feeding the chancho

I'm pretty sure this is not the official name of this montessori activity.

I'm finally getting my act together and starting to introduce these fun, educational trays to Diego. The whole world of Montessori is so fascinating. Everything is done in a particular way and for a particular reason.

Using trays helps teach the kids to carry things carefully and use balance. Glass bowls and pitchers teach them to handle things gently. And scooping with a spoon, well, that one's easy.


Diego was a little more interested in it when I asked him to feed his chancho. Pretty cute. If you're looking for some similar activities, Counting Coconuts is a great place to start.

Ohhh...I just noticed he's using his right hand! He's usually a lefty like the rest of us. I think we're gonna have to work on that.

looking for a new park?

If you want your kids to smile this big, take them to the park at Mary Munford. I think I'd heard it was good, but it wasn't until I read this post that I decided to try it out.


It has musical instruments.


A cool little house.


And tires. Joaquin couldn't decide if he should crawl on it, or through it. A spider inside helped him make up his mind.


He really was having a great time despite his face. Check out these steps...they wobble back and forth.


One side is all wood, and the other is metal and plastic. Still fun.


Do they look alike, or is it just me?


Joaquin found a nice cooling off spot. Bring your water and have a great time!

choo choo!!

Watch out for that runaway train!!

Elementary schools have the coolest playgrounds.

who's birthday is it? we ate your cake.

This was the most delicious cake ever. Joaquin and I made it. Lemon cake with lemon icing, both made from scratch. It didn't last long around here, and unfortunately, I ate most of it. If you can't reach me, I'll be at the gym.

a friend of Charlotte

Isabela was very excited when she discovered this 'zigzag' spider beside our front door. We were all summoned outside to see it, and it was quite impressive. But I'm sorry to say it wasn't there in the morning...web and all just gone....we're not sure if Kitty got to her, or something else, but at least we got a picture before she left. (For the record, it was not me. I'm fine with them outside of my house, it's when they come in that their days are numbered.)

long sleeves and pants

Nothing says summer like free ice skating.



We'd tried it with Joaquin once when he was about four...ice hockey lessons...and we hadn't been back since. Good idea, Susan, start them even younger. Diego HATED it. Although he did get used to walking on the hard floor with the skates, he cried the whole time out on the ice, unless I was carrying him...very hard to do by the way.


He spent most of his time here. And I hadn't given him any money. He kept finding these candies in the machine. Isabela thought his little hand was small enough to fit up in the hole...but I'm not sure where they were coming from.


Joaquin's lack of fear made him a natural. He's ready for those hockey lessons now.


Isabela's trying out a figure skating move here, haha.


Diego managed to wander into a corner that had a basket full of hula hoops to entertain him for a while.


But watching the candies whiz around was definitely more fun.

kid logic

The other day, on our way in to Target before lunch:

Me: Now, we're just running in here to get a few school supplies that are on sale. We are NOT buying any food.

Joaquin: Can't we just get one thing?

Me: NO. I have lots of things at home we can eat.

Joaquin: Can't I just get a grilled cheese?

Me: NO. I can make grilled cheese at home.

Joaquin: But, WHY can't we get something?

Me: Because I have all this food at home. Why would I buy it here, if I have it at home?

Joaquin: Well, buy something you don't have.