Splish Splash, 4 Babies in a Bath

    
     Most of the time, we bathe the babies individually in a baby tub.  Last week, I experimented with two babies in the big tub.  Then, my husband and I tried the ultimate;  four babies in the bath.  As multiples, even a bath can be a party.

Xayden, Grayson and Capri share toys.

They have a shampoo conference

and enjoy the wonder of water.

They played until the bath party came to a close.

When  it was time to dry off, Capri was warm and relaxed.

     The bath party was a fun and free way to spend the evening.  What to you do to make baths more fun for your kids?  What have your families been doing lately?  I would love to hear from you.  As always, comments are welcome.

Finger Painting Fun

 
   Grayson tried finger painting recently and immediately tried to stick his fingers in his mouth.  I wondered if I could make edible finger paint.  After some research, I found out that I could make finger paint by using a few tablespoons of light corn syrup mixed with a few drops of food coloring.  I set the stage by covering the table with a plastic kitchen bag and disposable place mats.  I taped the paper onto the plastic and mixed the 'paints.' 

The colors were vibrant.

     I worked with the babies individually.  I removed their shirts and replaced them with kitchen bag smocks, made by cutting out head and arm holes. It was fun to see how each one approached the paints differently, some with gusto and others with care.

Capri explored with caution

and discovered she could taste and paint at the same time.

Grayson dove right in...

and flashed a cute smile before running his sticky hand through his hair.

Ryder liked the feeling of his hands sticking to the paper

and had a double-handed painting technique

He found the same technique useful in tasting.

Xayden was very serious at first...

and then began to embrace the moment.

The paintings were colorful

and begged to be dried in the sun, if it weren't for ants. 

     What projects have you done with your kids?  I would love to hear your stories and ideas.  As always, comments are welcome.

Spring Fling

  
    On the weekends, we look for things to do that are fun and different.  It is nice to get out of the house and find local festivals and activities.  This past weekend, we found a Spring Fling happening at a local teaching zoo.  They teach college students how to care for animals, educate the community and inspire people to help animals that are injured, sick or endangered.  Many college students were at the exhibits taking notes on the animals for their classes. 

Grayson and Xayden were fascinated by some New Guinea Singing Dogs.

The babies enjoyed seeing the Bald Eagle.

A beautiful Barn Owl

Colorful signs throughout the exhibit mesmerized the babies.

Capri had fun looking at the cardboard zoo.

The Galapagos Tortoise had a big, beautiful shell...

and amazing character in his weathered face.

Ryder and Capri looked in every direction at amazing animals.

     The babies' faces danced with sparks of recognition as the animals from their story books came to life before their eyes.  What have you been doing on the weekends?  I would love to hear your stories and ideas.  As always, comments are welcome.

Mini Hike

      
     Lately, there has been a chill in the air.  As our weekend drew to a close, we decided to bust out the jackets and head out for a family mini-hike.  We all love the outdoors. 

The creek greeted us with a soft whisper as we walked in.

A beautiful old tree captured our imaginations.

The babies had fun exploring the porch of an old Western building.

     The hike consisted of us pushing the babies along dirt trails which was quite a workout given that we have two regular twin stroller which were not designed for off roading.  The babies loved to look out at the scenery along the trails.  We also made sure that they had plenty of time to explore on foot.

Xayden

Brotherly Love - Ryder leans on Grayson

Capri samples a leaf.

Capri, Xayden, Grayson and Ryder expore their surroundings.

     We were glad we ventured out in the cold to explore nature.  It was a wonderful way to polish off the weekend.

     What have your families been doing lately?  I would love to hear your stories and ideas.  As always, comments are welcome.

Play Date

  
     The babies had their first real play date.  They had a few play dates when they were younger and too young to actually play, but this was the first time they could participate.  They played with a set of boy/girl twins who are three months younger.  While the twins are younger, they are walking.  Capri and Ryder are walking while Grayson and Xayden can stand and can walk only when their hands are held.  The twins, Leo and Bella, looked adorable in their shorts overalls.  The babies had fun playing together. 

Capri was ready for her play date.

Grayson and Bella seemed to be having a conversation.

Leo enjoyed the swing.

Leo and Capri compared the balls.

Capri thought it was getting too crowded in the ball pit.

Xayden, Leo and Capri

Leo and Grayson

Xayden, Ryder and Leo

Capri and Ryder

     It was a fun play date.  Bella was a little tired and, after playing with Grayson, decided to cuddle with Mom.  Leo enjoyed playing with all the babies.  We hope to have many more play dates in the future.  It is fun to see the babies connecting with new friends. 

     What do you like to do on play dates?  I would love to hear your stories and ideas.  As always, comments are welcome.

Warm Pears and Cinnamon

    

     We had a full bag of pears that all ripened at the same time. It was a case of use them or lose them.   I found a recipe for pear tarts and gave it a whirl. 

Here is a link to Gail Simmons’ recipe:

http://www.dashrecipes.com/recipes/sunday-dinner/pear-tart-gail-simmons.html

Pear Tart

Capri tried the tart

and liked it.

Grayson tried the tart

and gave it a hands up.

Ryder tried the tart

and approved.

Xayden tried the tart

and showed his mouth full endorsement.

     The pear tart required a little bit of planning as the shell needs to chill and then it takes a minimum of forty-five minutes to bake.  The planning was worth it.  The babies and the adults enjoyed it.  I cut the pears about twice as thin as the recipe suggests due to preference, although I am sure it would be good either way.  There is something nice about having the whole house fragrant with the scent of warm pears and cinnamon. 

     What have you baked lately?  What do your kids like to eat?  I would love to hear your stories.  As always, comments are welcome.