Kindy 500

Our kindergarten has a great tradition: The Kindy 500. I can say it is great because I am not currently working on a Kindy car. It is fun, but tons of work. The teachers put in even more work. It really is amazing what they pull off. As a culmination of their unit on our country, each student makes a "car" from a cardboard box. They get to parade through the halls of the school, showing off their creations to the rest of the students and the parents who come to watch and take pictures/videos so they can document all blood, sweat and tears that went into making the cars. Then they "drive" them across America, stopping at famous landmarks (Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, etc.). The kids love it.

Ally decided she wanted a bus. We decided we did not want to mess with paint this time around so we tried yellow duct tape. It worked rather well. We added some windows, complete with passengers (I cut out our family's faces and Ally took care of our hair and clothing), headlights, taillights, suspenders and voila! We had a pretty great bus. That crazy pigeon even sneaked aboard. I assure you that Ally did all the driving, however. (If you have not read the pigeon books by Mo Willems, you are missing a real treat).




She had a great time at school, even if her arms got tired lugging that big bus around all morning. (We will have to think VW Bug for Brook.) Brook had fun watching the parade with her friends who also have Kindergarten siblings. Look out! These three blondies will be racing their own Kindy cars before we know it. Thanks again to the teachers and volunteers that made it all possible. I am so grateful my kids are making happy elementary school memories.

Ugly Bug Ball

For her 6th birthday, Ally wanted a bug party. Yes, she's six and yes, she wanted bugs. Being our social butterfly, she had quite the guest list. In a moment of weakness, I indulged. Lesson learned. We had a great time, but it was chaotic. When the kids arrived they each made some antennae, aka headbands with pipe cleaners and pom poms. (Thanks again, Family Fun.com). The boys were a little unsure about the headbands, but they were good sports. Next up was pin the spots on the ladybug. After that, we marched to the basement where we cranked up "Ugly Bug Ball" and danced around like bugs. (You remember the Haley Mills movie Summer Magic? A true classic in my book, but I digress.) Some of Ally's friends are now officially convinced that I have lost it. I wish I could have captured the looks on a few faces as I led them in buzzing, hopping, crawling, etc. around the room. We took a breather from the dancing to play "Who put the bug in the buggy jar?" An impromptu version of "Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?" Joseph needed a little more time to prepare the treats. I was rather proud of my resourcefulness. The kids all went with it, bless their hearts, because by this point they all knew I was a little crazy.

Sam knows I am crazy, too. He is used to it by now. However, he did not quite know what to think about his bug headband or the heightened noise level in our house. We wrapped the party up by unwrapping presents, eating cupcakes with colorful, rubber worms on top (They didn't eat the worms, of course. Those were the party favors. Which became extra cool when Zac showed them all that they stick to the ceiling if you throw them high enough. Thanks, bud.), and taking everyone home. Whew! It makes me tired just remembering it all. Ally loved it and that is all that matters.

The friend party was Saturday morning. On Sunday evening we celebrated with the family. She wanted a ladybug cake. It was actually pretty fun to make and yummy to eat. Although we did have a bit of trouble with the spots. They kept sliding down the side of the ladybug, hence no close up photo. Maybe next time we will let the frosting set a little more before adding spots.

Of course, there were presents galore because Grandmas were involved. She had fun tearing though them all.

The usual crowd was here: Grandma, Grandpa, Nicole, Juan, Emily and Chris. The Walkers showed up via the much anticipated birthday box that Grandma sends in the mail.


Think "mini" and Ally loves it: Polly Pockets, Squinkies, Jungle in My Pocket, Littlest Pet Shop, etc. Since she got one of all of the above, her birthday was a hit. We love our Pal, drama and all. Thanks for keeping us on our toes and making us smile everyday.