinterest and the internet there was no shortage of activities!  We read pirate books, played pirate games and treasure hunts, watched pirate shows, talked like a pirate as much as possible, ate (some) pirate foods off pirate plates, did pirate activity sheets, and just had lots of pirate fun.  Ainsley loved wearing her pirate eye patch - even though it gave me a headache after only wearing it a few minutes.  Bailey on the other hand preferred to wear his patch in the middle so that he could still see out of each eye as much as possible.  Silly - or maybe smart - boy!

Here the kids are making treasure chest boxes that got hidden and found several times throughout the week.  We took old shoe boxes, painted them black, and after they dried added glitter glue and jewels.  This was one of the first times that we have attempted a multi-step/day craft project and I was impressed by how patient both kids were with the process.  And how excited/proud they were with their finished products.

Another pirate activity that I managed to get pictures of was hiding treasures and gold doubloons under bubbles in the kiddie pool outside.  I had intended to set up a board across the pool so that the kids could "walk the plank" but I didn't have the stuff and it didn't end up happening.  And the kids could have cared less.  They were thrilled with the hidden treasures that they found in the water and had fun collecting it all and stashing it in their pirate ship, then scattering it under the bubbles again, only to re-find it the next minute.  That was sort of the unofficial theme of the week as well.  :)  Such fun!

At the end of the week, we had a more elaborate pirate treasure hunt with friends!  They all got so into it and it was adorable to see.  Well, everyone except for poor Bailey who woke up from his nap cranky and on the verge of being sick.  Sadly, he stuck pretty close to me and didn't really participate in much that afternoon.  I was bummed for him to miss out... but the show must go on.  We started off the afternoon getting into character by making pirate hats and wearing pirate eye patches.  Here are the girls giving pirate "aaaarrrgggghhhs!".  (Charlotte, Ainsley, and Lucy)

 

Below are some pictures of the treasure hunt in progress.  Unfortunately I didn't have the forethought to take a picture of the treasure map, but I'll admit I was kind of proud of my handy work with this one.  The map included five or so stations/activities set up around the yard for the kids to locate and complete before moving on to the next thing.  I had trouble taking pictures of all the action because I was having to hold and console Bailey during all of it but below are the big girls jumping over the cones which is one of the first stations.  Other activities included writing their names on the big chalk board, skipping over the walkway stones, swinging 10 times, running around the playscape, etc.  All fun and easy and a way to draw out the hunt itself.

 



 



 

And at last TREASURE!!

 

 

It was pretty hot that day so we took the loot inside to go through it all.  Naturally Bailey perked up for this part and each of the kids ate more than their share of chocolate gold coins despite Sarah and I trying to limit them. 

 



 

We had such a fun week and Ainsley asked several times if we could have pirate week again soon.  I loved having so many planned activities with the kids and it made it more fun that it was all part of a theme.... but it also took a fair amount of planning and some how the summer has already flown by.  Oh well.... maybe next year.  :)

 

4 Year Old Interview

 

 

Before Ainsley's birthday party we went and got her nails done.  She choose orange for her fingers and bright pink for her toes.  She was so proud of her choices and getting to have this big girl experience.  I love her to pieces!!

 

What's your favorite color:  "purple and pink" (although she often says 'all the colors of the rainbow' as her answer to this question.

What's your favorite animal: "butterflies and lady bugs"

What's your favorite book:  "Princess books"
 
What's your favorite show:  "Princess and the Frog" (the Disney Tiana movie)

What's your favorite food:  "salmon"

What's your favorite drink:  "apple juice"

What's your favorite breakfast food:  "strudel"

What's your favorite outfit:  "dresses!" (she still loves long dresses that twirl the best)

What's your favorite toy:  "babies"  (to be fair, she was playing with her babies while I was asking her these questions)

Who is your best friend:  "Gigi" (a friend from school)

What's your favorite game:  "Candyland!"

What's your favorite thing to do outside:  "Swing on my swinger!"

What's your favorite place to go:  "the bouncy house and the museum"

What do you like to take with you to bed:  "my loveys!"  (still the same but she now has a bunch of night-night dolls that are important to have with her as well as rotating special stuffed animals)

What do you want to be with you grow up:  "a mermaid"  (this is almost always her answer.  She says that George and I can live by the ocean and she will come visit us)

What's your favorite thing about Daddy:  "giving him hugs and kisses!"

What's your favorite thing about Mommy:  "tickling her feet"  (not sure about this one... she never does that.

What's your favorite thing about Bailey:  "being wild with Bailey!"  (this is definitely true!)

What are you most excited about when our your new baby sister arrives:  "holding her on my lap"

 

Bailey's Surgey Day



 

Based on recommendations from our pediatrician and an ENT specialist, on Friday we had tubes put in Bailey's ears and had his adenoids removed.  I haven't blogged about it much but he is been a pretty consistently sick lil guy since this spring.  He has had five ear infections since May in addition to mono, consistency large lymph nodes, croup, sore throats causing him to lose his voice, rashes and hives, and low white blood cell counts and has just been generally uncomfortable and cranky.  I'll admit that he has given us and his pediatrician quite the scare several times and he has been poked and prodded during several of these illnesses because we weren't able to diagnosis them till after the fact.  And it has been summer!!!  The ENT dr said that it is more common to see a string of illnesses like this in the winter months but having it during the summer months suggests that there might be something structural going on.  Initially she recommended putting tubes in his ears to help them drain fluid, removing his adenoids as they might be enlarged and a source of infection, and removing his tonsils because they could be causing to the problem as well.  A tonsillectomy made us nervous because it is an overnight hospital stay and a 10 day and fairly difficult recovery and they don't typically do it on kids as young as Bailey.  So we had him examined again a week later when he wasn't sick and the ENT dr said that she would support holding off on the tonsils to see if the problems could be cleared up with the other two procedures.  I joked with George that I had such a peace after scheduling the surgery that I felt 10 pounds lighter.  He started laughing and said that was funny because I am actually 10 pounds heavier right now.  Haha... jerk.  :)

 

Anyway, this past Friday was the big day.  I was a little anxious but not as much as I could have been because the surgery was at the same place that Ainsley had her eye surgery a while back and I knew it would be quick.  Still, it is never easy to know that your kiddo is going under anesthesia.  The above and below pictures are from before the surgery while we were waiting for our turn.  Bailey was a champ and only got upset at the end because he was so thirsty and couldn't have anything to drink.  But he willingly went with the nurses with no tears to the operation room with the promise of getting a balloon.  I understand why they do it, but thinking about it, it is kind of cruel luring a child away from their parents saying that they are going to get a balloon and then gas-ing them and sticking them with needles.  I guess you have to do what works though.

Here is the little man post-surgery.  The dr said he did great and he woke up from the anesthesia fairly well.  He was obviously uncomfortable, disoriented, and cranky but all that is to be expected.  We were thankfully able to calm him down whenever he got upset.  Sweet boy.

As we left, they did give him a sticker and a lollipop (but no balloon) which he took eagerly.  He zoned out the whole way home like this watching a show in the car with his lollipop tight in his hand.



Then back at home.... he seemed fairly normal.  I love this picture because he meticulously set up his area with his juice, snack, lollipop, and dolls in a ring around him and within reach at all times.  :)  The rest of this weekend he has been pretty sensitive and it is obvious that he isn't 100% and he hasn't been sleeping all that well, but all-in-all it has been a pretty harmless experience.  The prayer now is that these procedures corrected whatever has been causing him to get sick so often and that he has a healthy next month so that we don't have to have any further testing done.  Love you lil man!

Mermaid Party Under the Sea

Join us under the sea for

Ainsley's 4th Birthday Party!

 

This year Ainsley wanted a mermaid birthday party so we decided to have a low-key bash under the sea at the pool.  It was a lot of fun and Ainsley definitely felt special and spoiled!

 



 

What she really wanted was for all her friends to come to the party, which can be hard since so many people are traveling during the summer, especially in July when it is so hot here.... but we were all pleased with that most of her buddies could make it.  I was surprised because I thought that most of the birthday party action would be split between the smaller baby pool and the big pool... but most of these kids swam exclusively in the big pool with several taking turns jumping off the big diving board!  Ainsley was right there with them as she has been all summer, but still it shocks me how big they all are!!  Here are some pictures of the fun.

 

 

Poor Bailey was pretty grumpy and not feeling his best that day so we didn't get very many pleasant pictures of him.  Here is one shot of him jumping off the big diving board.  I'm so impressed at how brave he is and how much he loves this.  We aren't allowed to catch him after he jumps in, only be there for support.  So he goes down deep in the water and then we help him to the side.  Such a big boy!

 

Before we knew it, it was time for lunch and treats.  Ainsley requested mini corn dogs for lunch and we also had little pizzas, fruit and veggies.  The cupcakes of course had mermaids and fishy toppers.

 



Ainsley again loved being the star and having everyone sing happy birthday to her.  Notice Bailey bawling his eyes out the whole time.  He was sad that he couldn't help blow out the candles this time.

Just a shot of everyone eating and having fun.  I wasn't super on top of taking pictures this time so didn't get as many as I normally do.  I never want to make all the kids stop the fun they are having for a group picture but am kind of bummed that I didn't end up getting one.  Oh well... lesson learned.  :)

 

Here are the party favors... Mermaid star soap wands for the bath!



Happy birthday party day my sweet lil mermaid!!  We love you!

 



Happy Birthday Ainsley!

This year Ainsley has been counting down and anticipating her birthday more than she has any other year - starting all the way back in February!  I have grown into quite the birthday fan and I love making the day extra special for our kiddos.

Ainsley requested pancakes for breakfast so we had special birthday pancakes with sprinkles and candles!  Who can resist the fun of getting to blow out birthday candles twice!  :)

 



 

 

She was so giddy and excited when we were singing happy birthday to her.  I'm so thankful that my mom was there and could capture these sweet 4 year old faces for us.

 

 

 

 She was so kind and not only let, but encouraged, Bailey to help her blow out her candles.  When all the candles were out she told us that her birthday wish was for all her friends to come to her birthday party.

 

 

After breakfast we let her open one special gift to start the day.  It was her first real piece of jewelry, a James Avery silver butterfly necklace.  She had shown an interest in wearing some of my necklaces to church and things so I thought she was probably ready to have a little something of her own.  It was exciting for me to buy for her and I loved seeing how overjoyed she was when she opened it.

 

 

As another special treat, we headed to Chuck E. Cheese for the morning.  It was pouring down rain the whole day, so this was the perfect activity!  Her and Bailey were in heaven and since we got there early, they had the place entirely to themselves for the first hour or so.  Here they are with the mouse himself.  They were both brave enough to dance with him for free tickets.



They spent the majority of the morning riding on all the cars and moving rides.  It was cute to see them taking turns driving and putting in the tokens and just playing with each other in general.

 

 

 

 



They also spent quite a few tokens on this roller coaster simulator ride.  Their seats would jerk, rock, and vibrate like they were on a roller coaster and the pictures on the scene moved fast and were sometimes kind of scary.  Honestly I'm not sure why they liked this ride so much especially since both of their faces look scared and uncomfortable in these pictures.  But as soon as it was over they wanted another token to ride again.



 

Here they are climbing and playing in the "mouse maze".  The steps to get up to the top were too far apart for Bailey to do by himself and Ainsley was such a sweet sister in helping him up each one so that he could play in the maze too.  It was pretty sweet to watch.

 

Then Daddy joined us for lunch and helped the kiddos play some of the harder big kid games.  I played some of these with them before George got there but somehow Daddy always makes it more fun.  Maybe because he actually rode the simulator with them because there was no way that I was getting on that.  :)

  

After naps and rest time, Ainsley opened her presents from us.  Needless to say, she was pretty excited about this part of her birthday and insisted on wearing her princess crown during the process.  She was most excited to open a new gymnastic leotard, a groovy girl doll that she calls her nite-nite dolls, and a new tea set.  Bailey got a few gifts to open too which mainly consisted of re-wrapped toys he already had and books.

 

Ainsley's main gift this year was a LeapPad, which is like a kid's version of an Ipad that you can upload games too.  She wasn't quite sure what it was when she opened it and but liked that it came with accessories, ie. a traveling case and game cartridges.  Her sweet daddy opened it and set it all up and put it back in the package so that when we gave it to her, she could pull it right out and start playing.  Bailey was quite interested in it as well, so I'm seeing one in his near future.  

 

 

Sweet birthday hugs from little brother...

 



 

 Next we had Ainsley's birthday cake.  She said that a birthday meant you got to eat cake before dinner.  We agreed.  While she was eating her cake, she declared that this was the best birthday ever!!  Again, we agreed.  There is just nothing better than turning four... until the next year rolls around.  Just to note, she was very excited that her cake had four layers now that she was four years old.  I hope this doesn't become a trend because four is pretty hard to top for this cake-out-of-the-box baker.  Ainsley did help me make the cake, lick the beaters, and of course was in charge of putting on all the sprinkles on top.  :)

 

 

 

 

One other thing I want to be sure to remember about the day was that for her birthday dinner, my odd little four-year-old she requested salmon, which she often says is her favorite food.  But I wasn't prepared for that and we were getting takeout so she compromised and settled for fish sticks, french fries, and pickles and I told her that I would make her salmon another night that week. 

Happy Birthday Ainsley!!!  We love you!!