Pumpkins and More

The weather this month was amazing, is amazing. No rain, just bright, warm sun and colorful leaves everywhere you look. We have been riding bikes and playing at the park like nobody's business. Yesterday we finally carved our pumpkins - a wolf for Lexi and an owl for Zara. 

Preschool Busy Bag Swap

A couple years ago, I hosted a toddler busy bag swap and it was a hit. The girls still play with some of those old busy bags. So it was time to do another one for the preschool age with moms from my local MoM (Moms of Multiples) group. We swapped last night and the girls spent all morning testing out some of the busy bags. I am so excited to have 18 fun new activities to pull out when we are stuck inside this winter. 

Zara and the felt cupcakes

Lexi

The swap loot

Zara and the number wheel, Lexi and the block puzzles and plenty of bedhead to spare. 

In case anyone is interested, the table below shows the busy bags our group made and the links to the idea. If you ever have the chance to participate in this type of swap, do it!

Suggested Activities	Link
Number Wheel	http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/08/busy-bag-idea-number-wheel.html
Bean sorting	http://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog/bean-sorting/
Bead stringing (pasta/foam/plastic)	http://www.mynameissnickerdoodle.com/2010/02/colors.html
Double Trouble Shapes	http://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog/preschool-activity-bag-double-trouble-shapes/
A-Z Clothespin Matchup	http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2010/06/z-review-clothespin-match-up.html
Felt cupcake kit	http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/07/free-cupcake-busy-bag-instructions-and-pattern-download.html
Magnetic paper clip sorting	http://calminthemidstofcrazy.blogspot.ca/2013/07/preschool-busy-bag-swap.html?m=1
Homemade playdough w/ activity mats	http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/09/busy-bag-swap-day-5-playdough-mats_05.html
Lacing Cards	http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2009/06/tutorial-dozen-animal-sewing-cards.html
Felt Fishing	http://calminthemidstofcrazy.blogspot.ca/2013/07/preschool-busy-bag-swap.html?m=1
Paint sample card matching	http://totschool.shannons.org/matching-color-shades/
Block puzzles	http://allourdays.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Block-Puzzles-Busy-Bag.pdf
Geo Links	http://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog/geo-links-preschool-busy-bag/
Texture card match-up	http://mysmallpotatoes.com/2012/07/21/a-busy-bag-round-up/
Popsicle stick shapes	http://totschool.shannons.org/popsicle-stick-shapes/
Pattern caterpillars	http://www.growinginprek.com/mathcenter.htm

Fall Pumpkins and Apples in Bellingham

We had a fun trip up to Bellingham last weekend visiting family. Our weekend started off visiting Bellewood Acres, a pumpkin farm and apple orchard. We rode the train to the orchard and picked (and ate!) some delicious Honey Crisp apples. They really are the best. That night we celebrated Michael's 9th birthday with a family party at Peter and Lydia's new home. The next day we played and walked around Whatcom Falls Park before heading home. We love visiting family and the girls never want to leave their cousins. 

Benjamin and Zara were holding hands so they didn't fall off the train

Lexi and Zara

When we got home Sunday afternoon, Marcus took advantage of the sunny weather to finish his tree pruning project. With such enthusiastic helpers, I'm always amazed at how much he (they?) gets done. 

OMSI Astronauts

Last week we took a family trip to OMSI. During the week. Thanks to our US Congress and their inability to keep the government running, M is on furlough. We are taking full advantage and I am getting spoiled having him home all the time. I will be sadly brought down to reality whenever he goes back to work. For now though, I'll enjoy the upside of this ridiculous government.

So we went to OMSI on a Thursday (my day off). It was so quiet that we practically had the place to ourselves. Ok, not really, but close. 

Lexi

Zara