Butterfly Project

This was a really cute project that Brody brought home from preschool so I thought I would share it especially with all my "mom" readers. 

This is the Life Cycle of a Butterfly and it's taped on the outside of a lunch bag.

Inside the bag were these items.

The egg (rock)

Caterpillar

(popsicle sticks with puff balls glued on. 

There were also googly eyes but I think they fell off)

Cocoon

(Toilet Paper roll with brown tissue paper glued on)

Butterfly

(coffee filter with markers --i think---and pipe cleaner)

The trick is having all these supplies in your "craft closet".

Preschool Potluck

Brody had a great year at his preschool.  His preschool was at the elementary school right down the road.   The classroom is designed for students who have developmental delays so they can get a little extra help before they enter Kindergarten.  Brody was one of the peer models in the classroom.  This is a student who is typically developing and can be a model for other students.  Aside from the friends, teachers and learning this was a great place since it was no cost and so close to our house.   The unfortunate part of the program is that Brody can only be in it for one year so he will be going to a different preschool next year (meaning it will cost money and it will be a farther drive). 

His preschool had an end of the year potluck.  We were lucky to miss the rain and had some decent weather for this evening potluck.   I was able to get pictures with his teachers. (not sure why he is looking off to the side in two of the three pictures)

Miss Debi

Miss Kabre

(She is the main teacher)

Miss Terri

(We learned that she lives in our neighborhood so we will probably see her around) 

The teachers loved Brody and had nothing but great things to say about him.  

I also snagged a few pictures of Brody & Colt on the tire swing.

....and the slide. 

Last Day of Preschool

Brody had his last day of preschool on Tuesday.   I wanted to take a few pictures to show how much he had changed over the year. 

This was Brody on his first day of preschool.  (I know you can't see me....but I have tears in my eyes).  He is growing into a little boy (especially with his new hair cut). 

It's a little strange that he is wearing the same shirt and pants in these pictures.  That was not planned.  I'm not that organized. 

Bunkbed

I went to a baby shower for my cousin and ended up taking Brody & Colt to my parents house so they could hang out with Papa Bob (it was their choice).   This left Brad at home with just Ollie.  We were also having our community garage sale and Brad was excited about the prospect of deals he could get.  

The second house he stopped at is where he purchased this bunkbed.   (We have been talking about a bunkbed for awhile, trying to decide when the best time would be to get one).  

While we were gone, Brad bought the bunkbed, loaded it up in the car, carried it inside, disassembled the other bed, assembled the bunkbed, cleaned up the room, vacuumed the room, hung a few pictures and had it looking like this when we returned.  (He did get some great help from our friend Karl). 

The boys are so excited for their new bunkbed.  I am just as excited but also a little nervous, anxious about falling out or climbing or anything else that comes with having a bunkbed.   They have already fished off the top and built a fort.  

I was unable to get a good before picture since I didn't even know this was happening. 

New Bike

Brody got a bike for his birthday from Papa Bob & Grandma Shari.  (Yes, his birthday was way back in March).  Brad went to put it together when he saw that the pedals and the seat post were missing.  So we loaded up the boys and headed to Fred Meyer to exchange it.  It was well past their bed time when we returned home but we still were able to put the bike together so Brody could get a few test runs. 

As usual Colt wanted in on the action so he got a bike (even though this bike is way too small for him). 

Brody has been practicing quite a bit and is getting really fast.  (I can't stand to watch because I know he is going to have some falls.  I have to remind myself that it's part of being a boy and bike riding.) 

Beach S'mores

We wanted to make S'mores on the beach and probably missed our best chance the 2nd to last night we were there.  Instead we battled a little wind and a bit of a chill to set up a campfire on our last night with everyone.  Brad did a great job getting the fire started and he had his two little helpers gathering wood on the beach. 

Aunt Angie brought the S'mores and had these gigantic marshmallows. (the picture doesn't do it justice)

The kids loved the s'mores adventure.

It was an epic campfire (as Brad would say).  It's hard to see and explain but there was a perfect roasting spot where all you had to do was suspend your marshmallow in the air and it would perfectly toast on all sides.   We may never see another campfire as good as this one.  :) 

I think this is the only picture we got of the two of us.  My hair is completely in my face...oh well....at least Brad still looks cute. 

More beach pictures

I didn't do a very good job taking pictures during our vacation.  Fortunately Aunt Angie took quite a few and I will post more when I get them from her.  But here are a few more that I took.