Kiwanis Butterfly Festival 2012

September of 2012 we had been in the Southlake Town Square shopping for the little boys and did happen to notice a big tent under the Pavillion. We went to check it out and discovered that it was the Kiwanis Butterfly Festival! So, we paid for our entry and got to see all these cool butterflies! We fed them watermelon! I had no idea they liked watermelon! Both boys enjoyed! The entry was a bit more expensive than I anticipated, ($40.00 for 4) and not likely I would purposely attend again, but it was well worth it to support the group AND get to feed some cute butterflies! 

Mourning Dove

I am an absolute HUGE fan of "happening" upon nature. Of course I am far occupied with my time that to become some nature seeker, HOWEVER-- This was at the front entry way of our Texas home. 

I went to trim the Jasmine Ivy on the trellis and I found a nest!! 

Of course when I first discovered this, all that occupied the nest was Mama, Mourning Dove. And we named her exactly that. Mourning Mama. 

The boys and I watched her through out the day for several days before we actually found two eggs. (Not sure where those photos are)

And then, one hatched! 

Oh, how ugly the baby bird was, all fuzzy and matted up fluff. And it was neat that the boys had so many questions about, "why can't the baby hold it's neck up except to eat,  and what else does a mama feed the baby?"... etc... 

Now this was interesting to watch, she "squished" the babies most of the time when she sat on them. Perhaps because we came around and she felt the necessity to "protect" her young. It did NOT look comfortable to the babies. 

And here they are with their feathers! Still quite ugly. I am not much of an Ornithologist, but google is a great source that has helped us identify the type of bird, just not the sex of the birds. 

Boys? Girls? One of each? Who knows!  The only thing we didn't do was name them. We couldn't figure out who would be who. So we called them Bird 1 and Bird 2. 

This nest is getting a wee bit crowded!! 

Nearing the last day of the birds in their home (unbeknownst to us) we loved watching them. And every time we would walk by they would follow us with their heads. From egg to flying, it was very pleasurable.

And then they left. To fly about the skies to find their own. We continued watching the nest for a few days and realized it was the reminisce of bird droppings attached to the brick and nest. 

Very cool experience! 

Optimus Prime Learns, too!

Sometimes learning is play and play is learning. I am not that mom who is all about unschooling, probably because I grew up in the classroom and find it a very fun and stimulating. And please don't read into that, I am not against it either. Especially since I am learning that every child is different in their learning abilities. It works for some, but not for us.

And so, yes, I DO let my boys dress up to do their work, because, quite frankly, what fun is it NOT to. ;)

 Here is what I had put together at our -now- old place. It was a funky shaped open floor plan, which was the breakfast room/dining room/kitchen. And although it was ok for those who entertain guests and like having one big open space, I wasn't a big fan of it, but we made it work. (AND I am still very thankful for it)

PRO: I had a TON of wall space! I was able to get nearly every chart we needed to visualize -(and have quick references instead of fumbling through cards/charts) phonics and math and everything in between. LOVED that feature! (New room set up photos coming soon!)

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo!

We took a trip to Omaha in August 2013, (where I am originally from) and decided to pick up my Granny and take her and the boys to the (2nd to San Diego being rated the number 1) Henry Doorly Zoo! I remember going there over the years as a child. This place had CHANGED in so many ways!

We decided with Granny not over doing it with her walking, and my not over doing it with my sore hip, that we would take a ride on the Omaha Zoo Railroad around the outside perimeter and walk up to the

 Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavillion and the Scott Aquarium.

After those three ventures, we ate some pizza to fuel up for the next ride around to the other side. Once we returned to the Train Station and jumped on the Tram to ride an inner part of the Zoo. There were many exhibits we didn't have an opportunity to see or interact, but if you have ever been there (take a gander at the map ) you will find out quickly that one day doesn't do it justice to experience the entire place. 

Here are some photos, not necessarily in the correct order, but you will get the point! Enjoy! 

I would HIGHLY recommend going if you ever happen to be in the Omaha area! We will be visiting again soon! 

While In Omaha...

While we were also back home for a few days, we drove out to see my Uncle. And boy did he have a fun toy! Kien was ALL ABOUT getting in that thing to ride! He even got to lift the scoop up and down with a lever! Ha!

Air Show at Alliance

My hubby (and kinda me, too) like going to air shows. Both of us growing up attending them, and it is quite amazing what those pilots can do in planes! So, it would only be accurate to believe that we both would like our boys (and this time plus a friend) to enjoy them as well. Being they are so young, they don't understand other than they see crazy flying in the sky. And that, is ok! 

Here are some photos at the event!