Reading is Magic

The kids and I generally prefer not to do many scheduled activities. I often say things to the kids like, "Let's go get some new books at half-price books!" and they will respond with "Or we could just stay home and play!" But, when I received an email for a "Reading is Magic" camp I knew it would be perfect for Cadie. It was from 9 - noon at the home of a young mom (who I think might be a creative genuis) and every day they read different books with a magic theme and then had crafts, playtime, snack, songs all centered around the theme. They each got a copy of each of the books and we have had so much fun reading Strega Nona, Harold's Fairy Tale and more.

Cadie LOVES to read and she LOVES imagination and magic. She was one of the youngest kids at the camp, but she did great and was so sad when it was over. They did the most creative activities including swimming in noodles (Cadie said it was too noodley), making 9 kinds of pie, painting magic rocks and making magic wands.

I also loved this camp because Miss Lowry wrote a summary email and sent a shutterfly picture album each day which made me feel connected to Cadie's experience even though I couldn't do drop-offs or pick-ups. I will definitely plan to attend again next year! Link to blog Miss Lowry wrote about the camp: Mommy Manders Reading is Magic Camp

Here are some of the pictures I borrowed from the daily albums Miss Lowry sent.

We love DD and Big John!

This blog is in honor of DD's 65th birthday last week. DD and Big John are incredible grandparents and the kids couldn't love them more. Cadie and Jack Ranger partially live at DD and Big John's and they rule the roost over there. DD and Big John have more toys that we do and DD goes to the goodwill every week and gets more! She goes on senior discount day and gets 15% off which I think is so funny.

Cadie and Jack Ranger are their only grandkids (so far) and DD and Big John invest so much love and time in them. They spend the night EVERY Sunday night and often 1 other night of the week. They read books, watch movies, go to Sam's Club, ride the bus, go to the park and basically do whatever adventures DD and Big John dream up. Big John recently fixed up their old conversion van and Cadie and Jack Ranger call it their bus. They both recognize the drive to DD and Big John's and they start to get excited as soon as they realize we are going there.

Here are a few DD and Big John related quotes from Cadie.

Erin: Jack Ranger, stop throwing a fit. You can't watch any more TV.
Cadie: Jack, it's ok. We are going to DD and Big John's tonight and you can watch anything you want.
*****
Big John: Cadie, want to go get donuts?
Cadie: You are the best Grandpa!
Big John: I bet you say that to Papa too.
Cadie: Yes I do.
*****
Cadie: I love my three houses.
Erin: What are your three houses?
Cadie: Nina and Papa's, DD and Big John's and my regular house.
Erin: Why do you think those are your houses?
Cadie: Because that is where everything is that I love.

DD and Big John with the kids at her birthday dinner at Mitzi's house.

DD with her 4 children and 2 grandchildren.

DD and Cadie. Cadie loves that DD plays imagination ALL the time with her.

Jack Ranger sleeps in a "tent bed" at DD and Big John's which is a pack and play with a tent installed over it. They put a blanket on top so it is nice and dark and he sleeps great it in and so did Cadie before him.

On top of the pool table is "Cadie World" and this is where Cadie plays dolls and all sorts of other games when she doesn't want Jack Ranger bothering her.

One corner of DD and Big John's house with the kids play kitchen setup.

DD and Big John keep the kids strollers behind their downstairs sofa.

Uncle Austin (Ace) is living with DD and Big John right now while he finishes college and he plays with the kids all the time.

Whitney (Winky) visits often from Austin, TX and is also so sweet with the kids. She is moving to California in Sept. and we are really going to miss her.