preschool summer bucket list

Klyde Warren Park 

Amber Leave a comment

Last weekend we savored family time in Klyde Warren Park with my parents, sister, and brother-in-law.  Despite being open only a few years, Klyde Warren Park proved itself an urban oasis.  I was surprised to find a sea of lush green grass and tall shade trees surrounded by the world renowned Dallas skyline.  Naturally we spent the majority of our time in the Children’s Park, but we also relaxed in the reading and games nook as the guys played a bit of frisbee in an open field.  In the Park, the kids had a great time climbing the “spider webs”, exploring the tree house, creating music, and spinning on merry go rounds.

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As a mom of preschoolers, I was impressed with the cleanliness and ample size of the restrooms.  When the kids ask to use the restroom at a park, I cringe, but this one was on par with popular restaurants and shops.  Because we had brunch plans, we only spent a few hours in the park, but there is much more to do- on another visit.  For instance, the kids could splash in the fountains, visit the butterfly garden, wander the botanical gardens, participate in story time, or bring the dogs to the bark park.  We could also nosh on food truck delights.  If George would agree to watch the kids for a bit, I might enjoy a little yoga in the park too.   There are plenty of free things to occupy us for hours!

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As the weather began to heat up, and we worked up an appetite, we retreated to LARK on the Park for Sunday brunch.  The chalk art and natural light in the restaurant were stunning, and the food was delicious.   I later learned the chalk art is rotated quarterly based on artist submissions. We especially appreciated the #DallasStrong piece, honoring the five police officers tragically lost earlier in the month.  Dallasites are proud, and I believe will continue working to make necessary change and heal.

lark on the park

You can dine at LARK on the Park while artists create these stunning chalk drawings.

 

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If you live in the Dallas area, and haven’t been to Klyde Warren Park, I promise it’s worthwhile.  If you live afar, but happen to visit the Big D, Klyde Warren Park is a Dallas must see attraction.

hugs,

 

Amber

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Big Vehicle Day 

Amber 3 Comments

This summer, I didn’t create an official summer bucket list, but we’ve had plenty of summer fun. We’ve enjoyed library story time each week, which includes stories and songs followed by a literature based craft.  Last week, story time was cancelled for Big Vehicle Day at the library.  Since there are typically about 20 kids at story time (with four being mine), I wasn’t expecting much from the event.  I anticipated a slightly larger crowd than the regulars, and a parking lot with perhaps a garbage truck, school bus, and a construction vehicle.  I grossly underestimated the library!  Big Vehicle Day was quite an event.  Upon or arrival, I instantly regretted not making the kids dress alike as I spied a sea of preschoolers and their parents scattered around a lineup of vehicles.  Since it was a sweltering hot Texas day, we did a quick stroll past each vehicle, and then each child choose one vehicle to explore further.  We saw everything from mounted police to a street sweeper and an ambulance.

It was no surprise that the girls chose to check out the pink glitzy limo from a local children’s salon.   The kids had never seen a limo before and were thoroughly impressed with the sparkling interior lights and countless drink holders.  Harper was underwhelmed, however. As we exited the limo, the girls had a shiny star painted on their cheeks and fairy glitter spritzed in their hair.  The boys opted out of this sparkle treatment.

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Mason chose to tour a recreational vehicle and Harper wanted to check out the wrecker.  Since we couldn’t go inside the wrecker, Harper was allowed a second choice.  He quickly settled on the Dan Dipert tour bus, which turned out to be a lovely reprieve from the heat with its blasting air conditioner.

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Before heading home, I thought it was important for the kids to thank the police officers and see one of the squad cars.  Much to my chagrin, the kids were totally uninterested in seeing any of the police vehicles, aside from the horses.  Since my uncle is a fire chief, they’ve seen the inside of many fire rescue vehicles and have even used the radio in the chief’s car.  I can only assume the police cars didn’t seem novel, that or it was just too hot. Sydney was the only one to go inside the squad car, but all four obliged me for a photo with one of the officers.

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#backtheblue #DallasStrong

 

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hugs!

 

Amber

 

Fireworks, Water Pistols, Sparklers, & S’ Mores! {Summer Bucket List}

Amber 2 Comments

Several years before the quads debut, our friends, Billie & Bob began hosting an annual Fourth of July pool party.  We spend the entire afternoon poolside enjoying beverages a la carte with assorted snacks followed by dinner from the grill.  Two years ago, the quads attended their first pool party, but we left several hours prior to the fireworks display.  This year, we borrowed a library book about July Fourth that mentioned fireworks, and it peaked the quads interest.  Because they usually startle at unexpected noises (e.g. the blender, toilet flushes, hair dryers), I wasn’t convinced fireworks were a prudent idea. I did not make any promises to the quads.

Fourth of July pool party 2013

Before letting the quads outside the confines of the house, I began strapping each one in a puddle jumper.  Naturally, Rylin protested her aqua colored version, stripping it off multiple times.  Billie happened to have a hot pink one available and a disaster was averted.  I’m nervous about the kids near water with puddle jumpers, having them near water without them is a total nightmare.  At first, the kids were hesitant to get into the pool, but with many familiar adults handy, they decided it was worthwhile.

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The day prior to the party, I stumbled upon an eight pack of water pistols on sale at Kroger.  They ended up entertaining kids and adults at the party.  At one point, a duel between Kristin & Aunt CiCi vs Harper & Sydney ensued.  I think the kids won.

In 2013, Ashley and Rylin looked adorable in matching bikinis.

Rylin and Ashley both wore their

This year, Ashley had her own adorable little guy by her side who enjoyed his first Fourth of July pool party.

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And next summer, there will be another cutie at the pool!  Congratulations, JW & Kristin!!!

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Once everyone’s fingers and toes had a raisin like appearance, we bailed out of the pool for an evening picnic.  Apparently the quads worked up an appetite splashing around.  They devoured dinner and had plenty of room for dessert!

Since all four kiddos were in good spirits after dinner, we changed them into pajamas and decided we could stay for fire pit s’ mores and sparklers, both of which were new experiences for them.


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There’s nothing better than watching your children experience the joys of childhood for the first time.  The looks of awe were priceless.

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As we enjoyed our s’ mores, several of the neighbors began shooting off small fireworks, and I braced myself for pandemonium.  Much to my surprise, the quads seemed okay with the commotion.  By then, they were already up at least an hour past bedtime and seemed content, so we let them gaze at  poolside fireworks.  Sydney became upset at some of the loudest fireworks, but was content to snuggle with me.

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How did you celebrate the Fourth of July?   For our readers in other countries, do you observe a similar holiday?

Hooray for another item marked off our summer bucket list, and the bonus items we experienced!!!

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Splashground
  7. Zoo
  8. Bahama Buck’s
  9. Frozen yogurt
  10. Community pool
  11. Grill dinner outside
  12. Water Table
  13. Inflatable Pool
  14. Sprinklers
  15. Ice Cream
  16. Indoor playgrounds
  17. Lee’s Grilled Cheese
  18. Blow bubbles
  19. Chalk drawings
  20. Board games
  21. Play dates
  22. Summer Reading Club
  23. Dance classes
  24. Fireworks
  25. Sleep over with grandparents
  26. Nature Walks
  27. Bounce house
  28. Popsicles
  29. S’mores
  30. Sparklers
  31. Water pistol duels

hugs,

Amber

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