Fourth of July Fun!

I found this craft idea and thought it might be fun to make some for the kids. I know pretty much all of you Blocks and Olson's that read this will be up for the 4th, so if you feel like having a bunch of cousins running around with matching crowns-make some up! The comments say it was really easy to make. In case the directions aren't good enough you can find some with pictures here http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11483

I hope I see more then my two wearing crowns on the 4th!!

These fringed caps make for a fun way to sport your patriotic colors on the Fourth. Here's how to make one that will fit most kids with a head circumference of 22 inches or less (for a bigger crown, just add more craft foam strips).If you're planning an Independence Day party, check out our other ideas for
CRAFT MATERIALS:
Craft foam, red and white
Blue tape (we used plastic tape, 1 1/2 inches wide)
Sticker stars
Scissors
Gold pipe cleaners
Tape
Yellow foam stars
Time needed: About 1 to 2 Hours
1. Arrange 5 red and 5 white 2 1/2- by 12-inch craft foam strips side by side, alternating the colors. Apply a 26-inch strip of blue tape across the panels about 1 inch from the bottom, wrapping the ends around to the back. Decorate the tape with sticker stars. Then cut a 1/2-inch-wide fringe in each panel starting from the top and ending just above the tape. 2. Flip over the fringed foam and position a gold pipe cleaner in the center of each of the inner 8 panels so that the lower end is about an inch below the fringe. Tape them in place as shown. Now sandwich the top of each pipe cleaner between a yellow foam star and a large sticker star. When your child is ready to wear the crown, wrap it around her head, overlapping the ends and securing them with a large paper clips.

Cooking and Campsite

Playing

Beach Time!

Boating

Camping 2009

This last week we went on a family camping trip, just the 4 of us. We had a full 5 days of fun together, enjoying the time free of distractions that come up at home. We didn't go far from home, Lake Bemidji State Park. We were very impressed with their facilities, everything was very clean, no bugs, and a new playground thanks to community donations. The lake itself is much smaller then what we're used to, and the fishing was absolutely horrible, but that's okay we're use to good ol' LOW. A few memorable moments for me were; listening to the guy in the site next to us snore, (I swear it sounded like he was right outside our tent), finding out that a cot isn't quite as comfortable when you're 6 1/2 months pregnant, and having to get up every TWO hours to use the bathroom. Okay, so I have better memories then that, but seriously-camping pregnant is MUCH different.

We had gorgeous weather most of the time which meant lots of hours in the boat attempting to catch fish. Paige and I gave up after the first day and decided the beach and Target was much more enjoyable. The beach there was so kid friendly, very shallow for a long way out so I didn't have to worry about the kids as much. And there were NO black flies or mosquitoes at the beach, a huge plus in my book. One particularly beautiful evening we took the boat across the lake and docked it at Paul Bunyan park in downtown Bemidji while we walked and found ice cream. That night was definitely a highlight for all of us. We did get rained out twice but it worked out nice as we had a good excuse to go into town for Fathers Day supper and another day to check out the library.

After 5 days though, we were ready to come home. The kids had had enough of the playground and beach, I was ready for my bed and shower (one where the hot water wouldn't run out), and Jerem was ready for me to resume cooking duties.

What a nice way to spend a week though. Watch for pictures, I'll start posting them tomorrow.

Summer Is Here!

A few pics from the last week. We finally got our garden in, went fishing, and Jill and I made a trip to Bemidji almost kid-free thanks to Jerem watching Chloe, Anson, and Paige for the day! This week we're finishing swimming lessons and getting ready for our camping trip. A whole week this year! I'm especially excited about the new canopy I found to go over our picnic table in case of rain. I got it at a garage sale for $3 and it works perfect!!!

Little Love Reminders

So often my children teach me lessons I am slow to learn. The kids surprised me with this little cluster of white flowers they picked off a tree in our back yard. All spring it's been dandelions, this was a nice change. Not that I mind dandelions, after all to the kids they're flowers too. This morning I was reading in Romans 12 and came across the verse, "Love must be sincere". How often as a mom do I snap at the kids or not take the time to give them attention because I'm busy with my "agenda". Yet, they in their little minds remember me, that I like flowers, and that maybe it would be a nice surprise for me. What a good reminder for me to be sincere in every aspect of love I show as a mom and wife.

I'm officially 6 months pregnant and allowed Jerem to take a picture. Probably the only one that will be taken. :) Watch the video below (linked) if you want to know what we're having and how the kids responded to the news. I tried to get it so you don't have to follow the link, but I can't figure out how.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d7QJ-dvzts

Paige's Worm

Paige discovered recently that she does indeed like to hold worms.