Thursday, May 23, 2013

Visit to the Dentist



     We took the Sugar Snaps to the dentist who also happens to be their uncle. We have found that they do better with outings if we prepare them by talking about it for a few days beforehand. I played a game with the Sugar Snaps, telling them, "we are going to see Uncle David and he's going to look at your armpits." They all responded, "no!" Then, I would make the same statement using another body part, such as their feet. They eventually corrected me indignantly and told me that he would be looking at their teeth. We went through this routine each morning for a few days before their appointment so when they saw him, they were not at all surprised that he wanted to examine their teeth.


 
Capri had fun peeking out of the top window of the playhouse at the dentist's office

 
while Grayson hung out of the window on the bottom floor.
 
 
Ryder was very cooperative while Uncle David examined his teeth.

 
Xayden cuddled with the jungle animals
 
 
before his teeth were examined.


     Overall, they did very well on their second trip to the dentist.  If you missed their first trip, you can check it out here.  I typically brush their teeth three times a day and then floss while I sing, "did you ever see a Lassie go this way and that way" to remind myself to go around each tooth in a 'C' shape both ways.  Luckily, the regular brushing and flossing paid off with no cavities and only a tiny bit of tartar on Xayden's teeth.

       Xayden sucks his thumb when he sleeps and we found out this has caused a problem by pushing his top teeth out of shape.  Uncle David could tell which thumb he sucks just by looking at his upper teeth.  Xayden will need to wear an apparatus in about six months which will correct the problem and prevent him from sucking his thumb any more (because the metal would poke him if he tried).  I am glad it can be fixed but I am not looking forward to Xayden's reaction to this apparatus. I will let you know how it goes.  His thumb is his friend, complete with a callous of devotion.   How have our family trips to the dentist gone? I would love to read your stories (or posts if you have them).

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Artsy Play Wednesday--DIY Garden Markers

Artsy Play Wednesday
Hosted by: Capri + 3 Multi-Testing Mommy Shannon’s View From Here Baby Giveaways Galore


      Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday, hosted by all of the blogs listed above.   Each week one of the host blogs will share an arts, crafts or play activity along with the linky.  This week, Shannon of Shannon's View from Here has the featured craft which is a tutorial on DIY Garden Markers.  Check out her tutorial for a fun way to get your children involved in gardening. At the bottom of the post is the linky and your chance to join in and share your arts, crafts and play posts. The Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest Board  (with over 1100 followers so far) will include each of your wonderful arts, crafts and play ideas. If you haven't already, you may want to follow the Artsy Play Wednesday board.   If you would like to receive a weekly email reminder to link up, please subscribe here


 

     Now it is your turn.  Please add as many direct links to your arts, crafts and play posts as you would like.  Your posts can be recent or treasures from the past. We look forward to seeing all of your wonderful ideas.  Please feel free to pin any of the posts you enjoy, or you can simply pin Artsy Play Wednesday to have access to all the fun ideas at once. 
If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post:
-->"Check out our Pinterest Board where we will be listing all of your amazing ideas. Subscribe to Artsy Play Wednesday

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Family Fun at the Gardens



     We spent some time with Aunt Leanne, Uncle Eric and Cousin Emma at lunch and then stopped by a beautiful botanical garden.

Grayson, Aunt Leanne, Capri and Emma explored the gardens.


     What you don't see in this photo is that Ryder and Uncle Eric are also there while Greg is off to the side and I walked several steps behind with Xayden.  Leanne is visibly pregnant and a passerby assumed that all the children were hers except for Xayden.  It appeared that she had triplets, plus Emma and was expecting a fifth. After passing them, the man pointedly asked his wife, "Did you see that lady?" I am guessing he thought that she must be having children at a rapid rate.  


Xayden and Grayson peered into the  pond



and admired the colorful Koi swimming gracefully below.


Aunt Leanne and Emma stood by the waterfall.



Then, Emma and the Sugar Snaps watched as the water splashed over the rocks.



I paused to appreciate this inviting rose.



Capri was so enamored with her cousin Emma. 


      Usually surrounded by her three brothers, she was excited to spend time with another girl.  The Sugar Snaps talked about their Aunt, Uncle and cousin until they fell asleep on the car ride home.  They are learning their letters and proudly announce that Emma starts with E.  Have you visited you local gardens or been on other family outings lately?  I would love to hear from you.  As always, comments are welcome.