Toad Detectives

One of my favorite things to do with Bronwen on these hot summer nights is to take her on a toad hunt. She loves walking up and down the neighborhood in her jammies, looking for toads. Luckily I always have an ace in the hole, because we have a nice, fat guy who lives in the backyard and comes out each night. So far our success rate has been 100%, typically seeing 3-4 toads each time we look.

Bronwen has elevated the game to a whole new level. She has informed me that we are detectives and we must look for clues. When I asked her what kind of clues, she says toad clues. The following are "toad clues:"

something that hops
something that is dark green
something in the grass
a toad

Yes, apparently the toad itself is a clue. I hope she remembers these nights, calling me "Detective Mama," stressing over and over how "You must look for clues!" when we go on our hunts. It doesn't even matter that we are out there until 9 some nights, when her bedtime is 8...it is totally worth it.

Happy Father's Day

Today was a wonderful Father's Day, starting out with T.J.'s getting to sleep in, even if only for a bit since we had to hustle to get to mass on time. Nevertheless we made it, and both girls behaved beautifully. Bronwen used her powers of persuasion to convince T.J. to stop for fresh donuts on the way home, and then we leisurely spent the hot morning inside, playing games while Lila napped.

Then we traversed over to my sister-in-law Becky's house where we enjoyed a feast fit for kings--suitable for kingly fathers too.

It was a great day indeed--and T.J. finally got to tell his family news we've been holding in for weeks--that he is going to be father THRICE over!

New Addition, arriving in early December:

Swimming Lessons

Bronwen started her swimming lessons on Monday. She was beyond excited--until she discovered she had to put her face in the water. Despite her innate fear, she has continued on, mainly because I have given her no choice. The past three days have been a touch anxiety ridden, but I know as soon as she accomplishes full-face submersion, she will be fine.

First Day:
Third Day:

New Playhouse

Recycling/Reusing at its best.

We still need to paint it:

Releasing part 2

Releasing the Insects

Explanation of Ladybug Lifecycle