Big Vehicle Day 

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

 

Train Ride {Summer Bucket List}

Yes, you read the title correctly, it says “Summer Bucket List“, and it’s December.  I set out to take the kids on a train ride as part of our summer bucket list, but our trip was delayed significantly.  Nisey and Poppa gave the kids a train ride coupon for their birthday in July, and then we all decided it was much too hot to enjoy during the summer.  Nisey and I researched local trains and considered which would be most enjoyable for three year olds.  We determined the train at the zoo was both cost effective and ideal for preschool aged kids (e.g. classic looking train with a 15 minute  trip).  Then we waited crisp, yet sunny weather for our trip.  After Poppa purchased our tickets we boarded the Yellow Rose and awaited departure.  Harper could hardly believe we were riding on a legitimate train.

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While we were at the zoo, we also seized the opportunity to ride the old fashioned carousel.
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 And, we nibbled on a delicious picnic lunch…
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Oh, and we checked out some of our favorite animals.  It turned out to be a gorgeous day for a train ride and trip to the zoo.
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So that’s it, we FINALLY completed our summer bucket list.  Ta da!
  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Sprayground
  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

PS- For the latest from Four to Adore, you can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Indoor Play Areas & Play Dates {Summer Bucket List}

Labor Day has come and gone, meaning it’s time to bid farewell to the lazy days of summer.  I’ve been back at work for nearly six weeks, and am starting a home school preschool routine for they days when I’m home.

Over the summer, we enjoyed an abundance of play dates and managed to soak in the cool air conditioning of indoor play areas in the process.   We met our friends at the library, local churches, restaurants, museums, and even their homes.

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Playing at a friend’s house offers opportunities for the quads to practice respecting the rules of others, using manners, and taking turns with toys.

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After spending time a local church’s playscape, my friend’s oldest daughter singlehandedly lined up five  three-year olds and led them to the parking lot.  This sweet big sister has a heart of gold and perhaps a future as a teacher.

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The quads received a family membership to our local children’s museum as a birthday gift and we’ve made good use of it.  We have a well established routine for meeting buddies there and noshing on a picnic in the courtyard.

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Play dates at the museum are terrific because there are ample things to do and explore and none of the toys belong to any of our kids.

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I don’t know why it took me so long to find the joy in a McCafe while the quads romp around McPlayland.  McDonald’s will never top my list of favorite places to dine, but a warm cup of coffee while my children play in a climate controlled area close to home?  I don’t mind if I do!

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We wrapped up our summer play dates with none other than the Bell Quads at our house.  I always marvel at lunch set up for eight.  It looks like a preschool class!

In lieu of naps, we had a screening of Tangled, which is a new quad favorite.  Sydney is hiding in the hallway to avoid seeing the “scary” part.

No play date is complete without bidding our friends farewell with a bear hug.

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©FourtoAdore.com

When I plunked down a summer bucket list, I didn’t consider the level of commitment involved.  It didn’t take us long to tackle the majority of the items listed, but keeping up with photo editing and blog publishing took me all summer long.  I’m glad I published the list though.  If I hadn’t, I may have skimped on our summer.  If you’re paying close attention, you probably noticed that “train ride” is yet to be accomplished.  Nisey and Poppa gave the kids a gift certificate to ride the train for the kid’s birthday.  We are waiting for fall weather to enjoy the trek so stay tuned for that quadventure!

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Sprayground
  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

PS- Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Bounce House & Grill Dinner Outside {Summer Bucket List}

For their first birthday, the quads received a mini inflatable bounce house from a family friend.  Although there tends to be a short season when we can use it, this toy earns it’s keep at our house.  It’s very popular with the neighborhood kids and about 30 minutes of bouncing almost always guarantees a good nap (my favorite part!).

Thanks to torrential floods early in the summer, we only enjoyed the bounce house a few times.  One temperate day we decided to grill burgers while the kids bounced.  Almost as soon as dinner was finished, we began to feel tiny droplets of rain.  George and I sprung into action, deflating the bounce house and folding it to keep it dry.

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Mason was pleased with himself when he independently captured Diamond for a snuggle.

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Rylin and I decided to enjoy watching the rest of our family dance in the rain from our dry porch.

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Sprayground
  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

PS- If you can’t get enough of Four to Adore, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Sea Life Aquarium {Summer Bucket List}

Last summer we visited the Sea Life Aquarium and the babies really enjoyed it.  I wanted to revisit again this year because I knew they’d understand even more of it.  Just like with the zoo, we went right before they turned three so their admission would still be gratis.

All summer we practiced getting out without strollers and the kids proved themselves quite capable of walking independently.  I knew the aquarium would be lots of walking, but figured we were up for the challenge.  I asked Grandaddy and Carol to join us for the quadventure, which made getting around stroller free much easier.

All four kids were in awe of the sting rays who greeted us, and this year they were able to identify the sting rays as well as many of the other creatures.

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©FourtoAdore.com

They were impressed by the dome-shaped aquariums that made them feel part of the scene.

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After exploring the aquarium, we headed to the Rainforest Cafe for lunch.  The wait was shockingly long for a weekday at 11:00 am.  Thankfully the shop and animated animals entertained the kids.

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©FourtoAdore.com

©FourtoAdore.com

©FourtoAdore.com

Later that evening we asked the kids what they liked best about the aquarium and several mentioned the crocodile with pennies in his mouth.  I couldn’t recall seeing this fella at the aquarium, but then realized they meant the animated crocodile outside the Rainforest Cafe.

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Sprayground
  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

PS- If you can’t get enough of Four to Adore, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Nature Walks {Summer Bucket List}

Either in the morning or before bedtime, we take a walk around the neighborhood together.  I picked up tin buckets from Target’s One Spot, and sometimes the kids bring them to collect treasures found on our walk.  They received butterfly nets as birthday gifts, and we take them along sometimes.  We haven’t captured a butterfly yet, but George caught another flying insect one night.

It’s always a great adventure searching for acorns, pebbles, flower petals, and leaves.  Taking walks together has been great for burning off extra energy, making and sharing observations, chatting with our neighbors, exploring the world, and practicing walking independently.  Since the kids do really well walking together, we rarely ever use strollers and are less reliant upon cart containment in stores.

When we take walks close to bedtime, the kids usually wear pajamas.
  

In our neighborhood, there’s a wide walking trail that curves around a creek.  It’s the perfect place to spy animals in their habitats.   We have to keep an eye out for snakes though (YIKES!!!).
  

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Sprayground
  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

PS- If you can’t get enough of Four to Adore, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Zoo {Summer Bucket List}

Just before the quads turned three, we took one last trip to the Fort Worth Zoo while the kids still enjoyed free admission.   We thought it was ideal summer weather with cooler than average temperatures and cloudy skies.  Shortly after our arrival, the skies fell and showered us in a drizzle.  We were able to take cover while also feeding the Koi.  The humidity following the rain chased us home sooner than we planned.  Texas humidity is miserable!


The kids received zoo memberships as a birthday gift so we’ll enjoy many more zoo visits this year!  We are really looking forward to the seasonal activities the zoo hosts annually.

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Sprayground
  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

PS- If you can’t get enough of Four to Adore, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Sprinklers {Summer Bucket List}

I remember running through the sprinkler on hot summer days as a kid and wanted the quads to have the same experience.  I found this Banzai Wiggling Water Sprinkler, which is perfect for a lot of kids since it stretches long rather than spraying one small area.  Since the quads aren’t huge fans of surprise sprays to the face I left the water running on low pressure, just enough to spritz them.  The boys and Sydney had a blast running through the sprayers, but Rylin was not interested at all.  Instead, she stayed cozy and dry on the sidelines.

sprinkler

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As summer comes to a close, I’m furiously trying to update our summer bucket list.  Stay tuned!

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Sprayground
  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

PS- If you can’t get enough of Four to Adore, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Water Table & Sidewalk Chalk {Summer Bucket List}

Between Texas heat and potty training quadruplets, my sanity is questionable most days.  One lifesaver has been water play.   Our Little Tikes water table and iconic pink NICU bathtubs have been well used this summer.  I try to introduce novel items with water play to keep it engaging.  If I’m dressing four kids in swimsuits and setting up water, it has to last at least an hour, preferably longer.

1. Little People Bath Station

I was inspired by My Nearest and Dearest to set up a Little People water park and bath station on the front porch.  I gave each of the kids a tub filled with water, a mini bottle of baby wash, a wash cloth, and a few Little People dolls.  They spent the entire morning scrubbing dolls and squirting soap.  Lots of clean fun!

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little people bath station

2. Dish Washing Station

I borrowed this idea from a neighbor because it was brilliant.  I gave each child tub of water, a stack of play dishes, a scrub brush (I found super cute ones with animal handles at the Dollar Tree), and a Softsoap bottle filled with a little bubble bath and water. They got busy washing their dishes, and then scrubbing the patio before they jumped into the tubs themselves.  It’s hard to imagine they used to take a bath in these tubs and can barely fit inside now.

As the quads splashed around, my tootsies enjoyed a Mary Kay foot soak followed by energizing mint lotion.  I was in a foul mood that day thanks to countless potty accidents paired with many tantrums.  My little Mom foot spa worked amazingly at changing my demeanor.  I felt rejuvenated and the kids behavior seemed drastically better when I felt better.


Then….

NICU bathtime

Bath time in the NICU. Rylin is on the left and Harper the right.

And now…

NICU bathtubs

water play

3.  Condiment Bottle Squirters

Another day, I set up shop on the front porch.  I situated myself on an angle so I could supervise water play on the porch and sidewalk chalk drawings on the driveway. For water play, I used the NICU tubs and Softsoap bottles with bubbles, but also gave each of the quads an assortment of empty condiment bottles filled with colored water to mix.  I enjoyed another foot soak, this time whilst sipping fresh lemonade.   From time to time, the kids would give me a little foot treatment by pouring bubbles over my calves, which was sweet.  When we were finished playing we dumped the water tubs over the sidewalk chalk art to clean the driveway.


I love knocking out two bucket list items all at once!  Stay tuned as we wrap up the bucket list.

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Sprayground
  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

PS- If you can’t get enough of Four to Adore, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Bubbles {Summer Bucket List}

Earlier in the summer, we visited my grandmother in her new home.  I knew our visit was beneficial to both Grandma and the kids so I wanted to make another before summer ended.  I chose a day when my mom could help me because it’s quite an undertaking visiting with the quads.  As soon as we entered, the faces of staff, residents, and visitors illuminated.  Each bright smile made all the effort worthwhile.

To entertain the quads, Nisey brought an art kit and bubbles.  The weather was nice so we enjoyed everything on the large covered patio.  Grandma seemed to enjoy the littles in action as we chatted.

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bubbles

After we had enough outdoor fun the quads helped Nisey push Grandma’s wheelchair back to her wing of the residence.  It always warms my heart seeing the kids with Grandma.

visiting Grandma

Believe it or not, we’ve tackled nearly every item on our summer bucket list. There are just a few more to go!

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Sprayground
  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

PS- If you can’t get enough of Four to Adore, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!