Barbage

William is now two years old.  I can hardly believe it.  We were lucky enough to have my folks visiting for his actual birthday so we got to have cake with lots of people.  William's new favorite song, unsurprisingly, is Happy Birthday.  He mimes blowing out the candles each time we sing.  

When thinking about the things he likes right now, it's a tough call between playing with his big sisters, taking care of his baby (especially changing diapers), and all things garbage.  Throwing the baby diapers in the garbage, helping us take the garbage out, wheeling the garbage can to the curb, and the almighty garbage truck.  He is just fixated.  It's hilarious.  

So, we decided to make him his own garbage truck this year for his birthday present.  It's really just three old diaper boxes spraypainted green with a bit of green duct tape.  Tony had the genius idea to make the back part dump.  There's a small garbage can with a yellow top (looks like our recycling can sort of), and he has been getting lots of play time with it.  Good stuff.

Here's the link to a little video of him playing so you can hear how he says "garbage", it's precious and I know it's one of those words I'll think back on with adorable memories as he gets older.  Love this little guy.

https://youtu.be/QuM0Ut93a6M

Fruit on my own terms

Fruit is nature's convenience food.  And I definitely need convenienence!  It's so easy to grab some grapes, apples, blueberries, whatever and head out the door knowing the kids will eat and not have total junk.  I've been lucky to have two kids who would happily eat fruit whenever offered and in fact, Emma would happily eat fruit to the exclusion of everything else!

This is a video of her chomping on raspberries last summer.  At the end she proclaims, "Thanks bees!" I am in love.  

http://youtu.be/QOIoQ1jiCJw

Then there is William.  He tends to have a bit of a texture issue with most fruit unless it's cooked (taking the convience factor out), so this morning I was delighted when he wanted a banana!  I think it was just because big sister had one and the thrill of cutting up his own was too good to pass up.  

He had so much fun and I'm just happy he ate a banana!

Happy Fourth of July!

This morning we hosted a little impromptu party for a couple of kids the girls go to school with.  Loads of people are traveling now, which meant it was a very manageable-sized group!  ;)  We did a few games that we got from Pinterest.  Yes, the girls will look at it with me and help choose things to do- pretty fun.  

Here's what we did:

Necklaces made from beads and cut paper straws.

Made little Flag paddles with paper plates and bounced baloons around with them.  They were used in other playing too.

Made USA themed shakers using paper plates and dried beans.

Painting.  Because painting.

Attempted a relay race using small american flags propped in sand.  We tried having the kids line up and relay but they really just wanted to make mudpies at that moment.  Oh well.

Then the kids just played and had treats that were mostly red,white, and blue and it was great fun for all.

Hope you all have a Happy and safe Fourth!   Happy Birthday, America!