Learning about Labyrinths

Also in May (I have quite a bit of back-blogging to do here!)
I took the kids to Assisi Heights for a program about labyrinths. We learned a little bit, then explored the large one they have on the grounds.

One of the sisters also arranged for some animal time. We watched the salamander eat an entire worm. And the snake got a little too close for comfort. Conrad was crawling into my lap to get away from it and I was trying my darnest to stay calm (I'm not a huge fan of snakes!)

Tea Party

These pictures are from the tea party at preschool last month.

Each child made a crown for mom, and then sang a song for us before sitting down to cookies and lemonade and sweet tea.

After school, Conrad and his friends run off a bit more energy before leaving.

Pretend

Meet Perk, Perky, Flower, and Wormy. They are a family of eagles, created by Conrad.

It was a very rainy day (and kind of cold). Being "stuck" inside with the kids is anything but boring. Conrad constructed a headpiece with pipecleaners and the blanket is his royal robe.

Norrie has a thing about scarves or anything soft that can be wrapped over her shoulders.

Do you really think I can't see you?

One of those charming 4 year old behaviors - blowing bubbles in milk. I don't even mind so much, as long as he keeps the milk in the cup. One morning I took Norrie in the other room to change her diaper and when I returned to the table I discovered Conrad had excused himself. This is where I found him. He was so focused on what he was doing, he didn't even see me standing at the door. I appreciate he moved the mess outside, but what a waste of milk!

road trip with two kids

Several weeks ago I took the kids down the Seedsavers Farm in Decorah IA. We enjoyed a pancake breakfast, then joined a Bird and Wildflower walk. It was a cool, drizzly morning but we had a good time. We stayed on the walk long enough to learn a little about skunk cabbage, turkey vultures, and how to use stinging nettles in lasagna or tea, then headed back to get more pancakes because CW was getting hungry and cold. After a few more pancakes and delicious maple syrup from the neighboring farm, we walked up the hill to see the Ancient White Park Cattle herd. Then we walked back down the hill to see the baby chicks in the coop (also heirloom breeds, but I don't recall what the breeds were).

I ran into an old acquaintence from Mayo who had driven down from Rochester with two of his kids to buy seeds and plants. While we chatted the kids played in the sandbox and on this stairless slide.

After browsing in the visitor center a bit longer, I loaded up the kids and headed north. They both fell asleep quickly and I enjoyed a quiet drive.


When we got to Stewartville, they were ready to get up and moving so we found a park and pulled out the picnic food. For a cloudy and drizzly day, we had a pretty good time!

The next day (May Day!) we went to a Cinco de Mayo party after church. The hostess had May Day baskets for the kiddos so we explained the tradition to Conrad and decided to put together little candy bags with what we had at home and deliver them to his cousins in Kasson. I also used our little project as handwriting practice for Conrad :)