Fun at the Fire Station

We went to the Whitefish Fire Station last weekend for their open house.   It is a wonderful event that we look forward to each year. They bring out all of their fire engines, ambulances, boats- even a helicopter, hovercraft, and SWAT van for the public to see.  They let the kids climb over the fire engines, explore the SWAT van, and ask any questions they want. There were at least 30+ firefighters there, which is pretty impressive since they are mostly volunteer. They give all the kids fire helmets, balloons, gift bags with coloring books, stickers, and crayons.  They even do a lunch which is all prepared by firefighters- it's hot dogs, chips, and a pop- but I am still giving them credit. Everything is free, and there is not even a place to give donations. Both kids loved it. 

 One of the main attractions is the obstacle course.  You have to run out, rescue Tigger, and get him in a neck brace.

 Then run him over to the next stop, and give him some oxygen.

 Then, run over to the hose and drag it around to the final station.

 Ready, Aim...

 Fire!  Sophie is aiming at a wooden building that is "on fire" and you have to knock down 3 windows that have flames on them.  When you are finished they give you a certificate that says you're a junior firefighter.

 Another big hit- getting dressed up as a firefighter.

 Very excited!

 Cade was excited to get out of his stroller and climb on the fire engine.  He had so much fun on it, it was hard to get him off.

 Sophie climbing into the SWAT van

 Cade and Daddy checking out the helicopter.   It was a really fun morning, we cant wait to go back!

Nana Visits

 We were lucky enough to have Nana come and visit us.  She was able to stay a little over a week, so the kids were able to spend a lot of time with her.  When nana visits, Sophie wants to do one thing-cook.  Nana has far more patience than I do, and she does not mind Sophie underfoot.

Nana and Sophie making bread.  Nana was teaching Sophie how to roll out the dough. Nana usually makes bread for us when she visits, the kids gobble it up!

 Kneading the dough was hard work!

 Making applesauce- This was something that GG did every fall, and it's a tradition that I want to continue. Nana was surprised how quickly we made it- I used an apple corer/slicer/peeler, that reduced the prep work from 4 hours down to 30 min.  GG always made applesauce the way she was taught, and my mom continued to do everything by hand as well.  I think I have her convinced to use modern kitchen appliances.

 

 Making homemade stew, nothing is better on a cold day!

Cade didn't help with any cooking, but he put Nana to work with his busy, busy ways.  Right now all he likes to do is move, move, move.  His favorite toys are anything he can push/ride on.  He loves the pink shopping cart and runs all over the house with it.

We were lucky enough to spend Nana's actual birthday with her, and had a great time celebrating again.  Sophie picked out the decorations- princess- and helped Nana blow out her candles.  We are ready for Nana to come back again!

Learning to Use a Spoon

 Cade has been starting to use a spoon.  This has been a very messy, messy process.  I don't remember Sophie being completely covered in food, or getting food in her hair.  I could have blocked it out- but I think it is the difference between boys and girls. When Cade uses a spoon he gets food EVERYWHERE.  In his hair, nose, ears, pretty much everywhere except his mouth.  I have been letting him try to use a spoon at dinner, so that we can do a bath soon after.  He has certainly enjoyed this learning process!

 Using a spoon is a big deal, and he feels like a big boy!

 Hmmm, spoon on the forehead. Whoops!

Leaving the spoon in his mouth, and just using his hands to get the yogurt.  Good thinking!

I love to Dance!!

 Sophie started dance class last month and loves it!  She looks forward to it every week, and is very excited to wear the "costume".  The class is a combination of ballet, tap, jazz, and tumbling. The teacher is very strict, and keeps the kids moving constantly. What Sophie lacks in technique she makes up in raw enthusiasm.  She always has a smile on her face and is eager to try everything- except for ballet, this she finds boring.  I have noticed that she probably won't be earning any scholarships to Julliard, as the teacher helper is always positioned right behind Sophie.  The poor child was blessed with Carl's flexibility, which is to say she can barely touch her toes. But she loves to go, and I love taking her!

Practicing tap

Practing stretching for ballet- notice the bored, zoned out look.

Making sure we are watching!

 The best part of dance class might be wearing the outfit...