Butterfly Garden: While we wait...

For her 5th birthday Irina chose to get a Butterfly Garden.

Since I Knew that when the kit from Amazon arrived we would have to send in for the caterpillars from Insect Lore, I decided to also get the book The Life Cycles of Butterflies.  Link to Authors Website here

I am really glad I got this book which is a field guide written with kids in mind.

As I read the book to Irina we are learning a lot about where butterflies lay their eggs, what they do to protect themselves and what different types of butterflies we will be able to find in our area.

Irina has been pouring over the book taking it to bed with her and she has even been carefully saying the names of the butterflies as she learns about them.

Of course what is a girl not to love with butterfly names like Painted Lady, Tiger Swallowtail and so many others.

Needless to say we can't wait for the caterpillars to arrive...

Our Jones Family "Punraiser" To get us ova to Moldova!

There is going to be a way to watch this on-line via the Red Rooster CoffeeHouse - I'll post it when I get that information as well.  We are at 63% only 37% left to raise in monthly support.  We also need to raise the amount for our airline tickets.  Frequent Flyer Miles with Delta also welcomed. 

Sounds of Summer - Keepsake idea

I found this amazing Bird-field guide, while doing some researching for our summer Science program.

This particular bird reminds me of summer and I am so glad that winter is over!

Check it out and listen to it sing it might remind you of summer days too.

Song Sparrow - Whatbird.com

A neat summer project to do with your kids:
When you see a bird look it up and print off a photo.  On the back write down interesting facts about the bird like what it likes to eat and what kind of nests it makes.  Then write down where and when you saw it.  Collect all the birds into a small book making a great keepsake.  Your kids will love it and will learn a lot about the birds around them.   It will be neat to hear my children be able to say the name of the birds around us.

Author

Gary Owen Dick

Artist

Santiago Cornejo

Copyright © 2004 - 2008 Whatbird.com

Irina turned 5 on April 6th

On April 6th 2010 Irina turned 5 years old!  

We had a family birthday party on her birthday, so here is her typical Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.

Making her wish with five candles.

Because her birthday fell on a Tuesday we had an all GIRL party April 9th 2010.

The theme for the party evolved - from a Strawberry Shortcake party to an art party.  The kids had a lot of fun creating artwork.  I just let them loose to play and create.

So what would a five year old pick for the lunch menu?  MAC N CHEESE of course!

Then time for birthday cake and presents!

Then off to "Central Park" across the street for a rousing game of Duck, Duck, Loon!  A Minnesota Twist!

The gaggle of girls from youngest to oldest!

Two, Three, Four, Five, Five, Six, Seven and Nine!