Putt-a-thon

This past Friday evening we got to experience one of our first family school events! Big Boy's school has their first fundraiser of the year. Instead of a traditional "jog-a-thon" they put on a "putt-a-thon" where the kids got to take a hand at miniature golfing. What made it extra fun was that there were hot dogs or tri-tip sandwiches to purchase, bounce houses to enjoy and fun social time to be had.

This was actually the first time that the kids have miniature golfed with us. It was funny trying to get them to actually use the golf clubs the right way. We finally figure that at least they weren't picking up the ball and throwing it in the hole!

I must say that so far "school" life is a blast! Can't wait for more school events and fun!

Treats from Hawaii

Papa just got home from a two week work trip to Hawaii and spoiled the kiddos with lots of neat treats. Boopy was happy too see him and to get to wear her new Hawaiian dress.

Big Boy was also anxious about getting to his goodies. The kids like their mini "guitars".

Showing Papa her fairy costume from Clovis Fest.

Hardcore fairy rocker

Showing off her new Hawaiian purses

Trying to look at his new map without it rolling up. Don't worry, we got him a frame for it today.

Later in the evening the kiddos had to do "projects". I love that they love to do school type work for fun - hope the love stays.

Big Boy used his whiteboard to draw a picture of the new train Papa brought him.

He then decided to draw his new submarine, but then changed his mind and made it a rocket.

Clovis Fest!

So after watching the balloons and having a nice breakfast the kids and I ventured back to downtown Clovis to wander through the craft vendors. They had been sent a little treat money so I told them they could pick out something for $5. I ended up splurging a bit too and got Big Boy a toy wooden plane (which he pitched in his $5 toward) and Boopy a fairy outfit.

They talked me into riding the over priced cheesy train. The smiles below made it worth it.

Such a girl....she picked out "lipstick" and a hair clip with her $5 and then immediately had to put on her lipstick.

Showing off our new things.

Big Boy liked checking out the cars and had to make sure we knew where the engine was located.

There are many times I just don't know where this child came from! She's so dramatic.

I gave the kids a choice, ride a carnival ride or go in the bounce house. All the rides are way overpriced so I told to pick wisely. I think buying the tickets was almost as much fun as the rides!

Boopy, daredevil child, chose the plane ride. She would have been the only kid on it except for this little girl who came along and then wanted to ride in the same plane with Boopy.

Big Boy really wanted to ride on a train-like ride but unfortunately was just a bit too small so he chose to go on the fun house castle slide ride. Boopy ended up doing that too since some nice teenage girls gave us their leftover tickets!

On our way back to the car, Boopy tried her hand at taking a picture of Big Boy and me.

I in turn had to take one more of her!

Up, up and away!!

I've decided that I really am a bit crazy at times. Despite having an exhausting 2 weeks while Papa has been away in Hawaii (yes, rough life!) for work, I decided to get the kids up extra early on a Saturday to go watch hot air balloons take off as part of the annual Clovis Fest. Big Boy looked at me like I was nuts when I woke it him while it was still dark. He told me it was too early and hid under his covers. Thankfully the lure of hot air balloons eventually got him to get up and dressed. Oddly, Boopy, who is usually the crabby morning child, woke up quite well when I told her we were going to see hot air balloons. Overall happy excited kids!

Teddy bear couldn't miss the balloon festival.

He was absolutely mesmerized.

Big Boy is getting quite good at photography, don't you think!

Although a fast early morning balloon show, it was worth the lack of sleeping in. The morning was spent with wonderful time with my kiddos, exposing them to something new. It was even more special as the annual hot air balloon festival was something that was a big part of my childhood. I remember going with my parents and my friend's parents who own a hot air balloon. We even used to help be "chase" vehicles for following the balloons to help when they landed. After all the balloons lifted off this morning, the kids and I had a simple little breakfast at IHOP and then went back to downtown Clovis to check out the craft fair and carnival rides which I'll share in another post.

Hopscotch!

The kids LOVE a show called "Special Agent Oso". In it a "secret agent" bear helps kids with a lot of various needs. In one episode he helps a couple of kids learn how to play hopscotch. Tonight was such a nice evening, the kids were playing outside when I got home. We took advantage of the nice weather and stayed out there for a while. They got very excited when I helped them create a hopscotch game on our driveway. Such simple fun!

Darren also had fun playing with Papa's airplane.

I think there is rarely and evening outside that Boopy doesn't collect rocks.

More chalk fun

The aftermath!