baleen

We have been learning about the ocean and the creatures that live in it lately. We've read a few books about whales and decided to test out how baleen whales use their baleen. (If you don't know what baleen is here's a link.)

The plan was to use these pretty little butterfly sprinkles as krill and filter water through our teeth to catch them like a whale would use its baleen.

It seemed like a good plan. However, it turns out that it takes the water about thirty seconds to get green and nasty looking (and tasting). I assumed we would have to be somewhat quick, but I was thinking closer to a few minutes than thirty seconds. This is the water after about 4 seconds - still relatively clear.

And here is Gage filtering out his krill. The plan didn't really work out very well with the gross water and whatnot (even Gage ended up finding it too gross), but they had fun eating dry sprinkles afterwards. And I think they even understand how baleen works now.

the warm playground

We spent some time at the mall playground on Friday since it was 11 degrees outside.

Crosby had lots of fun on this produce slide.

Piper riding a toothbrush.

Rory going down the slide while Gage goes up the slide.

A very important tunnel meeting.

Standing on the duck.

Jumping from the duck to the bed.

new driver

Crosby had never been in a shopping cart or a stroller before yesterday. He didn't seem to have an opinion on it but his brother and sisters thought it was great.

treasure hunting

This is what Crosby now spends his days doing - crawling from drawer to drawer and emptying them. He closes his fingers in a drawer at least six times everyday when he leans on the one he is looking in and gets his fingers caught.

You can see his teeth in this one.

You should make sure to taste your treasure - just in case.

flower tower

This is Rory's flower tower. It is apparently a very important piece of architecture that she is very proud of and that her little brother thinks should be dismantled and eaten. (He's learned to stand now - least on furniture - so the train table is no longer safe from his Godzilla-like tendencies.)

It's made out of these flowers. She's been building whole fields of them.

the caterpillar at the table

I'm not sure what crazy faces are about.

And a baby at the table.

the day gage was a caterpillar

He made sure I took another picture of him "the way caterpillars normally are".

sugar letters

We practiced writing letters yesterday in sugar. The kids each got a tray covered in sugar to write in with their fingers. Piper just invented letters since she doesn't know how write yet.

When we were done with letters the sugar became sandy beaches for toys.

first attempt

Crosby tried drinking out of a cup for the first time on Sunday. He thought it was great but I don't think much water actually made it into his mouth. Everything and everyone around him was soaked.

to whom it may concern

The official birthday party date is May 17th.

Piper having some strawberries at her first birthday party.

crosby's the walrus