Park Review: Indian Creek Park

Indian Creek Park is the park I blogged about on Monday. We returned again today, but with a camera, pirate swords and treasure.

I wanted to snap some pictures of our secret park for you guys (that's what we call it first, because we didn't actually know the name and second, it's not on the map! literally! third- no one is ever there. Pretty good evidence it's a secret).

"Big Playground"

Anyway, pirate swords. treasure. basically playing "capture the flag" with the boys (we picked up a friend on the way so we would have even numbers). So. much. fun!

I took my book again thinking I would sit on a bench and read while the boys play.

haha

haha

ha

Okay, let's be honest. Running around playing tag or hide and seek with a 2 yr old and 4 yr old is fun for about..... 30 minutes (and that's stretching it). We played "pirates" for 2 hours! And I had fun! Andy and I were the militia who were trying to seize the king's stolen treasure. Nate and friend, pirates. At one point Nate had a brilliant idea and hid the treasure box under wood chips. I would have never found it if he had not jumped on top of it when we were walking by the area.

(swinging monkey bars)

"Little Playground"

Okay, bloggers I want to hear:

HOW DO YOU MAKE PARK OUTINGS MORE FUN?

Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge Kick Off:

Last night I decorated the boys' rooms with Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs theme (a favorite book).Decorations: pasta strung together, yarn wrapped around foam balls= meat balls, cotton batting= clouds. I did not have enough "clouds" and will need to make a stop at the fabric store tomorrow, and 1/2 of the decorations were pulled down by the end of the morning from the boys jumping on the bed trying to hit them, but it was worth it. When Nate woke up and saw the decorations he begged to wake Andy up and was so excited to start reading books right away. Even (gasp!) before breakfast!

The reason I decided to do this is because we have been reading chapter books to the boys at night, which I love, but I do not like that it has replace all the picture books we had been reading at bedtime. The boys were less than thrilled to use play time during the day to read books, in other words, I think they liked to read so many books at bed time as a way to delay bedtime. Duh, right?

Reading Chart.

I will mark our progress each day.

I am thinking horizontal strips that look the spine of a book.

So that in the end, it looks like a stack of books.

(not sure how to do this yet...)

The challenge is to read 100 books. When they read 100 books, we will go to the book store and pick out any book they want. Whether it is a Lego Star Wars book or a new book for their Tag- they get to pick. AND hopefully they will pick a really awesome book the first time they reach the goal and it will motivated them to read more and more to achieve the goal again and again. I am already planning to change the decorating theme every few weeks/ once a month and am counting on the excitement dying down, but hopefully by then we will be in a routine of reading during the day.

Chris TOTALLY nailed the voices tonight while reading Princess Bride. It was the scene of Fezek, Inigo and the Sicilian noticing they are being followed by a boat, and climbing the cliff, again noticing they are being followed. A lot of dialog. Andy, especially, thought it was hilarious when Chris talking in the Sicilian's voice. (Nate: "What's a Sicilian?").

What do you do to encourage your kids to read?

(Post to FB or email me until I figure out how to turn the comments back on)

It's gettin' hot in here

It was 90+ degrees today.

Hottest day ever.

...this year.

After our daily water fight we decided the next thing to do was crank up the oven (which also doubles as a furnace). To be fair, we have had butter "softening" for a number of days (too embarrassed to say how many) with plans to make cookies. When the boys begged to do it today, the excuse "it's too hot outside to bake cookies today" sounded lame, even to myself.

No big deal. Just strip down to undies and crank up the air.

This goes against all of my instincts. My dad teases that I am cut from the same mold as his mother who will not turn on a single light in the house unless it is absolutely necessary. So I only turn the air conditioning on when Chris is home, and leave the lights off all day. I am an energy conserve(r) (unfortunately, more for frugality instead of environmental reasons..) but I make exceptions... especially when they involve chocolate. So down,down down went the air conditioning.

The sugar coated cherry on top, Chris came home for dinner! We made a quick walk to the library, which, to Andy, means the fountain too. I am going to kick off a reading challenge with the boys tomorrow. More on that later. We went to pick up some books in anticipation.

love,

J.

L.O.L.

Laugh.

Chuckle.

Giggle.

Merriment.

All this and more when you have two little boys (we pretty much do this every day).

I had this really romantic idea that I would sit out and enjoy the sun and read.

40 pages of that book are now sprinkled with water spots and mud.Trudy, I may have to buy you a new copy.

Have I ever told you how much I hate spilled apple juice???It's sticky, and dries clear and hard to scrub and oh how I hate spilled apple juice.

I just heard an entire glass spill all over the kitchen table and floor.

Nate said, " don't worry, Mom. I can clean that up.... with my mouth."

Chris had to be at a work thing at 6pm tonight, so he was going to "sneak out" early to come see the boys briefly as he needed to come home and change clothes anyway. 5:20 I get a phone call asking for me to get out the gps and his clothes because he is going to have to make a quick change and leave again. Frustrated (because I had already announced to the boys daddy was coming home to play for a minute and they were waiting at the door) I asked what happened, as he told me he was leaving 40 minutes ago. This was not fair, as I know he has no control over things like this. And he didn't. A partner came in to assign a project, yadda, yadda. It just is hard that there is no consideration or respect for families (not because of this incident, but just "big law" life in general). I was thinking about this and how attorneys in general (at big firms) have something like an 80% divorce rate. So, with that, they view their job as the constant in life, not family. What your time and attention should be devoted to because it's what is going to see you through. I get it. It's just sad. I am so glad we don't view life that way.

p.s. We spent 5 hours at Pirate Fest. I seriously think there need to be badges you earn like boy scouts for things moms do. I def. earned a badge.

Mondays, 'sigh'

Mondays are hard.

The house is trashed.

Chris goes back to work.

Laundry is backlogged.

Today I found a miracle solution.

Have friends over.

When the boys are busy playing, I get my work done. We all stay busy.

We also went to another park today, but we went after lunch and it was just too hot. I think parks are banned to "morning only" for the most part.

It's in Fox Point. If you take Spooner to a dead end, it dead ends into the parking lot of the playground. I found this park when scouting out condos to rent this spring. It's a great park, with two playgrounds and a double drinking fountain (but no bathrooms). It's right next to Indian Creek which has a few bridges (which the boys love) and a gazebo on the playground (which the boys love). There are 2 playgrounds. The larger one being a big wooden structure with different types of things- a wobbly bridge, lots of slides, swinging monkey bars, the gazebo that is accessed from a rope-climbing wall, the wobbly bridge, or ladder. I think the boys like it so much because the gazebo is up in the air and they feel like they are going to a fort. It's really big too. Sorry no pictures. It was a spur of the moment thing. I will try to get pictures of it. And it's not labeled on a map, but you can see it in the following link.

http://www.google.com/mapmaker?ll=43.167844,-87.907703&spn=0.002246,0.004088&t=h&z=18&q=e+spooner+rd+%2B+fox+point&hl=en&gw=30

I started reading this yesterday

and really wished that I had brought it to the park with me. I am only 20 or so pages in, but I am totally hooked. (Thanks, Trudy).

Speaking of books, Chris reads this aloud on Sundays

we all love it. If you love the movie then you will looove the book. I really love snuggling up together listening to Dad read. I am trying to do a lot of "throw-backs" to earlier times. One being reading aloud with the whole family for entertainment. I will do a post on "throw backs" another time. You should try it. This is a great book to start with.

Friday during our pirate-prep I stopped at TJMaxx. The boys found these scooters in the toy section and followed me around the store. When I told them it was time to go, the said, "No, Mom! Keep looking!" I was pretty sure I was going to get kicked out of the store, but everyone else seemed to be as amused by it as I was.

I really hope these cars are not still there the next time I go because obviously they will expect it, and to be honest, it was really rude of me, and they did not yield at intersections or give right of way to pedestrians.

Pirate Fest Review

Prepare for picture overload at the request of the grandmas.

Nate was dressed at ready to go at 6am.

We didn't need to leave until 7:30 for our 8am reservation.

I turned on Muppet Treasure Island and jumped in the shower.

After I got dressed, Nate looked at me disappointedly and said, "where's your costume, Mom?"

Right.

Back to the closet.

After dawning 2 scarves (one as a sash and one as a head dress), big earrings and ever bangle I own, I was pirate-approved, ready for the festivities.

Unfortunately, in our rush to get out the door (why are we always in a rush at the last minute even if we are up 2 hours before we need to be out the door?) I did not take a picture of Andy or myself fully dressed, thinking we would get one later. That never happens!

Breakfast at Newport Shores was definitely worth it. Here's why, even though it was a bit pricey ($28 for us three, buffet).

1) They got 1 on 1 attention from the pirates who teased them (ate food off of their plate), and reward them with coins for cleaning their plate (which made nate go get more food so he could "earn more money"). Nate was tattooed with their clan's signature mark (something that was the envy of the boys at the festival)When you try to talk to the pirates out at the festival (these guys and others) it's more of a passing by "hi" rather than a conversation. Plus you have 20 other kids vying for their attention. So basically I bought their attention at breakfast. The boys really loved it.

2) It was a great "soft" intro the Pirate Fest. They did not seem so scary while sitting eating breakfast with you as opposed to a huge crowd of people all in costume with swords and knives and guns hanging from them yelling "ARGH!" at you because you are dressed like a pirate. I think if we would have skipped the breakfast and just went to the festival the boys would have been a little overwhelmed. It gave them a chance to adjust and "get in to character" so they could enjoy the rest of the day. It makes sense. When I say, "we're going to Pirate Fest" they have no idea what to think. Breakfast was a great way to prepare them for the day.

3) It was before the festival started (at 10am) so we were out on the grounds before it opened up. We watched some pirates mock sword fight (practice for "the pirate invasion" later that morning when they came to rescue their captain from the calvary).

4) Once out at the festival, the pirates recognized my kids and would say," our breakfast mate!" and come over to talk with them or sword fight with them. It made the boys feel really good to be recognized by the pirates and be considered their "mate".

After breakfast we walked around the marina (the smell of water and gas and oil really takes me back to my Lake Powell childhood. 'sigh'.) The boys were waved to, smiled at, greeted with "ahoy thar matey" or "argh!" all of which they shied away from and clung to my leg. I think they forgot they were dressed like pirates. I thought they would eat it up, but when an old man in a very realistic pirate suit with very real tattoos and piercings is "argh-ing" you. You're just not sure what's real and what's fake anymore.

It was HOT. Even at 10am. Immediately after leaving our air condition breakfast we bagged the hats. Next the belt and bandanas. I was really glad I opted for nickers and sandals (or for Andy, always, ALWAYS his car clogs- Thanks alot MOM.) When the newspaper photographer asked if he could photograph the boys, I did not have the heart to put all their stuff back on.

For some reason, the pictures that we took of sword fight practice are really washed out.

I tried to adjust the exposure, but since I have no idea how to edit pictures, it didn't help much.

But you get the idea.

As if we could go to Lake Michigan (Port Washington is 20 min directly north of us right on the lake like us) without a little rock throwing.

Andy: "take a picture of me, Mom".

I have never heard those words, and probably never will again.

I frantically snapped a picture in my surprised stupor.

And a second one!

And a third!

The scarf knot/bun started to come out (as you can see) so I ditched it right after this photo.

While Andy and I were having a little photo shoot, Nate was sword fighting with his "breakfast mate" (who sounds/ acted exactly like Captain Jack Sparrow. His inflections and body mannerisms were spot on.)

3 seconds after this photo was snapped, Nate hit him hard on the back.

4 seconds after this photo was snapped, Nate's sword was taken away.

This pirate (woman) told me she had been taking pictures of our family secretly, so I asked her to take one of us with my camera. She probably had a picture of us all fully dressed, but I didn't want to ask her to email it to me. Actually, I did want to, but i didn't have a pen, or anything with my email on it, so I didn't. I just asked her to take this one.

Things to know about this picture.

1)The little boy next to Nate. Don't know him.

2) This is our breakfast crew. The big guy on the left ate his breakfast out of his hat. Nate thought it was hilarious.

3) I thought the woman pirate was so inappropriate.Her stomach was completely exposed, and her chest, for the most part. I could not believe she was dressed like that at the "kids" breakfast. Yuck.

4) This was not the first time Nate was caught picking his nose with his hook/sword.

Things I did not like about Pirate Fest:

There were no maps or programs. I had written down the activities we to do/ entertainment we wanted to see and their times, but of course, left it in the car. There were no itineraries anywhere. Must make sure to have our own.

There were too make women dressed like hookers.

There was no ice cream.

Or chocolate.

Things I did like at Pirate Fest:

lots of restrooms

very clean

never saw anyone smoking

never heard anyone swear

in other words, very family friendly.

There was a lot of entertainment (not photographed)

A Pirates Life for Me

Sucess!

Two things I really wanted to do today actually got done!

1) get pirates costumes read for tomorrow

2) visit a new playground

I have a goal to visit a different playground every week this summer because Milwaukee has so many great ones. If you live in the area, and want to meet up, email me and I will let you know when our next park exploration is. Great sites to get park locations are:

Milwaukee Moms Park Page

Milwaukee County Parks Page

I can't wait for the free wading pools/splash pads to open in a few weeks!

Milwaukee Moms' is particularly good because it posts a picture, tells you if there are restrooms, reviews from other moms, etc.

Quick and easy DIY pirate costumes:

1) buy dress shirts from Good Will, on the cheap, a few sizes too big

2) Good will is also a great place to get costume jewelry and belts

3) Good Will is also a great place to buy pants- a few sizes too small so they are knickers

(can you tell I love Good Will. There is a reason I once had the nickname GoodWill Girl)

4) if you live in the area Bartz in Wauwatosa (kinda by the zoo) is a great, year round, costume store with great prices. We picked up a hat for Andy, swords, hooks, balloons (who doesn't love a balloon) and a few sand toys. Fantastic store. MOM, you would love it!

5) Assembly: cut off collar, cuffs and edge of shirt (on both sides) where buttons are/ button holes are. Sew shirt closed 3/4 the way up(be careful not to sew the back! It is surprisingly hard to sew the front together without sewing it to the back... trust me). Leave the last 1/4 open from the neckline down. Poke holes with scissors on each side of v-neck opening. tread holes with leather straps, shoes laces- or if you don't have any of that- just yarn (like I did).

Total cost: 2 pants, 2 shirts, 1 belt: $7

Tomorrow we will be rocking these tunes:

He's a Pirate! (Pirates of the Caribbean)

Sailing for Adventure

A Pirate's Life for Me

The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything

See you at Pirate Fest!

Request for help

First request:

We had a kitten.

She was adorable.

The boys fell in love with her.

Now, we have a cat.

She's naughty.

And sporadically bites.

Friends come over, she climbs on them. The pet her.

Some times, it's fine. Other times, she bites.

All of Nate's friends are afraid of her.

I want to get rid of her, but the boys still love her, naughty as she is.

I guess I can understand that;)

Does anyone have any cat training tips? She never bites me, which tells me that she is teachable. Mainly, it's the little boys or their friends, sometimes my friends.(and some times the boys deserve it- like when they chase her with tongs) I am thinking about trying the spray bottle tactic out. Email me if you have any suggestions jen.russell816@gmail.com

Second request:

Andy has been potty trained for 6 months.

Last week he wet the bed every night.

This week too.

More than once a night.

I don't want to give in and put diapers back on him.

Before the last few weeks, he would wake up on his own at night and go potty.

I have been waking him up 2,3,4 times a night to take him potty. Every time he goes.

But still wakes up wet in the morning.

AHHHHHH!!!

Has anyone ever experience this with potty training?

Email me with any tips: Jen.russell816@gmail.com

I am off to look for pirate costume supplies and to pick up some pull-ups, but still hoping I won't have to use them.....

HAPPY FRIDAY!! Friday means dad is home tonight! It's always a good day on Friday:)