Can we fix it?

Imagine It! Children's Museum of Atlanta

Can we fix it? Yes, we can!

When we were down in Atlanta for the Thanksgiving weekend Chief, G'Pa, and I were able to check out the Children's Museum of Atlanta. They were sporting a Bob the Builder Exhibit so we just had to check that out! If it involves tool, machines, building, or (de)construction we Yeagers will be there. I don't know if this was the same Bob exhibit that we had here at our children's museum, but it was very similar if it wasn't. I'm not sure if most of these exhibits are like many traveling museum exhibits or not. It was fun, so I don't suppose it matters, but I think I might look into that just to sate my curiosity.

As you can see, we were one of the only groups there that day. By Atlanta standards I think the weather was too cold and too windy. And it was cold and windy! I didn't think it would be like that down there. It was nice to be able to explore the facility with out having to push our way up to activities, though. It really is a nice set up. One large room with different stations to explore, cafeteria style tables to eat at, and a gift shop.

I asked him to jump on Scoop "just like Bob"

I had no idea that moon sand was SO fun! We molded and shaped for quite awhile. I am tempted to buy some for home, but I lack the 10 foot table and janitorail staff to help with containment and clean up.

This water station was cool. It was a water fall design with little pools. It was filled with little "fish" and had fishing poles easily accessible. My only complaint was that instead of aprons they provided rain coats. Most had buttons missing so the child got wet! We ended up purchasing a shirt form the lovely gift shop so he wouldn't be totally soaked when we went to lunch. We would have bought pants if they had those, too!

I'm really glad we decided to go to this musuem. We will absolutley go again when we get back to Atlanta. Fun, fun, fun!

Thanksgiving in Atlanta

Happy Thanksgiving!
This year we flew to Atlanta to spend time with G'Ma and G'Pa. We had a fantastic dinner! Turkey, mash, sweet potoatoes, salads, pumpkin pies, oh my! Did I mention the appitizers? Shrimp, crab dip, brie, nuts, crackers, and more I have forgotten! I swear to you we ate for days!!! Not only was dinner fantastic the cold turkey sandwiches the next day were divine. Is there any thing tastier? My only complaint is that we did indeed eventually run out of food. I suppose the culinary joys of this eat-fest had to come to a close sometime.

Aunt Barb, Aunt Judy, Cousin Allie, Cousin Brian and g'friend Allison, and Aunt D'arcy were all there to join in the feast. People came in from St. Louis, New York City, Saint Paul, and Chicago.

The weather was beautiful on Thanksgiving and we had a smooth flight experience. Of course, the weather turned on us for the rest of our trip. It rained buckets for days after that, but I suppose Atlanta welcomed the water so I can't be too upset.

Dinner table all ready for the feast!

Everyone hanging out inthe family room getting ready to eat!

Great Aunt Brab and Aunt D'arcy doing a little cooking

We also got to celebrate Aunt Barb's 60th birthday! Happy Birthday, Barb!!

I have loads more photots and I will break them up into different posts. I didn't want to overwhelm you with a gigantic holiday thread. Stay tuned!

Painted Illumination

So, what do you do with a $5 lamp shade from the clearance end cap at Target and a $3 lamp base from Goodwill? Why you paint it, of course! We have been hunting for a nice bed side lamp for Chief's room and have yet to find anything we loved. When I came across a plain white lamp shade my brain lit up and I knew what we were going to do! Papa Bear, Little Chief, and I sat down one evening at the kitchen table with some craft paint and with brushes in hand had a fun filled family craft night.

A friend of mine complimented me on being able to let the child participate in decorating and designing accents in his room. While I thank her from the bottom of my heart, I would be lying if I said it was easy to turn creative control over to a 3 year old. I tend to like things just so and I have strong feelings when things go/look differently than I think they should. That being said I do try to allow him to have a say in his surroundings even as I add my own flair. It turned out to be an awesome lamp shade.

The three of us had a lot of fun spending time together, working on a project. Life moves so fast sometimes that it's easy to let family time fall by the wayside. When we sit at the table together and do little things like this lamp painting it reminds me of how fortunate I am. I have good, loving spouse- even though he makes me a little nutty at times and I have a great kid- even if he regularly drives me to Crazy Land. I'm sure I inflict upon them my own brand of craziness, but they don't seem to complain too often. I don't know why I am so blessed, but far be it from me to question the reasons of the universe. So I will just give my thanks.

back of lamp

front of lamp

I have to say that it is SO nice to have a bed side lamp in his room. No more harsh overhead light for reading books! Whoo-hoo!

Such a boy!

I'm not quite sure when it happened, but sometime within this past year my darling toddler turned into a rambunctious little boy. He loves nothing more than to run, jump, leap, and climb. We now spend at least a few minutes everyday taking all of the pillows and cushions off of the couch and creating elaborate agility courses. We run down the hall, jump over blankets, kick the football, weave through the kitchen, walk the couch frame, jump to the lounger, and finally leap into the pile of pillows. and then we do it again. And again. Well, he does it again and again. I participate some, mostly keeping a phone handy to call 911 (Heaven forbid!).

When the lure of diving into pillows wears out, he then turns to the ever popular "build a fort." He gets upset if it's not just right or the cushions fall. Who knows? Maybe I'm looking at a future architect.

Actions shot

Boy's got some good air onthis one!

The pure joy is so apparent on his face. How can I say no?

Winter is a comin'

Just a few days ago this was what greeted us when we woke up and looked out to the back deck. It was just a dusting, but it was a little preview of what's to come. I'm not sure I'm ready for the snow to fly, but Chief is more than ready. He can't wait to build a snow fort, eat the snow (I know- stay away from the yellow snow!), make snow balls, and do just about anything snow related.

the back deck

out the kitchen window

OK, Winter. We're getting ready for you. We have the boots, the hats, the mittens, the coats. The 4 wheel drive is working and the snow blower has been fixed. I think we can take it. Bring it on.

Visit with the G'Parents and a gift from Teri

A few weeks ago G'Ma and G'Pa came up for a little visit. We had a great time! A very good friend of G'Ma's, Teri, stopped by to deliver a belated housewarming gift to us, a book for Chief, and then wisked G'Ma off to lunch.

The book Teri brought Little Chief was Colorful World illustrated by Melodee Strong. Complete with music CD, he more than enjoys his new book. We have a few books illustrated by Melodee Strong, and they are his favorites. Thank you so much, Teri!!

Sharing a nice day with G'Ma outside on the play set.

Swinging, a favorite thing

Soon we will be on an airplane on our way to Atlanta to visit G'Ma and G'Pa at their house for the Thanksgiving holiday. We are excited to go and Chief is SO excited for a plane ride. Get ready for us- we'll be there soon!!

Obama '08

Today Chief and I went to the polls to cast our vote. My little guy stood next to me while I registered us (new address), while I waited in line, and I held him while I filled out my ballot. He is too young to realize it, but today, he participated in an historic election. Barack Obama is the President-Elect of the United States of America. I am always proud to be a citizen of this country, but today I am especially proud of us, as a nation, for taking a chance and believing in hope. Many blessings to this new first family and to all of us, as citizens of the United States and as citizens of the World.