Outdoor Play

A huge benefit of Spring and warming temps, is getting outside and fresh air everyday. We have been really loving it. I put together a birdseed sensory bin that I was inspired by from one of my favorite educational websites. The toddlers have loved it and it took no time to assemble. Eleanor likes to make "birdseed muffins" and Thatcher mostly enjoys just digging and scooping. They spent nearly 2 hours the other day playing with it and that is such a win in my book!

A Major Award

The boys won a big prize Sunday. A huge prize! The children's ministry was doing a contest for perfect attendance and the boys were eligible. Eric and I knew nothing of the contest going on, but on Sunday were shocked to hear our boys won! The children's pastor called them to the front of the stage to present the grand prize-a 7,000 piece Lego set. We were so thankful that Pastor Bill assembled it himself as it took him 12 hours! What a huge blessing. The boys have already enjoyed hours and hours of play with it and we are so grateful. 

 Keeping little toddler hands away has been the biggest challenge, but he wants in on all the fun!

Toddler Naps

Although Eleanor will take the occasional nap, we are truly just down to one everyday napper in the Williamson household. He now likes to play a bit in his crib (yes, we still keep this boy contained!), usually a few cars, trucks or board books. After a little playtime I hear it get really quiet and he is out! He usually naps 2-3 hours a day and for that I am grateful! Love my cuddly boy. 

From Caterpillar to Butterfly

One thing we did this year to celebrate Spring was "raise" caterpillars. A friend told me how they were doing this same thing. I ordered a kit and in a week we received 5 wiggly caterpillars. The boys thought they were neat while Eleanor considered them to be "gross." "I don't like worms." I didn't document it, however I believe it was over the course of a couple weeks we watched them go from caterpillars, then form into their chrysalis and then maybe 2 weeks later emerge as butterflies. The children were mesmerized by the concept of metamorphosis as were Eric and I! After enjoying our butterflies we released them into the backyard a few days later. 

 Encouraging them to "be free in nature" as Everett stated. 

 Mid-flight

 Seeing if one of the butterflies would go onto their finger. He did not. He made a good choice!

We definitely look forward to making this a tradition every Spring!

Tuesday Morning with the Littles

Tuesday mornings the big boys go to their homeschool enrichment classes. This means that my littlest tots are home with me for a couple hours. I enjoy this precious time.

Watching an episode of Curious George-my favorite children's program.

 A couple of weeks ago I began a gentle introduction to school for Eleanor. Even though I won't be doing kindergarten with her this next school year, I want her to get used to sitting and doing a few activities that are more structured. She is learning her letters and doing some handwriting here. 

 Oh my Thatcher Reid. A ball of energy and even though he does not do much "seat work" he hears and absorbs everything!

 This past week our literature book was "The House that Jack Built." 

 Potty break. Much progress in this area has been made the past few weeks! He gets it!

 Based on our literature unit, Eleanor is making some homes out of her Magna Tiles. This is her favorite toy by far.

I love my sweet preschool time with these two. We do a little learning time, I sometimes clean the house and/or run an errand. Yesterday was the last day of the enrichment classes and they will start up again in the Fall. Eleanor will be joining the boys and so Thatcher and I will have Tuesday mornings to ourself!