Humane Society

Yes, she really would have brought every single one of these critters home if we would have let her.  The first few times, she nearly CRIED because we made her leave them there.  

It is a HUGE understatement to say that my kids LOVED volunteering at the Humane Society.  Even though our time requirement for Girl Scouts is over, I have a feeling that we will still be volunteering in the future.

my other elf

Blabber Elf

Sarah had a speaking part in her 5th grade music program..."Blabber Elf" and "Enthusiastic Elf".  No ACTING needed.

5th and 2nd

How can it be that they are growing up so fast?

Whale Watching video

Awesome encounter with an ORCA whale from our Seattle vacation!!

Our new kitty

In June, we adopted a kitten from the Humane Society.  They had named her Pixie, but the kids changed it to Tiger based on her stripes.  She is not fierce AT ALL.  She has been sweet and tolerant from the very beginning. 

This was the 1st day we had Tiger, Shane didn't want to be away from her.

Kids had a slumber party to sleep with her.  Wasn't she obedient to stay in her little bed.

 

She is so cuddly and loves to sleep with ME! :)

 

Of all the places to sleep in our house, the girls chose Sarah's sleeping bag.  (Wonder if they are partial to pink?)

Easter Scavenger Hunt clues...

Fun!  Fun!  Hiding eggs and letting them search.  My dad writes clues for an older cousin to find around the farm, so this year, I decided to make my kids find their eggs.  Sarah had clues in every egg, but some also had little prizes like Moshi Monsters and girl Legos.  Shane's had something plus the clue in every egg.  A few Lego guys, boy squinkies, and then a Bionicle split up into the last few.  I found a large, 8 inch egg at Walmart as the final one.

Here are the clues for the 10 year old...(things in ( ) are for clarification for readers)
1.  Letterboxing was fun, you think?  Look in a place to get a drink.  (Letterboxing was a girl scout activity from last weekend's camporee)
2.  Isn't it fun looking for clues?  Look in a place where you'll find shoes.
3.  You found one here, you found one there, now find one hiding in a chair.
4.  High and low.  Short and tall. Be careful going down - don't fall. (on stairs)
5.  You figured that one out "Oh My!" The next one will be found up high!
6.  Funny how it was almost out of reach.  Find the next clue packing for the beach! (where we store beach towels)
7.  Good job!  Don't ever think you can't. The next one is inside a plant.
8.  You're good at this game.  Now can you find one behind a frame?
9.  A few more left around the house! Look out, I think I see a mouse! (computer mouse)
10.  Hello?  Hello? Are you there? Amazing how sound travels through air. (by phone)
11.  HaHa HeeHee. I can't fool you.  Look inside something blue! (My favorite...inside a blown up balloon.  she had to pop it to find prize and clue)
12.  Great searching, of you I'm proud.  The last one RINGS really loud. (by back door alarm)(I had to have Shane open the back door and set off the alarm for Sarah to get it.)  I wish she had more perseverance!

for the 7 year old...
1. This year's eggs must be found in ORDER.  Find the next one on the stairs.
2.  Yeah!  Now look by the door to EXIT.
3.  Are you feeling thirsty for some milk?
4.  Looks like it's gonna rain, better grab an umbrella.
5. Maybe you should wash your hands, they are looking a little green (sink in green bathroom)
6.  Your next clue is by a cross.
7. Maybe it's time for a break.  Want to watch some TV?
8.  OK. Ok. Maybe some piano instead?
9.  Not here either?  How about a snack?
10.  You're good at this game, maybe next year I should PRINT them instead (by printer)
11.  Ooops.  My pencil broke, maybe I should get another... (by pencil jar)
12.  Hurray! You're almost done.  Look by the window to continue the fun.
13. :)