Capri + 3

Visit to the Dentist

2013-05-23T16:22:00.001-07:00

We took the Sugar Snaps to the dentist who also happens to be their uncle. We have found that they do better with outings if we prepare them by talking about it for a few days beforehand. I played a game with the Sugar Snaps, telling them, "we are going to see Uncle David and he's going to look at your armpits." They all responded, "no!" Then, I would make the same statement using another body part, such as their feet. They eventually corrected me indignantly and told me that he would be looking at their teeth. We went through this routine each morning for a few days before their appointment so when they saw him, they were not at all surprised that he wanted to examine their teeth.

Capri had fun peeking out of the top window of the playhouse at the dentist's office

while Grayson hung out of the window on the bottom floor.

Ryder was very cooperative while Uncle David examined his teeth.

Xayden cuddled with the jungle animals

before his teeth were examined.

Overall, they did very well on their second trip to the dentist. If you missed their first trip, you can check it out here. I typically brush their teeth three times a day and then floss while I sing, "did you ever see a Lassie go this way and that way" to remind myself to go around each tooth in a 'C' shape both ways. Luckily, the regular brushing and flossing paid off with no cavities and only a tiny bit of tartar on Xayden's teeth.

Xayden sucks his thumb when he sleeps and we found out this has caused a problem by pushing his top teeth out of shape. Uncle David could tell which thumb he sucks just by looking at his upper teeth. Xayden will need to wear an apparatus in about six months which will correct the problem and prevent him from sucking his thumb any more (because the metal would poke him if he tried). I am glad it can be fixed but I am not looking forward to Xayden's reaction to this apparatus. I will let you know how it goes. His thumb is his friend, complete with a callous of devotion. How have our family trips to the dentist gone? I would love to read your stories (or posts if you have them).

Artsy Play Wednesday--DIY Garden Markers

2013-05-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hosted by: Capri + 3 Multi-Testing Mommy Shannon’s View From Here Baby Giveaways Galore

Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday, hosted by all of the blogs listed above. Each week one of the host blogs will share an arts, crafts or play activity along with the linky. This week, Shannon of Shannon's View from Here has the featured craft which is a tutorial on DIY Garden Markers. Check out her tutorial for a fun way to get your children involved in gardening. At the bottom of the post is the linky and your chance to join in and share your arts, crafts and play posts. The Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest Board (with over 1100 followers so far) will include each of your wonderful arts, crafts and play ideas. If you haven't already, you may want to follow the Artsy Play Wednesday board. If you would like to receive a weekly email reminder to link up, please subscribe here.

Tutorial for DIY Garden Markers

Now it is your turn. Please add as many direct links to your arts, crafts and play posts as you would like. Your posts can be recent or treasures from the past. We look forward to seeing all of your wonderful ideas. Please feel free to pin any of the posts you enjoy, or you can simply pin Artsy Play Wednesday to have access to all the fun ideas at once.

If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post:

-->"Check out our Pinterest Board where we will be listing all of your amazing ideas.

Family Fun at the Gardens

2013-05-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

We spent some time with Aunt Leanne, Uncle Eric and Cousin Emma at lunch and then stopped by a beautiful botanical garden.

Grayson, Aunt Leanne, Capri and Emma explored the gardens.

What you don't see in this photo is that Ryder and Uncle Eric are also there while Greg is off to the side and I walked several steps behind with Xayden. Leanne is visibly pregnant and a passerby assumed that all the children were hers except for Xayden. It appeared that she had triplets, plus Emma and was expecting a fifth. After passing them, the man pointedly asked his wife, "Did you see that lady?" I am guessing he thought that she must be having children at a rapid rate.

Xayden and Grayson peered into the pond

and admired the colorful Koi swimming gracefully below.

Aunt Leanne and Emma stood by the waterfall.

Then, Emma and the Sugar Snaps watched as the water splashed over the rocks.

I paused to appreciate this inviting rose.

Capri was so enamored with her cousin Emma.

Usually surrounded by her three brothers, she was excited to spend time with another girl. The Sugar Snaps talked about their Aunt, Uncle and cousin until they fell asleep on the car ride home. They are learning their letters and proudly announce that Emma starts with E. Have you visited you local gardens or been on other family outings lately? I would love to hear from you. As always, comments are welcome.

Celebration of Books

2013-05-16T14:19:00.001-07:00

We recently took the Sugar Snaps to a local book festival so that they could see some of the characters in their books come to life. We were excited to meet the authors and who signed books for the Sugar Snaps. They do not understand now, but later they may be interested to know that authors are real people who create amazing stories.

The Sugar Snaps had the chance to meet Llama Llama in his Red Pajamas.

I was excited when David Kirk a signed copy of Oh So Tiny Bunny for us.

I was also thrilled when Mark Teague signed our copy of How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night.

The Sugar Snaps were ready to get their wiggles out after the signings.

Xayden was atracted to a colorful sign

and Grayson also had the urge to explore it.

I had been meaning to go to this festival for years and was finally able to experience it. It is such a wonderful idea to have a festival devoted to reading, authors and literacy. I hope we can continue to enjoy it in future years when the Sugar Snaps are old enough to understand it and pick the authors they would like to meet. I hope it inspires them to write down stories from their imaginations. Have you been to any festivals lately with your family? What activities or events do you recommend? Feel free to leave links to your posts or event page.

Artsy Play Wednesday--How to Make Paint Chip Bookmarks

2013-05-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hosted by: Capri + 3 Multi-Testing Mommy Shannon’s View From Here Baby Giveaways Galore

Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday, hosted by all of the blogs listed above. Each week one of the host blogs will share an arts, crafts or play activity along with the linky. This week, Multi-testing Mommy has the featured craft which is a tutorial on how to make Paint Chip Bookmarks. Check out her fun tutorial so that your children can make festive bookmarks to add to the enjoyment of reading. At the bottom of the post is the linky and your chance to join in and share your arts, crafts and play posts. The Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest Board (with over 1095 followers so far) will include each of your wonderful arts, crafts and play ideas. If you haven't already, you may want to follow the Artsy Play Wednesday board. If you would like to receive a weekly email reminder to link up, please subscribe here.

Tutorial for making Paint Chip Book Marks

Now it is your turn. Please add as many direct links to your arts, crafts and play posts as you would like. Your posts can be recent or blasts from the past. We look forward to seeing all of your wonderful ideas. Please feel free to pin any of the posts you enjoy, or you can simply pin Artsy Play Wednesday to have access to all the fun ideas at once.

If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post:

-->"Check out our Pinterest Board where we will be listing all of your amazing ideas.

Dora and the Truck Book

2013-05-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

When I was in college, we were told about a study on gender messages children receive. They put babies in a room with girls decked out in blue and boys clad in pink. Volunteers were asked to play with the babies and their interactions were filmed. The girls in blue were tossed in the air and handed trucks as men and women played with them in rough and tumble manner. the boys in pink were given dolls as volunteers spoke softly to them and played with them gently. This really left an impression on me and now that we have our own children, I try not to behave like the volunteers in the study.

Ryder was the Cowboy hair stylist.

I make a conscious effort to make sure that all of the Sugar Snaps have access to trucks or dolls. I would like our children to grow up to be warm and nurturing people and role play with dolls is helpful practice. I bought a Dora the Explorer doll from a community sale and made sure that each of the Sugar Snaps had time to play with her individually. I set the timer. It was interesting that they all seemed to enjoy combing her hair and spending time with her pretty equally.

Grayson played peek-a-boo with Dora.

Xayden chatted with her while he fixed her hair

and Capri gave Dora a warm hug.

My Mom gave the Sugar Snaps a truck book which was at first coveted by Ryder who loves trucks and cars. Then, it organically became the prized book for everyone to have in the car. So, now we take turns and when we go to and from a location, one of the Sugar Snaps gets the truck book each direction. Capri enjoys her turn with the truck book just as much as her brothers. While I try my best to present toys in a gender balanced way, I also love to dress Capri as a "girly girl." I think it is OK for them to know there are differences in the way boys and girls dress. At the same time, I want to encourage them to be gentle, nurturing, adventurous and bold.

You can tell by the edges that the truck book is loved.

What are your thoughts about toys for boys and girls? Do your kids (students or grand kids) have equal amounts of dolls and trucks or more of one category?

Artsy Play Wednesday--Paper Flowers for Mother's Day

2013-05-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hosted by: Capri + 3 Multi-Testing Mommy Shannon’s View From Here Baby Giveaways Galore

Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday, hosted by all of the blogs listed above. Each week one of the host blogs will share an arts, crafts or play activity along with the linky. This week, Capri + 3 has the featured craft which is a tutorial on Paper Flowers for Mother's Day. At the bottom of the post is the linky and your chance to join in and share your arts, crafts and play posts. The Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest Board (with over 1060 followers so far) will include each of your wonderful arts, crafts and play ideas. If you haven't already, you may want to follow the Artsy Play Wednesday board. If you would like to receive a weekly email reminder to link up, please subscribe here.

Tutorial for making Paper Flowers for Mother's Day

I have a favor to ask. Capri + 3 is entered into the Circle of Moms Top 25 Multiples Blogs of 2013 contest which ends May 8th! We entered late in the game last year and did not make it. Every vote, tweet and FB share really helps us. Please go to the link below and scroll down until you see the picture of our kids like the one below and click 'vote' next to Capri + 3. You can do this once every 24 hours per network (until 4 p.m. PST on May 8th). It is a really tight race. Thank you so much for your help!

Link to Vote for Capri + 3

Here is the picture to look for when you scroll down:

Now it is your turn. Please add as many direct links to your arts, crafts and play posts as you would like. They can be new or not so new. We look forward to seeing all of your wonderful ideas. Please feel free to pin any of the posts you enjoy, or you can simply pin Artsy Play Wednesday to have access to all the fun ideas at once.

If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post:

-->"Check out our Pinterest Board where we will be listing all of your amazing ideas.

Paper Flowers for Mother's Day

2013-05-07T15:05:00.002-07:00

With Mother's Day approaching, it is fun to have children make crafts that they can proudly give to their Mama's. This is a quick and easy project your child can make with very few supplies.

Paper Flowers for Mother's Day

You will need:

Construction paper in flower color of choice (two sheets per flower)

Green tissue paper

Stapler

If a sturdier flower is desired, additional construction paper, dowel or tree branch to use underneath tissue paper stem

When I was in college and graduate school, I was a recreation director and did a children's art program every Saturday. We had lots of construction paper, tissue paper, glue and other basic supplies which I needed to find new uses for each week because I had the same neighborhood children hungry for art each weekend. One thing the children enjoyed making was construction paper and tissue paper flowers. Here is one variety that children who know how to use scissors can make and toddlers can help with the process. Take one sheet of construction paper and fold it in half horizontally (in a gentle way so that you do not have too many creases). Have your child (or help your toddler) cut strips all the way across without cutting all the way through the paper as pictured. If you have younger children who are newer to scissors, you may wish to draw lines on the paper to show them where to cut. Do this with two sheets.

Have your child reverse the fold by taking one uncut end and meeting it up with the other uncut end so that the petals of the flower are open (rather than flat). Do this with both sheets. Then take both sheets and lay them on top of one another (uncut ends together) so that there are two rows of petals. Have your child (or help your toddler) to roll the uncut ends of the paper to make a flower shape (as shown in the first picture.) Use a stapler to hold the flower together. Next, if you would like a sturdier stem, have your child fashion one out of construction paper (or attach flower to a wooden dowel or branch). Staple or tape to the flower to the base and then wrap the tissue paper around it and attach with the stapler. Younger children can help push the stapler to help staple. If desired, have your child tear the tissue paper to shape a leaf and twist it onto the stem. Then, staple it down. If a sturdy stem is not needed, skip this step and simply shape the stem and leaf out of tissue paper. The Sugar Snaps love this step of squeezing and crunching the tissue paper. We recycled green tissue paper from a gift bag. Toddlers (with some assistance) or older children can also squeeze and arrange the petals of the flower. Place in a vase if desired, or simply hand it to Mama with a note or card.

The Sugar Snaps are never bored by art projects. They love to crinkle paper, glue and paint. They are also practicing with scissors. Have you done any projects for Mother's Day this year? For the Mamas out there, what do you have planned? I hope you get lots of R & R and a little pampering this year.

I have a favor to ask. The top 25 Multiples Blogs contest ends May 8th at 4 p.m. PST. Please stop by and vote for Capri + 3 (once every 24 hours) in this tight race. Just scroll down until you find Capri + 3 and click 'vote.' Thank you for your help!

Vote for Capri + 3

Cowboy Festival Fun

2013-05-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

We took the Sugar Snaps to a local Cowboy Festival in the blazing heat with plenty of sunscreen. The shuttle bus which took us to the festival was their first time on the bus. There were lots of people dressed to the hilt in cowboy and cowgirl attire. Ever since we went to the festival, Ryder says, "cowboys, bus" when he plays with the bus toys at home. I think they now associate cowboys and buses and may be pretty surprised when they don't see any on their next bus ride.

The Sugar Snaps loved exploring the old stagecoach.

Xayden enjoyed being encircled by the lasso.

Capri also got in on the fun.

Ryder enjoyed the cowboy crafts table.

A cowboy peeked out from behind the colorful parasols ready to lasso someone.

Our little cowboys and cowgirl were pretty thirsty after their Western adventures.

The Cowboy Festival was a fun experience. It was nice to see the community come together and get into the Western spirit. Have you been to any festivals lately? I would love to hear from you. As always, comments are welcome.

Artsy Play Wednesday--Easy Preschool Spring Cardstock Puppets

2013-04-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hosted by: Capri + 3 Multi-Testing Mommy Shannon’s View From Here Baby Giveaways Galore

Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday, hosted by all of the blogs listed above. Each week one of the host blogs will share an arts, crafts or play activity along with the linky. This week, we have a special guest host, Frugal Edmonton Mama, who is sharing the featured craft this week. Please check out her tutorial for Easy Preschool Spring Cardstock Puppets. At the bottom of the post is the linky and your chance to join in and share your arts, crafts and play posts. The Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest Board (with over 950 followers so far) will include each of your wonderful arts, crafts and play ideas. If you haven't already, you may want to follow the Artsy Play Wednesday board. If you would like to receive a weekly email reminder to link up, please subscribe here.

Tutorial for making Easy Preschool Spring Cardstock Puppets

I have a favor to ask. Capri + 3 is entered into the Circle of Moms Top 25 Multiples Blogs of 2013 contest. We entered late in the game last year and did not make the cut. Every vote, tweet and FB share really helps us get there. Please go to the link below and scroll down until you see the picture of our kids like the one below and click 'vote' next to Capri + 3. You can do this once every 24 hours per network until May 8th. It is a really tight race. Thank you so much for your help!

Link to Vote for Capri + 3

Here is the picture to look for when you scroll down:

Now it is your turn. Please add as many direct links to your arts, crafts and play posts as you would like. They can be new or vintage. We look forward to seeing all of your wonderful ideas. Please feel free to pin any of the posts you enjoy, or you can simply pin Artsy Play Wednesday to have access to all the fun ideas at once.

If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post:

-->"Check out our Pinterest Board where we will be listing all of your amazing ideas.

The Bat Disguised as a Vacuum

2013-04-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

We took the Sugar Snaps to a baseball themed birthday party for twins recently. The theme of the party was the Minnesota Twins because the birthday boys' daddy is from Minnesota and they are twins. I thought this was such a clever idea! My husband enjoys watching some sports but neither one of us is especially sporty. This was very clear when the Sugar Snaps were exposed to toy baseball bats at the party for the first time. Xayden proudly exclaimed "vacuum!" when he saw the bat. At that moment I realized that they may need a little more exposure to sports.

Grayson used the bat as a walking stick

while Ryder peered down the drain holding the ball and bat.

Xayden caught on pretty fast for mistaking the bat for a vacuum...

Capri ran with the Minnesota Twins flag.

We loved the cute Stadium food. The Sugar Snaps will have to wait to try cotton candy though...

Sugar Snaps on sugar is an experience to be avoided. I was tempted by it and resisted. There is something fun about fluffy sugar clouds. We enjoyed the wonderful party and they gave the Sugar Snaps Bats and balls as favors. We can now reinforce that they are balls and bats rather than vacuums! Have you been to any parties with fun themes? What themes have you had for your children's parties. I'd love to hear from you. As always, comments are welcome.

If you have an extra moment, we would really appreciate it if you would vote for Capri + 3 in the Circle of Moms Top 25 multiples blogs. We are currently #14 and are the underdogs who did not make it last year. Please help us make it this year. You can vote once every 24 hours through May 8th. Just follow the link and scroll down until you see the picture of the Sugar Snaps next to Capri + 3 and click 'vote.' Thank you!

Vote for Capri + 3

Sailor Love

2013-04-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

We went out on a date night to see West Side Story and my sister-in-law, Leanne, graciously agreed to watch her niece and nephews, which is busy to say the least, while she is pregnant. Our newest niece is due in July. We dressed them in their sailor suits for added cuteness while they spent time with Aunt Leanne. Before she arrived, I took some photos of the Sugar Snaps on the couch.

One thing we have learned is that Capri, with her infectious laugh, has a special place in her brothers' hearts. Each one of them likes to be next to her and they love to give her a hug. At times, her brothers do not want to hold hands with each other, but do not object to holding Capri's. She enjoys her popularity and smiles a charming smile which keeps her brothers in awe. I did not plan to take photos of each brother with Capri. It just worked out that way.

Grayson and Capri shared a moment

and then a cute sibling kiss.

Ryder felt shy as Capri went in for a hug.

Xayden is the most in awe of his sister.

Whenever I bring the Sugar Snaps a treat, Xayden says, "Thank you Mama. Thank you Capri." Any time he has the chance to pick up her "Bunny Hop Hop" when she drops it, he does and brings it to her with a smile. She has a sparkle that appeals to all of her brothers. We can't resist her laugh either as she lets it take over her whole body. Is there a child in your family that is popular with the siblings? If you have family photos that you'd like to share, I would love to see them. Just leave a link.

We would really appreciate it if you would vote for Capri + 3 in the Circle of Moms top 25 Multiples Blogs. You can vote once every 24 hours per network. We would be so grateful for any Facebook shares or shout outs on Twitter (or in your community). Just scroll down the list until you find Capri + 3 (a picture of the Sugar Snaps from the Spring Photo Shoot, currently #12) and click 'vote.' Thank you!

Vote for Capri + 3 in the Circle of Moms Top 25 Multiples blogs

Artsy Play Wednesday--Kids' Crazy Quilt Craft & Linky

2013-04-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hosted by: Capri + 3 Multi-Testing Mommy Shannon’s View From Here Baby Giveaways Galore

Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday, hosted by all of the blogs listed above. Each week one of the host blogs will share an arts, crafts or play activity along with the linky. This week Kristen of Baby Giveaways Galor has the featured project which is a tutorial on how to make a Kids' Crazy Quilt Craft. This looks like fun for kids and parents! At the bottom of the post is the linky and your chance to join in and share your arts, crafts and play posts. The Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest Board (with over 950 followers so far) will include each of your wonderful arts, crafts and play ideas. If you haven't already, you may want to follow the Artsy Play Wednesday board. If you would like to receive a weekly email reminder to link up, please subscribe here.

Tutorial for making Kids' Crazy Quilt Craft

I have a favor to ask. Capri + 3 is entered into the Circle of Moms Top 25 Multiples Blogs of 2013 contest. We entered late in the game last year and did not make the cut. Every vote or FB share really helps us get there. Please go to the link below and scroll down until you see the Capri + 3 button and click 'vote' next to the button. You can do this once every 24 hours per network until May 8th. Thank you so much for your help!

Link to Vote for Capri + 3

Here is the button to look for when you scroll down:

If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post:

-->"Check out our Pinterest Board where we will be listing all of your amazing ideas.

Our First---and Hopefully Last--Trip to the ER

2013-04-19T14:42:00.001-07:00

It is pretty chaotic having four toddlers running around at the same time. The other night, Greg and I were both home and I had Capri on the changing table to put on her pajamas. Xayden was sitting at the horseshoe shaped table which has four little seats hooked onto it. It has been so nice to have those chairs as they allow the Sugar Snaps to sit at the table and eat or do 'table time' activities like puzzles and art. For a while now, some of the Sugar Snaps have tested boundaries by shimmying out of their chairs, even when strapped in, and either standing up or climbing onto the table. I have lost track of how many times we have said, "sit down!" It is so many though that they can all imitate it complete with the same intonation. It is interesting to hear how we sound through the voice of our children.

On this night, Xayden shimmied out of his seat and quickly stood on the table while Greg and I called 'sit down!' from across the room as I changed Capri and Greg helped Ryder. Before we could prevent it he fell off the table on the inside of the horseshoe and hit his head hard on the slate floor. Greg, who was closest ran and scooped Xayden off the floor feeling the large bump that had risen immediately out of the back of his head. He walked over to me (still at the changing table) and I took Xayden and felt the bump on his head. While Greg watched Capri, I ran to the freezer with Xayden to get a bag of frozen grapes for his head. Then, I ran to the car and drove him straight to the emergency room of a local hospital.

Charming, Daring Xayden...

     The bump was so large that emergency room personnel did not have to examine him to see it. They saw it as soon as I approached the counter with Xayden in my arms and said, "we need to get this kid triaged." When they found out he fell from a table onto a slate floor, they found us a bed right away where I sat and held him. I am sure they wondered why I let my child stand on a table and fall onto the slate floor (as evidenced by momentarily raised eyebrows). I explained that we have four two year-old toddlers and it seemed to make more sense to them.

     The very nice ER doctor took a look at Xayden and explained that many doctors would automatically send him for a CT scan based on the size and location of the bump but he wanted me to know our options based on science. He said that the kind of trauma where there is bleeding in the brain is like a needle in a haystack, rare and hard to find. Xayden was alert, had not vomited or lost consciousness and his pupils looked normal. It was unlikely, though possible, that Xayden had that level of trauma. He explained that the back of the head is more vulnerable than the front in terms of skull fracture. I was surprised as I would have imagined the opposite as the front feels more vulnerable because of the face. He explained that if he had bruising underneath or a fracture, he would likely be admitted and then would have more CT scans to monitor him and it was like 'opening Pandora's box.' Each CT scan would increase Xayden's chances of getting cancer in the future and no further treatment would be provided. Given that information, after speaking with Greg on the phone, we opted to take him home. Every two hours I awoke Xayden who we put in a pack'n'play by the bed and asked him what letter his name started with and what was the name of his Lovie (with whom he sleeps). Luckily, he knew the answers.

     The next day, we took the Sugar Snaps to a birthday party at a park. This was the same park where we did the Easter Egg Hunt and a child from our multiples group had fallen off the structure that day and was momentarily unconscious. They went to the emergency room and he was fortunately all right. We had all four Sugar Snaps at the playground. Grayson has stood perilously close to the edge many times and Greg's eyes were on him (and Ryder) as they climbed higher. Capri climbed onto another part of the structure while I watched her. We had momentarily stopped watching Xayden (though we knew exactly where he was). He had never had the tendency to dance with danger on the edge which made play structures seem 'Xayden proof.' But, this time he did and fell right off, landing on his bottom before falling back onto the bump on his head. We felt like parents of the year. He fell not once, but twice in the same weekend! Parents shared their ER stories with us and we realized that we are not the only ones who have been there. While we do not want any families to need emergency services, it is nice to know that other parents are human too and their kids have also fallen when they were right there. I spent another night waking Xayden up every two hours and asking him questions just in case. Thankfully, he is doing well and describes his experience as "uh oh table. Xayden fall bump head."

     Have you been to the emergency room with anyone in your family? Please share your experiences in the comments. It helps to know we are not alone. If you have an extra moment, please click on the Circle of Moms Top 25 button on the upper right side of the sidebar and vote for us by finding the Capri + 3 button on the contest and clicking 'vote.' You can do this once every 24 hours through May 8th. We'd love to make it to the top 25 this year. Thank you.

Artsy Play Wednesday--Paper Kite

2013-04-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hosted by: Capri + 3 Multi-Testing Mommy Shannon’s View From Here Baby Giveaways Galore

Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday, hosted by all of the blogs listed above. Each week one of the host blogs will share an arts, crafts or play activity along with the linky. This week Shannon of Shannon's View from Here has the featured project which is a tutorial on how to make a kite guaranteed to fly. This looks like a lot of fun! At the bottom of the post is the linky and your chance to join in and share your arts, crafts and play posts. The Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest Board (with over 950 followers so far) will include each of your wonderful arts, crafts and play ideas. If you haven't already, you may want to follow the Artsy Play Wednesday board. If you would like to receive a weekly email reminder to link up, please subscribe here.

Tutorial for Homemade Kite Guaranteed to Fly

Now it is your turn. Please add as many direct links to your arts, crafts and play posts as you would like. They can be new or new to fresh readers. We look forward to seeing all of your wonderful ideas. Please feel free to pin any of the posts you enjoy, or you can simply pin Artsy Play Wednesday to have access to all the fun ideas at once.

If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post:

-->"Check out our Pinterest Board where we will be listing all of your amazing ideas.

Jump Into Spring Photo Shoot

2013-04-13T19:54:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun doing a Spring photo shoot with Mia Z photography last year, that we decided to do it again. Mia is also a Mama of multiples and is wonderful with children. If you missed last year's Spring shoot, or you want to compare, click here to see that post.

The Sugar Snaps watched as Mama and Daddy acted silly. (Mia Z Photography)

Capri (Mia Z Photography)

Xayden (Mia Z Photography)

Grayson (Mia Z Photography)

Ryder (Mia Z Photography)

I like this photo of the transition between positions. (Mia Z Photography)

The Sugar Snaps (Mia Z Photography)

Whenever we have the chance to do a photo shoot with a professional photographer, we enjoy it. Mia has talent and an eye for photography which shows in her work. As you can imagine, getting four toddlers to look in the same direction at one time is no small feat.

Since we had our four all together, we get one shot at capturing their childhoods and we want to capture everything we can. I think they will enjoy looking back at these moments growing up together. I hope they will experience lifelong friendships due to their shared experiences and connection. Do you enjoy doing photo shoots with your family? Feel free to leave links to your photo shoots. I'd love to see them.

Artsy Play Wednesday--Homemade GAK

2013-04-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hosted by: Capri + 3 Multi-Testing Mommy Shannon’s View From Here Baby Giveaways Galore

Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday, hosted by all of the fun blogs listed above. Please visit them when you get the chance. Each week one of the host blogs will share an arts, crafts or play activity along with the linky. This week Multi-Testing Mommy has the featured project which is a tutorial on how to make GAK. I have not tried this yet with the Sugar Snaps and she has inspired me to make a batch. At the bottom of the post is the linky and your chance to join in and share your arts, crafts and play posts. The Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest Board with over 800 followers so far will include each of your wonderful arts, crafts and play ideas. If you haven't already, you may want to follow the Artsy Play Wednesday board. If you would like to receive a weekly email reminder to link up, please subscribe here.

Homemade GAK by Multi-testing Mommy: Click Here for Tutorial

Now it is your turn. Please add as many direct links to your arts, crafts and play posts as you would like. They can be new or one of your great ideas from another year. We look forward to seeing all of your wonderful ideas. Please feel free to pin any of the posts you enjoy, or you can simply pin Artsy Play Wednesday to have access to all the fun ideas at once.

If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post:

-->"Check out our Pinterest Board where we will be listing all of your amazing ideas.

Choo choo!

2013-04-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

We started to introduce a little educational programming for the Sugar Snaps when they were almost two. They love the ABC Train DVD and also books about trains. We can hear the train from where we live and they excitedly shout , "choo choo!" when they hear it in the distance. Each night as part of our bed time routine, we sing "Down by the station" with them and then do a few rounds of "chuga, chuga....choo choo!" while we pull our imaginary levers. When we found out that a local train was having a special one hour ride suitable for toddlers, we knew we had to go.

We found out that it is a 'railway tradition' to stop and get off the train while it backs up and comes down the tracks with steam rising for people to take pictures. We decided it was worth it to get off the train with the four Sugar Snaps (which was no easy feat) to experience it. The first picture you see is the train coming down the tracks. What you don't see is Greg holding on to three of the Sugar Snaps hands tightly at a distance while I am standing closer with Ryder's entire arm between my legs so I can snap a quick picture without him running towards the train. I gripped him with my legs and bent sideways to snap the photo around all the other people snapping pictures. I am sure the people without a toddler between their legs got better pictures, but it was far more memorable being there with Ryder as he excitedly watched the train coming our way.

You can see that I was leaning at an angle to capture this shot...

Capri seemed to contemplate her ride on the train.

Grayson modeled Daddy's glasses and cried, "choo choo!"

Ryder was so excited that he beamed

and Xayden cried, "choo choo!" whenever he heard the sound.

Have you done train rides with your family? We had a lot of fun and would definitely get off again for the 'railway tradition.' It also beat staying on the train as they would have been squirmy by the time it started up again. Do you have any adventures you'd recommend trying with a toddler? I'd love to hear from you. As always, comments are welcome.

Artsy Play Wednesday--Egg Carton Flowers

2013-04-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hosted by: Capri + 3 Multi-Testing Mommy Shannon’s View From Here Baby Giveaways Galore

Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday, hosted by all of the fun blogs listed above. Please visit them when you get the chance. Each week one of the host blogs will share an arts, crafts or play activity along with the linky. This week, Capri + 3 has the featured project which is a tutorial on how to make Recycled Egg Carton Flowers. At the bottom of the post is the linky and your chance to join in and share your arts, crafts and play posts. The new Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest Board with over 800 followers so far will include each of your wonderful arts, crafts and play ideas. If you haven't already, you may want to follow the Artsy Play Wednesday board. If you would like to receive a weekly email reminder to link up, please subscribe here.

Recycled Egg Carton Flowers: Click Here for Tutorial

Now it is your turn. Please add as many direct links to your arts, crafts and play posts as you would like. They can be new or new to new readers. We look forward to seeing all of your great ideas. Please feel free to pin any of the posts you enjoy, or you can simply pin Artsy Play Wednesday to have access to all the fun ideas at once.

If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post:

Check out our Pinterest Board where we will be listing all of your amazing ideas.

Jump into Spring with Recyled Egg Carton Flowers

2013-04-02T02:00:00.000-07:00

I save a lot of egg cartons for crafts and play activities. They are great for sorting as well as cutting and making in to fun creations. I tend to look at the egg carton and envision all kinds of crafts. As I looked at one of the cartons recently, I thought that four of the compartments looked almost like a flower but not quite. So, I cut out the section of four and then cut out and glued on another section, and it transformed into a flower ready for the Sugar Snaps to paint. If you are a teacher, this would make a great Mother's Day craft for your students.

Recycled Egg Carton Flower

You will need:

Recycled egg carton (five compartments per flower)
Scissors
White glue
Tempera paint in flower color of your choice and container to put it in
Paint brush
Recycled tissue paper (yellow or orange and green)
Construction paper in background color of your choice

This craft requires some grown up preparations before the little ones can get involved. First, cut out a section of four compartments and cut around each one to resemble the petals of a flower. Then, cut out one more compartment and glue it (or staple it) on the back of the flower (side that holds the eggs). Once the glue has dried, it is ready to paint.

Recycled Egg Carton Flower ready to paint

I put a sheet of wax paper underneath for easy clean up. You could also use recycled newspaper. Have your child paint the flower and allow it to dry. Then your little one can crumple the tissue paper for the flower's center. The Sugar Snaps love to crumple tissue paper (or any paper really). Add a dab of glue to the center of the flower and have your child press it into the center. Then form a stem and leaf with the green tissue paper for your child (or your older child can do this part). Glue the tissue paper stem and leaf on to the background paper along with the egg carton flower.

Xayden loved painting the flower red. It took a while to dry due to his enthusiasm.

What crafts have you made with recycled materials? I'd love to see your spring craft ideas on Artsy Play Wednesday or feel free to share a link to your post in the comments.

*This post is playing at Tender Moments with your Toddlers & Preschoolers and Share it Saturday

Color Eggs in a Ziploc Bag--a No Mess Success!

2013-04-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

Last year, we colored Easter Eggs using a whisk. If you missed that post, you can click on the link to find out how. This year, I wanted to try another easy method for toddlers. So, we tried coloring eggs in Ziploc Bags. You may remember that we did painting in a bag when the Sugar Snaps were smaller, so I decided to use a similar method to color the eggs. It was so easy and fun!

Grayson enjoyed coloring his egg.

You will need:

Ziploc sandwich bags
Food coloring
White vinegar
Water at room Temperature
Hard boiled eggs
Measuring cups (1/2 cup size and 1 cup size)
Tablespoon size measuring spoon

Their finished eggs were vibrant.

I have purchased the egg coloring kits many times and they are convenient, but it is also easy to color eggs using ingredients you probably already have at home. For each egg color, mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with 1/2 cup of water in a 1 cup measuring cup (or a bowl). Add several drops of food coloring until you achieve the desired color. Then pour it into the Ziploc bag and add a hard boiled egg. Have your toddler roll the egg back and forth in the bag (off of the table). It is a good way to teach them about being gentle and that eggs can break. We only had one egg casualty. I was very happy with that as I had all four of the Sugar Snaps coloring eggs at once. They had fun picking out their colors and watching their eggs transform. After they finished an egg (and I placed it in the carton to dry), they switched Ziploc bags to try out a new color.

I hope you have been enjoying the Spring season. We have been having a lot of fun going to egg hunts and just spending time outdoors. I would love to hear from you. As always, comments are welcome.

Easter Bunny Encounter & Egg Hunt on the Farm

2013-03-30T10:50:00.003-07:00

We took the Sugar Snaps to a local farm where there was an Easter celebration complete with an egg hunt amongst bales of hay. Adult bunny helpers continuously walked around tossing eggs onto the hay as little ones excitedly picked them up. The Sugar Snaps enjoyed finding the colorful eggs.

Capri enjoyed collecting the eggs

while Ryder had trouble with the balancing act

and left his basket unattended while he searched for more.

The Sugar Snaps inspected their loot

before waiting to see the Easter Bunny.

who was just as terrifying as the bearded man in red.

We had a wonderful time at the farm's Easter celebration. It is fun to see the Sugar Snaps gain a new understanding each time they do an egg hunt. Some day, they may have an awe of the Easter Bunny who brings "baskets full of Easter joy" but that will have to wait. I hope you are enjoying Spring with your family. I'd love to hear what you have been doing. As always, comments are welcome.

Artsy Play Wednesday--Make Easy Coasters with kids

2013-03-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hosted by: Capri + 3 Multi-Testing Mommy Shannon’s View From Here Baby Giveaways Galore

Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday. When you get the chance, please visit each of the host blogs linked above. Each week one of the host blogs will share an arts, crafts or play activity along with the linky. This week, Kristen from Baby giveaways galore has the featured project which is a tutorial on how to make kids' art coasters. Please check out her tutorial. At the bottom of the post is the linky and your chance to join in and share your arts, crafts and play posts. The Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest Board with over 800 followers so far will include each of your wonderful arts, crafts and play ideas. If you are not already following the Artsy Play Wednesday Board, please follow it to have easy access to all of the amazing ideas (including yours). If you would like to receive a weekly email reminder to link up, please subscribe here.

Kids' Art Coasters Tutorial

Now it is your turn. Please add as many direct links to your arts, crafts and play posts as you would like. They do not have to be new as they will be new to a fresh audience. We look forward to seeing all of your great ideas. Please feel free to pin any of the posts you enjoy, or you can simply pin Artsy Play Wednesday to have access to all the fun ideas at once.

If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post:

Check out our Pinterest Board where we will be listing all of your amazing ideas.

Going on an Egg Hunt

2013-03-26T02:30:00.000-07:00

This is the second time the Sugar Snaps have gone to the Mothers of Multiples club's Easter egg hunt. Last year, they had fun but really didn't get it. You can peek back at last year's hunt to see the difference. This year, they got the concept a little better and I imagine by next year they will have it down. We were lucky to have beautiful weather for the egg hunt which was held outside at a park. Parents of children under three filled the eggs with things they could safely eat while the parents of older children filled the eggs with all kinds of candy. The little ones found eggs 'hidden' in plain sight on the lawn while the older children found eggs hidden all over the playground.

Xayden had fun finding eggs to put in his frog basket.

Ryder was on the lookout for all the colorful eggs.

Capri wondered what was inside her pretty white egg decorated with hearts.

Grayson's green basket matched his shirt and the grass below.

All four Sugar Snaps opened up their eggs and began to consume the contents.

It was fun seeing all of the families with multiples. The Sugar Snaps are too young to see the significance of going on a hunt with other families who have multiples as they do not know that they are multiples. Some day, I imagine, they will think it is pretty fun to get together with other children who are twins, triplets or more. Have the children in your life gone on any egg hunts this year? I would love to hear from you. As always, comments are welcome.

Farewell to Multiples Monday

2013-03-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

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It is with sadness, that we say farewell to Multiples Monday, a tradition for the past year on Capri + 3, where each week, blogs about multiples have connected by sharing their posts with us. We have had the chance to follow their families on adventures and enjoy their fun family photos. We have seen children from inside the womb, to birth and then watched them grow into toddlers and beyond. Due to dwindling participation, and feedback from the families about their busy schedules, this will be the final Multiples Monday post. I will miss seeing all of the families who have participated each week. To all of you who have shared your posts and stories, thank you. I have enjoyed reading each and every post. I hope you'll continue to be involved by joining the Multiples are Marvelous board on Pinterest. Please leave me a blog post comment if you're interested or send me an email with your Pinterest information. I will get things started this week, with a picture of the Sugar Snaps before they went on an Easter Egg hunt with our local Mothers of multiple club. Then, please add your posts.

Ryder, Grayson, Capri and Xayden were ready to find some eggs.

Now it is your turn. Since this is the final Multiples Monday, feel free to add as many posts about your multiples as you would like, new or vintage. Think of this as a photo album of your families and add several of your favorite posts. If you have friends who have blogs about multiples, please spread the word so that they can add their posts to this final album.

Please check out Capri + 3's (capriplusthree) Multiples are Marvelous Board: