Nisqually Delta & Friends

Monday we headed down to the Nisqually Delta preserve that we love so much with several friends. The day's weather was perfect, not too hot and not too cold.

First we spent some time in the covered building area checking out the various bird nests that were scattered about. They were alive with a lot of bird action - babies galore as the parents kept coming back to feed them. It was very entertaining. The babies were even peeking out at us to see what was happening.

Then we gathered up and headed out on a nature walk... or run if you are the 5 and under crowd! The kids were wonderful, they slowed down in parts to observe - enjoy the various binoculars and magnifying glass.

And, my favorite photo of the day...

Good Friends!!!

Snow Cones & Sparklers

Last night we had a fun night of making snow cones with the Ross family. Holly really wanted to use her Snoopy Snow Cone maker - so, tonight was the night. She chose a few Kool Aid packs to make her syrup with. Bryan mixed it up... bitter, but used.

They put in their iced and cranked the handle. Holly started and then stopped. Bryan started with Holly and then needed help. So, Kristina hopped in and helped. Before you know it Uncle Don was holding down the machine with Bryan cranked, Kristina pushed the Snoopy part and Holly monitored the 'snow' coming out. Next time around... Poncho jumped in to help too! So, how many people does it take to make a snow cone... a really little snow cone? A lot! Holly had fun. The mess was big. The snow cones were bitter, not sweet. But -- a good time was had by all and a good amount of laughing happened!

Poncho surprised Holly with some boxes of sparklers for the holiday weekend. But, they did one box last night with her for fun - she loved it. A big improvement from the past two years where she was afraid to hold them. I think the evening was perfect for this five year old!

Farmer's Market

Saturday morning I took the kids down to the farmer's market here in town, a wonderful market too! We shopped for fresh produce - in which I let Holly select, bring to the host and pay. She had a fun time dealing with the money and picking all of our veggies. Holly even chose a zucchini... we'll see how she likes it this week! She had a good time shopping.

We browsed the market, shared a pretzel, got a balloon animal, enjoyed beautiful flowers, listened to some music, ran into various folks we know and bumped into some friends that made for a good time on the playground.

The highlight of the market for Holly though was the 'Chalk the Walk' activity that was being hosted. They had cups of artist chalk in really bright colors for the kids to use - books on chalk art to use if they wanted and artists scattered about the walk that the kids could talk to or work next too. It was really cool! When she first started the walk was covered in kids coloring, drawing and designing -- very fun! Here is an artist she decided to work next too.

I love, love, love these kinds of free community activities that draw nice crowds and offer the kids something fun/different to explore with people in their neighborhoods! Sometimes we often try to fill up our time with stuff that we pay for... like the zoo, children's museums or bouncy house places - when in reality Holly enjoys these kinds of moments just as much, if not more! When I read of cool community events like these we add them to our calendar often and make a point of getting out to enjoy and support them!

Kid's Day

Friday we hit up a local town's 'Kid's Day' festival with some friends. The weather was perfect, not too warm or cool! The park was amazing, brand new and creatively designed. Holly really loved the natural aspects they created, like a sand play area butted up to a kid friendly stream that water must be hand pumped by the children. Little rock gardens and logs were scattered about for natural play and more! Musical stations throught out and more. It was wonderful!

After loads of playtime at this playground we ventured out to take advantage of the various kids activities - games, crafts,activities, music and more! Holly was excited to hear a favorite children's musician she knows, Nancy Stewart. I was too! She had a wonderful time - a great 'Kid's Day'!!!