Zoo Lights

Posted on December 29, 2013 by amanda

Ivan made a bee line for the Lion on the carousel.
He did not want to ride next to his sister who was on a “wild dog.” He wanted to ride the lion.

He loved the carousel and the holiday lights, but he really loved lemur feeding time. He was so cute up at the front that assorted adults stopped watching the lemurs to watch him bounce in excitement and giggles. That’s a lot of cute to trump lively lemurs.

There was a melt down when it was time to leave the tiger who was awake and pacing and looking mighty impressive. Ivan asked to get in with the tiger and cried when we left wailing, “No, I want TIGER!”

Ezri enjoyed the trip too and especially spending time with Meghan, her grown up friend. She and I were both impressed that the trees lit up pink and purple around the fountain. Ezri suggested that she would like her Rudolf to have a purple nose or maybe pink nose, but not red.

Ivan the artist

Posted on October 24, 2013 by amanda

Ivan is enjoying painting at the easel. This morning he did not want chalk or markers. Ivan wanted to paint. It’s nice that both kids can simultaneously create. Big thanks to the house in the neighborhood that put this easel out with the trash a couple years ago.

Below is Ivan’s first painting of the morning. It is “Itsy Bitsy Spider” with “web” and “Mama Itsy Bitsy.” The yellow is the web. The two green blobs are the spiders. The top one is Itsy Bitsy and the bottom one is Mama.

Here is the pumpkin I drew that he painted. That yellow patch below the pumpkin is a trampoline according to the kids.

And this is Ezri’s painting on a pumpkin drawing.

A water feature brings peace to morning porch play

Posted on October 2, 2013 by amanda

Bucket and watering can are used to fill this whatever-it-is that I found at a garage sale.

The toy ponies have a waterslide. Ivan and Ezri are splashing together peacefully. Previous morning squabbles are forgotten.

What’s this a disturbance in the peace? Plenty of water and plenty of ponies, but only one super awesome ladle.
Ezri “I need to use that to make the waterslide for the ponies.”
Ivan “No mine. NO MINE.”
Ezri “Ivan, I need it!”

Ivan doesn’t need a ladle if you give him a hammer. Peace returns. Well, peace and a whole lot of splashing.

Gallatin Area Recreation Area AKA Bozeman Beach

Posted on September 30, 2013 by amanda

Ivan and his big sister having a snack in view of the mountains.

It was too cold to swim, but we went wading.

The ducks came by quite often hoping we were sharing our snacks. We didn’t. But Ivan loved quacking at them.

He took one good tumble into the water. Here he is wailing, “Manda, all wet! ALL WET!”

Hugs fixed the cold shivers of being all wet.

Chico, Montana with Grandpa Mark and Ezri

Posted on September 28, 2013 by amanda

Super Ivan!

Posted on September 8, 2013 by amanda

Introducing Super Ivan

Protector of the Backyard

With his star spangled cape

Master of all he surveys

Every superhero needs help sometimes. Luckily, Super Ivan has Super Ezri on his team.
Here they are returning to their hideout after a hard day protecting the backyard from an invasion of bubble aliens. Despite his superpowers, there’s no chance Super Ivan could have popped all the bubble aliens himself. It’s good to be part of a super team. Super Amanda is not pictured though she did have on her cape during this foray. She may have double crossed our super team and been helping create new bubble alien foes.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Ivan!

Posted on September 2, 2013 by amanda

Celebrating his 2nd birthday in DeKalb with Grandma Liz, Grandpa Harvey, and Aunt Amy.

Ivan loves the big red water pumps in the Children’s Garden

Posted on August 14, 2013 by amanda

Step One

Step Two

Ezri is now big enough to operate the red pumps in the Children’s Garden. Ivan is pleased. Very pleased.

The two steps above were repeated many times due to Ezri’s hard work.

Water from the pump was pronounced “delish!” by Ivan.

Family Concert at the Arb

Posted on July 20, 2013 by amanda

Ivan just put a grape in his mouth.

This granite ball fountain is a favorite stop all summer long.

They are both pleased with this situation, but neither is showing the joy on their face.

The concert had the kids dancing all around. Ivan enjoyed seeing live music and watching someone play the guitar and the drums. He made himself a spot right at the front. We had a picnic dinner and there were many bubbles and some sidewalk chalk fun too.