I Want Candy!

Apparently Ben is motivated to write when there is something he wants badly enough.

The evidence? This week's grocery list.

Salt Dough Valentine's Day Decorations

Although this project took us about three weeks to complete (note the numerous wardrobe changes) and resulted in the demise of two cookies sheets (due to hardening Mod Podge) I think this project was a great success.

Adventures in Chicago Living

Earlier in January we spent a few days in Chicago.  Chris had a meeting scheduled and the dates coincided with Maggie's birthday so the kids and I tagged along. 

Some Highlights:

 Waiting for the dolphin show at the Shedd Aquarium

We'd never taken the kids to the Shedd Aquarium before and they were not only impressed with the exhibits but with the building itself. 

When we got into the elevator Ben said, in a very reverent tone, "It's made of real gold!"

Cate was suitably impressed with the main lobby.  "I think it used to be a palace," she whispered.

Maggie didn't have much to say about the building but after touching a starfish she noted, "They messier than I thought they would be" and immediately looked for a place to wash her hands.

Favorite things:

Ben: Sharks and stingrays

Cate: Dolphins and Beluga whale show

Maggie: Watching the show and looking at the Beluga whales

Birthday Lunch at the American Girl Doll Store

We celebrated Maggie's 3rd birthday with a special lunch at the American Girl Doll Store.  The look on her face when the waiters and customers sang "Happy Birthday" to her was priceless.

Cate also seranaded her with a special rendition of the "Happy Birthday" song. 

"Happy Birthday to you!  You're 102.  You look like a monkey, and you smell like one too."

In response, Maggie smiled sweetly at her and said, "Well, you smell like poopy."

Chicago Children's Museum

We spent hours at the Chicago Children's Museum, which was popular with everyone.  There was a fire station exhibit, a giant ship to climb, a very wet water exhibit and the building corner, where we spent most of our time.

Favorite things:

Ben: climbing up the ship

Maggie:  the water part and helping Cate and Ben build

Cate:  building the house with dad and climbing through the ship

Squinkie Town

Let me begin by saying I just don't understand Squinkies at all.

They are small, plastic slightly squishy characters with no bendable, moveable parts.  My kids were excited to receive Squinkies from birthday parties but  have never really played with them all that much. 

Until this week.

Everyday this week Ben has come home from school with a new cardboard square to add to his "Squinkie Town."  He and Cate have spent hours devising elaborate Squinkie-related games using these squares.

So even though I don't understand the allure, this week I have been very grateful for them since their presence has allowed me to get a lot of things (e.g., dishes, laundry) done before the kids go to bed.

To Be Three.

A Birthday Interview with Maggie

What is your favorite color?  Purple and pink---all of the colors

What is your favorite food?  Cupcakes!

What is your favorite thing to play?  Babies.

What is your favorite tv show?  Doc McStuffins

What is your favorite book?  Madeline

(And her favorite line from this book?  "To all the tigers in the zoo, Madeline just said pooh-pooh.")

What is your favorite song?  "ABCs" and "I Love Daddy" (a song she made up and starting singing immediately after being asked this question)

What is your favorite place to visit?  Idaho.  I like my cousins.

What was the best part of your birthday?  LaLa Loopsy

What do you think about before you fall asleep?  I read books.

What is your favorite thing to do outside?  Play on the swings

What do you want to be when you grow up?  A doctor

Who are your best friends?  Daddy and Mommy

The day of the birthday interview was a rough one for Mags.  Chris was listening to Maggie's answers and heard her say that we were her best friends.

"Are you just saying that because you know you're in trouble?"  he asked.

"No, I just sayin' it 'cuz I like you guys," was her reply.

Oh Mags, we like you too!

Outnumbered

If anybody could use a little brother, it's Ben.

This is 3.

Happy 3rd birthday Maggie!

Thank you Pinterest!

1 strainer + 1 package of pipe cleaners = 1.5 hours of fun for Maggie

Thank you Pinterest!

Christmas Tattoos

Dear Uncle Devo-

Thank you SO much for the tattoos for Christmas.  I think it's clear how much I loved them. 

(Don't tell my mom but I even put a tattoo on my bottom).

Mommy was pretty much speechless when she saw my handiwork.  All she could say was, "I can't wait until your Uncle Devin has kids."

love,
Maggie