1st zoo trip of the year

We made our first trip to the zoo today. It was a nice sun filled day. The boys got to use some of their allowance to go into the gift shop. Ian got a little seal and wooden snake. Simon got a little tiger and the eagle mask. We had loads of fun.

eagle eye Simon

eagle eye Ian

another turtle picture. I have to keep taking them while they let me!

picnic lunch.

The boys have been so funny with their allowance. They are slowly learning the meaning of money. They haven't got the idea of saving yet (oi), but they are getting the idea of what is important (to them, not me) and how long they have to save for.

Ian saves his money for specific items and then "has" to go to the store to buy it as soon as he has enough. Today, Ian was counting up how much his items were and when he looked at his money he didn't have enough. He had lost some money. He put an item back and went to pay. We had a discussion about where you keep money safe. He was disappointed, but hopefully he learned a lesson today.

Simon is a bit more frugal and then not so much. He saves his money. When we go to the store, he asks "are you buying this or do I have to?". Then he makes the decision as to whether he really wants to part with his money. He's a big spender when he buys his items and a comparison shopper. BUT he surprises me (not really - I know he is a good kid, but right now we need couples therapy :)). Today after buying his "goodies", he proceeded to give all of his loose change to a couple of the "preservers " - Simon's word for those collection tubes to help the zoo run. He also gives an offering church and always asks to put money in the Ronald McDonald House collection boxes.

How did this morph from a zoo trip to money?

We had a great time. When we got home I wanted a nap....I didn't get it!

Jone's Mansion

I got to spend the weekend creating at the Jone's Mansion in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. It was so nice to be around adults...creative female adults. Sometimes I loose sight of my creative side. This weekend was a good respite.

Looking down

The quilt top

I finished a quilt top, a hat, a scarf and two appliqued wool "rugs", went for a walk... I know that seems like a lot BUT remember I didn't have to take care of anyone, but myself. So I sewed and visited and laughed. It was so nice.

When the house stood empty in the 1950's, people would come and try to shoot out the window. The glass is 3/8ths of an inch thick. These marks are left over from their attempts - pretty cool.

Science Fair

Last week, Ian participated in the science fair at his school. He did an experiment where people had to smell an object with out seeing it. It found that a lot of people felt like they knew what they were smelling, but couldn't come up with the name for it. I'm proud of him for doing this again this year. I'm not so proud that he spent 45 minutes wondering around the gym with his buddy and not explaining his project. Oh well, get used to it. Right?!

The shamrock shuffle

I DID IT!!!!!

I ran/walked the Shamrock Shuffle this morning. I was waiting for the results, so that I could brag a bit. I stayed in the middle of the pack and walked about half of it. I'm proud of myself. I finished in 41.49 minutes and had a pace of 13.28 minutes per mile. I'm pleased. I still smile when I think about it.

Am I any worse for the wear? Ehh, one of my ankles is giving me a bit of grief, but that could be from walking Ian to his friend's house then proceeding on another 3 miles.

Maybe I went a bit overboard, but the endorphin rush was still going on.

Here's my new goal. I am going to run in a race every month this summer (starting this month, which really isn't summer, but ....) AND by the end of summer I am going to be able to run the whole thing. So who wants to join me?? Stephanie - you are walking a lot lately. Denise - get ready for our mud run? The people who had friends with them seemed to be having lots of fun... AND the added bonus?? I'll replenish all of those t-shirts that I gave to St. Vinnie's a few weeks ago.

Another snowy day

I wish I was feeling the love for the snow today, but I'm not! I drove to work to day to find out that all of the schools I was supposed to go to were closed. Blasted 2 hour delay.

What else is new? Hmmm.... I am working on my Saynoran scarf/shawl again. Sometimes I wonder why I put things away. I really like this pattern and love the yarn (Manos merino silk in a sea green and blue colorway). Hopefully I will get some pictures up soon.

I also got new glasses with bifocals. They are taking some getting used to. This morning every time I turned my head, I had this strange whoosh feeling like in the movies when the camera pans really fast. I do like my new glasses though.

Kalahari

Oh we had a wonderful weekend at the Kalahari. There were mostly smiles (few gripes, whines, and tears). I have some pics from the weekend, but I need a nap.

I just wanted to let you know I have walked 2 miles Thursday, Friday, Saturday. I'm not getting off of the couch right now to go walk. I'm actually thinking a nap is in order.

Art Fair 2011

Tonight was Fine Arts Night at the boys school. It is so fun to see all of the art work hanging in the halls. There was also a talent show (which we didn't stay for). Actually I'm quite surprised that Ian didn't sign up for it because he has been signing up for all kinds of extra stuff lately.

Enjoy the art!




The art show also has an installment at our house. These were Simon's extras - he could only choose two from his portfolio for the show at school. These are the one's that are hanging in his room.