We Are Totally Good Now!

We sort of have a new family obsession. GEOCACHING! You may remember that we have attempted to geocache a number of times and had only been successful once. But I am happy to report that things have changed. We are now EXCELLENT geocachers. I believe our turn around can partly be attributed to a PBS documentary about geocaching that re-lit the fire within our bellies, and also a determination not to let the geocache win. Out of the last 7 (SEVEN!) geocaches we have hunted for, we have found all 7!

1. Our first success was found at the Decatur DMV.

Hid behind one of the "D"'s.

What a rush!

2. Our second took us a while but was finally discovered by Eric under here:

Very tricky!

Sade put it back:

3. Jackson found the third one. Underneath another water grate. Apparently this is a popular place to hide cache.

We left behind butterfly stickers:

4. Our fourth one was just maybe our favorite of the day. It took us a bit of time, but Eric finally spotted it hanging in a tree.

5. Number five was found under a rock, behind a wall.

6. One trick of geocaching is to look for something out of place. As Megan was searching for number six, she said, "I don't see anything except for this toy frog." Ding, Ding, Ding! Geocache!

7. Number seven was found by yours truly. It was particularly gratifying because just the day before another fellow geocacher (ZZ Bob) has attempted to find it and had been unsuccessful.

I dare say that geocaching might even be more thrilling than Old Maid. I kind of want to go every day.

Everyday Life - Old Maid

We play a lot of card games. Uno, war, go-fish, and of course, MY FAVORITE, Old Maid! We usually start off not really knowing who has the Old Maid. The feeling of danger each time you draw is intoxicating.

Will Megan draw the Old Maid from Eric?





Yes she did!



Sadie's reaction after getting rid of the Old Maid:




Every time Sade draws she turns away from us to see if she has a match. She also says to us (jokingly): "Don't look at me. I'm too gorgeous."



Eric, Megan and Jackson's reaction after Megan drew the Old Maid (again!):





Although Eric tricked Megan into drawing the Old Maid a few times, he wasn't immune to the Old Maids powers:



It really never gets old.

Great Harvest Field Trip

Last week Sade's pre-school class took a field trip to Great Harvest. They learned all about bread making, but I couldn't tell you exactly what since I wasn't really paying attention.

Learning:





Playing with some dough:





Before leaving she received a loaf of bread to bring home. I am not exaggerating when I say I ate more bread last week than an average person eats in 6 months. It's a sickness.




We had a little sample before heading home:




See the pre-school St. Patrick's Day post below.......

St. Patrick's Day Party

Last week we had a fun-packed a St. Patrick's Day Party at Sade's "friend" pre-school! We started off the festivities with a little freeze dance:

Made some Froot Loop Irish Clover necklaces:





Had an amazing treasure hunt:



They had various clues that eventually led them to these spectacular, and I do not use that term lightly, treasures, provided by Suzie. Suzie you really outdid yourself!




It was full of candy, nail polish, gold coins, lip gloss, squinkies, hair accessories, and other paraphernalia.

Had another hunt for gold coins that they turned in for cupcakes:





And had a green food feast:



The Irish Princess herself (Thanks for the crowns Kellie!):



Chillin' with a couple of her girlfriends:



I was sick (AGAIN!) on St. Patricks Day so I was unfestive. We all managed to wear green but that was about it.

Our New Pet

We have a new pet RAT who lives on the ceiling in our living room. Can you spot him?

A closer view:

Last week Jackson threw him up there, and now it is his new home. Occasionally he will fall off, but Jackson just throws him right back up.

Strangely it doesn't bother me.

Four For Friday - Cell Phone Picture Edition

A post comprised of random cell phone pictures from the past few weeks.

1. Sade having one of our many weekly tea parties. I love that girl.

2. Did you know I am the kind of person who on a whim will go to a concert on a SCHOOL NIGHT? Well I am. When a friend called last minute and needed someone to accompany her, she knew I was the woman to do it. Although we were among approximately only 10 other people in the audience, I loved it.  My only disappointment came when I realized not one of the 10 people were willing to get themselves on the dance floor. And since I was not brave enough (or drunk), I didn't get the dancing started either. I was a big concert goer in my younger days, and now that my kids are older I think I could become one again.



3. I have a bit of a confession to make:  I have to force myself to leave the house to do things with my kids. When the weather is gorgeous, and even when it isn't, I feel extreme guilt if we stay inside. And although I would rather be sitting on the couch watching T.V., or reading a book, I try to get out there. Luckily I love to bike ride. So does Megan. But Jackson and Sadie do not. There is often complaining and Jackson has even uttered the horrifying words, "Bike riding isn't that fun." But on a bike ride last week we stopped at the park. Sadie remarked, "This is the best bike ride ever!" And although I was happy for Sade and Jackson, I have another confession to make: I find the park boring. Especially when I am without reading material.




4. On yet another bike ride, we decided, spur of the moment, to do a little geocaching. And for the first time were successful!







Fueled by the victory we attempted another geocache on the way home, but were defeated.

Happy Weekend!