Powerful: Derek + Laura

This weeks class was Music time. It was so much fun and the best part is the kids were all worn out by the end. Brooklyn is taking a great nap as I write.  Here is how I set it up and what I did: Pick out 15-20 songs that the kids will love. Make sure a lot of them have actions the children can learn to do. I will list all the songs I picked below. E-mail parents and ask them to bring an empty plastic water bottle and some scarves or ribbons. Purchase and blow up one balloon for each child. Set up "What's in My Basket" game. I filled up one easter egg for each child with something different. I used coins, pasta, marshmallows, cereal, rice, beans, etc. Anything I could find in my kitchen that would make noise when you shook the egg.  Each child gets to come pick one egg, shake it, and guess what's inside. Depending on your age group you can have them count how many of the objects are inside the egg. The kids each loved having their own turn. Then start off with...

A couple of weeks ago I was talking to some of my friends about starting some kind of regular class where we can get our kids together once a week to learn and play. As an added bonus, we all get to chat as well. That night I started researching different activities that are good for kids ages 18 months-3 years. I put together an 8 week schedule that will include different themes each week so that our children can be exposed to many different things. I couldn't wait to get started. I e-mailed my friends my ideas/schedule and once I knew who could participate I went shopping to pick up supplies. Everything I have needed so far I found at the Dollar Tree and Micheal's. Today was our first class and it was a lot of fun. Our theme this week was animals. As everyone arrived I let them pick out a folder and decorate it. I also took a picture with the kids and their moms. We started by reading a couple of animal books I had on hand. The kids loved them because they were flap books a...

Our sweet girl is 18 months (actually almost 20 months at this point). I've become so slow at blogging with such a busy toddler on my hands. We are always busy playing, running errands, and enjoying one another's company. She is truly my sidekick and mini me and I wouldn't have it any other way. Here is a recap of our sweet girl over the past 3 months: Vacationed to Newport Beach, CA with my family Grandma and Grandpa Power and Aunt Samantha. That was a blast having them here in Texas with us.  Had her first easter egg hunt! She loves collecting necklaces a lot more than eggs.  Cheered her mom on at all her volleyball games.  All about shoes. I just wish I owned fancier shows her her to try on. Guess I'll need to get her some dress up ones in the near future. Can't believe she is already starting to love that stage. She is growing too fast. Entered Nursery at church and you aren't really sure how you feel about it Talking a ton! Seriously, I swear...

Texas is having some gorgeous weather lately. I don't even mind the upper 80s as long as its not too humid. I forgot how sticky everything feels when it's 80-99% humid. Somedays I just daydream that I'm in Hawaii instead of Texas because that's where humidity is actually worth it. Ha Anyway, moving on to what I came to blog about. With this nice weather Brooklyn and I spend almost every morning at the park. She'll usually let me  walk/jog 2 miles on the trails at the park before getting completely restless. Then she's off and never wants to leave. Every time we park our car and I let her out of her carseat, she sees the park and screams with excitement. I love it and all the park people think it's pretty cute too. Our little Brooklyn sure can bring a smile to any face.  So grateful to live in a wonderful city full of parks, walking trails, and friends to have park play dates with. Brooklyn sure is happy in Texas.  This is pure joy  Playing with some friends ...