toddler activity

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.

final-8

final-6final-5final-2final-1

 

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!

final-9

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.

 

final-10final-11

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

For more from Four to Adore, connect with us via Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.  We often share pictures, life hacks, activities, recipes, and more via social media.

 

Sea Life Aquarium {Summer Bucket List}

Amber 1 Comment

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.

FourtoAdore.com

©FourtoAdore.com

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

©FourtoAdore.com

©FourtoAdore.com

©FourtoAdore.com

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.

©FourtoAdore.com

©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!

Popsicles {Summer Bucket List}

Amber 4 Comments

There are two good reasons to enjoy a Popsicle: 1. you are sick 2. it’s summer!  Fortunately, wass the latter and we enjoyed icky sticky Popsicles al fresco one hot, humid day.  Even though the quads started eating their frozen treats at our Little Tikes picnic table, it wasn’t long before they began wandering.  And dripping.  Then stepping in the gooey drips, then tracking them. All the sticky fun eventually turned into the perfect opportunity to hose down the patio and the kids.

popsicles

popsicles

popsicles

Happy summer, ya’ll!

Hooray for enjoying a summer bucket list item!

  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!

Sprayground {Summer Bucket List}

Amber 4 Comments

In the heat of Texas, Splash Pads/ Spraygrounds/ Splash Parks are all the rage for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. These are generally city owned and operated parks that involve water sprayers and sprinkler type structures.  There are no pools of water, which is great for children who cannot yet swim, and it’s a relief for parents supervising little ones. Plus they are my favorite price, free! I’ve been itching to give one a try all season.

Even though I’ve been more caviler in taking the quads out myself, I was more than relieved to have my friend, Kristen, join us.  An extra set of hands and eyes is always nice for a new excursion.  Though I don’t typically dress the quads in matching threads, I bought matchy suits especially for the sprayground.  I’ve found that dressing the kids alike helps me keep tabs on everyone if they’ll have opportunities to dart away.

When we arrived at the sprayground, the quads hesitantly followed Kristen and I through the gates. We spotted an empty table shaded by an awning and staked claim with our baggage.   I planned on the kids playing in the water for a while, then breaking for lunch.  Much to my dismay, not one of the kids was eager to approach the water.  Kristen and I made a decision to enjoy an early picnic, giving the kids time to observe their peers at play before giving it a whirl.

splashground

After polishing off our meal, the quads were still uninterested in playing.  Eventually the boys decided to explore with Kristen.  It was going well until another sprayer unexpectedly doused them.  They were D-O-N-E at that point, and the girls were not having any part of this wet mania. Kristen and I took turns taking kids through the tame misters, and every single child blubbered and wailed through the entire experience.  We were miserable.  It wasn’t long before we cut this field trip short and headed home.

splashground

To prove we were all at the splahsground, Kristen snapped this photo-

splashground

IMG_5082

Getting four two year olds ready for the sprayground was a huge undertaking and I didn’t want all the effort going to waste.  Once at home, we filled up trusty inflatable giraffe pool, which the quads thoroughly enjoyed before nap time arrived.

inflatable pool

Following nap, we hit up or local frozen yogurt shop for an afternoon snack.  The quads got a kick out of choosing their own flavors and toppings.  Sydney chose classic chocolate, which she dribbled all over her yellow and white dress (if you have tips for removing chocolate frozen yogurt from clothing- I’m open to suggestions!). In the past, shaving cream removed chocolate stains, but not this one.


I’m not giving up on the concept of a splash pad/ sprayground just yet.  We have a sprinkler for the yard, and I’m hoping it will help the quads warm up to sprayers.  Even if it wasn’t a total success, we knocked more items off our summer 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!

Indoor Camping

Amber 2 Comments

On a rainy day, we

“April showers bring May flowers” seems to be a a theme at the moment.  In North Texas droughts are typical in the warm months so rain is always considered a blessing.  Except that unending rain holds the quads hostage inside.  And, cooped up toddlers quickly turn into cranky, bickering toddlers.  After several weeks of rainy days I was running short on patience and knew it was time for a novel activity.  We’d run through my arsenal of  indoor activities several times over.  On the fly, I decided we’d camp inside.  I dashed into the playroom closet and snatched the quad’s backpacks, which I stuffed with toilet paper binoculars (made by Poppa a while back), mini flashlights, and magna doodles.  I also riffled through our bookshelf and scouted three books related to camping: Charlie Goes Camping, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, and Let’s Go Camping. To create a “campsite” I quickly set up the our play tents and Ikea play tunnels.   Once everything was ready, I announced it was time to camp and handed each kiddo a backpack.  With camping gear in hand, all four enthusiastically slithered through the tunnels and into their tents.

Indoor camping

indoor camping

indoor camping

When everyone was cozy in the larger tent, I read the camping books and we talked about what it’s like to camp.  While reading, I realized that making s’mores is an integral part of camping and would be the perfect afternoon snack.  The only problem was we didn’t have two of the main ingredients: graham crackers or Hershey’s bars.  Of course, not having the right stuff never stops me once I have and idea in my head.  I remembered a finding a recipe for home-made graham crackers, plus we ALWAYS have chocolate chips.

indoor camping

IMG_1738

indoor camping

The kids weren’t the only ones to enjoy the tents….

IMG_1746

Before nap, the quads helped me make the graham crackers by dropping in pre-measured ingredients then cutting rolled dough into shapes.   When they woke up, we had some makeshift s’mores for snack.

making graham crackers

Our s’mores were no traditional with homemade graham crackers, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows.  Nonetheless, they tasted pretty good and the quads learned about s’mores!  To wrap up our camping day, I found a short cartoon about camping, Olivia Goes Camping, on Amazon Prime. (When we do “themed” activities, I always to a quick search on Prime to see if there’s a related television show, and I almost always find one that’s age appropriate.) This particular episode was really cute and the quads seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.   In fact, the Olivia series is one of their favorites.  I often spy them acting out scenes together after watching an episode.

improvised s'mores

s'mores for afternoon snack

What’s your favorite rainy day activity?  It looks like we have more to come…

hugs,

Amber

P.S. I have provided Amazon affiliate links should you choose to make purchases via Four to Adore.  Please visit my disclaimer page for further information regarding affiliate links. 

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

My Best $4 Investment

Amber 11 Comments

While buying Easter basket goodies for the quads, I spied small colored spray bottles at the Dollar Tree. I wasn’t sure quite how we’d use them, but grabbed four different colors and added them to the baskets.  I’ve been making my own produce wash and counter top spray and pouring them into empty spray bottles for a while.  Every single time the quads see me spraying something they request a turn.  In fact, they can spray the kitchen table down after dinner and any other area that needs attention.  They are expert sprayers!  I knew they’d appreciate having their very own spray bottles.

One morning I decided it was time to fill the new bottles with tap water and take them in the yard.  I laid down a few simple rules: NO spraying people, animals, or bugs.  Anything else in the yard was fair game.  The kids all nodded in agreement and set off to spray whatever their hearts desired.

Dollar Tree spray bottles entertain toddlers and help with fine motor skill development

Dollar Tree spray bottles entertain toddlers and help with fine motor skill development

I knew spray bottles had potential entertainment value, but seriously I had NO idea how much fun spray bottles would be for a bunch of toddlers.

Dollar Tree spray bottles entertain toddlers and help with fine motor skill development

They sprayed my Gerber daisies…

Dollar Tree spray bottles entertain toddlers and help with fine motor skill development

They spritzed the flower beds…

Dollar Tree spray bottles entertain toddlers and help with fine motor skill development

They splattered the fence…

Dollar Tree spray bottles entertain toddlers and help with fine motor skill development

They bathed our caterpillar climber, “Happy”…

Dollar Tree spray bottles entertain toddlers and help with fine motor skill development

They misted the herb garden…

Dollar Tree spray bottles entertain toddlers and help with fine motor skill development

They washed the windows…

Dollar Tree spray bottles entertain toddlers and help with fine motor skill development

They cleaned the sidewalk chalk from the house…

Dollar Tree spray bottles entertain toddlers and help with fine motor skill development

Though they looked menacing armed with spray bottles, they followed the rules really well- NO spraying people, pets, or bugs.

Dollar Tree spray bottles entertain toddlers and help with fine motor skill development

These spray bottles were some of my best $4 investments to date.  They’ve entertained the quads for HOURS!!!  The first day they played a solid TWO hours with them, the next day another 90 minutes (they may have played longer, but I got bored watching them spray), and they’ve asked for spray bottles every single day since I introduced them.  The best part is they enjoy spraying so much that bickering is minimal.

hugs,

Amber

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

Cupcake Day

Amber 6 Comments

cupcake day: books, crafts/ activities for toddlers and preschoolers

I recently spied an adorable toddler craft that coordinated with one of my favorite childhood books, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Pop by Texas Tales to see the cookie craft that coordinates with the book.

We don’t have If You Give a Mouse a Cookie in our personal library, but we do have  If You Give a Cat a Cupcake.  And, since my kids absolutely adore cupcakes, they received several other cupcake themed books as gifts.  I was delighted to find cupcake shaped foam cut outs and mini glitter shakers at Target’s One Spot last week.  With our book collection and craft supplies, I decided we should devote an entire day to the quad’s beloved dessert.

One morning, I enthusiastically announced that it was “Cupcake Day” and told the quads of all our cupcake themed plans.  Their eyes glistened in anticipation as their mouths watered at the mere thought of cupcakes. We started by getting dressed for the day.  Naturally, the girls wore their cupcake t-shirts.

cupcake day attire

Once everyone was dressed, we read If You Give a Cat a Cupcake and talked about cupcake toppings before making a cupcake craft. When we do crafts at the kitchen table, I use a lunch tray to contain pieces for each child.  It works really well by establishing a boundary for materials and clean up is a cinch.

cupcake day craft

I’m not ready to let the quads loose with glue so I dotted the glue myself and let them stick the sprinkles, wrappers, and cherries on their cupcakes.  Since the glitter shakers were small, they were perfect for the kids to shake without making a huge mess.  In fact, I may keep the containers to refill for later crafts.

cupcake day craft

cupcake day craft

Making a cupcake craft was fun, but you can’t celebrate Cupcake Day without eating cupcakes, which meant it was time to bake Funfetti cupcakes.  I wanted to involve the quads, but knew they’d be impatient with baking.  I pre measured everything and gave each one a turn pouring an ingredient into the mixing bowl.  Once the batter was mixed, I moved our cupcake pan onto a stool and asked the quads to put liners in each hole.
cupcake day

Cupcake Day

cupcake day

During naptime, the cupcakes baked then cooled. George arrived home shortly after nap and insisted we make cream cheese frosting for our cupcakes.  Even though I didn’t want to deal with frosting mess, he was right, cupcakes are never complete without frosting.  It’s the BEST part!

cupcake day

As soon as each cupcake was delicately frosted and accessorized in rainbow sprinkles it was snack time.  These cupcakes earned a round of applause.  Seriously, the joy harnessed from cupcakes tempt me to celebrate Cupcake Day several times a year!

cupcake day

cupcake day

It’s no surprise, when we asked the quads what color frosting they wanted, the vote was split between blue and pink. Consequently, we frosted half blue and half pink.

cupcake day

What is your favorite dessert?  I enjoy a cupcake, but honestly chocolate chip cookies are my weakness, especially when they are warm.

hugs!

Amber

P.S. Did you know National Cupcake Day is December 15th?  Either we celebrated very early, or very late…

This post contains affiliate links.  Please visit my disclaimer page if you’d like more information about links.

Gateway Church Southlake {A Spot to Visit with Tots}

Amber 2 Comments

Lists of places to take toddlers in Dallas Fort Worth

I’ve found that everyone’s mood and behavior is always best when we play outdoors at least 30 minutes daily.  However, sometimes winter weather puts a damper on outdoor play.  I’ve been searching for indoor options to help keep everyone active.  Thanks to our local mothers of multiples groups, we’ve discovered several fabulous indoor play areas.  Many of our local churches maintain indoor play areas that are free and open to the public.  This week, we joined our mothers of multiples group for a play date at the Children’s Indoor Play Area at Gateway Church Southlake.  Someone counted 19 children and seven moms with our group.  It was a nice turnout!  The quads had a great time playing in this cheerful, bubble themed play area.  I was grateful that my friend, Kristin, tagged along to help me watch all four.

Location:

700 Blessed Way

Southlake, Texas 76092

Hours:

8 am – 8 pm weekdays

Cost:

FREE!!!

Favorite Features:

Did I mention it’s FREE???

Since the play area is indoors, it’s climate controlled and clean.

The play area includes several ride on toys (e.g. train, ark) that do not require coins to operate.  There are small climb on toys for young toddlers and a large climber and slide for older children.

Tips:

The entrance to the children’s play area is on the north side of the church.  Look for the signs and you can park close to the entry.

Shoes cannot be worn in the play area, so be sure your kids are wearing socks.

Gateway play area

Sydney and Mason were the only ones brave enough to climb to the top of the play area. Sydney had so much fun, I had to go up and get her down myself.

 

IMG_3499.JPG

Gateway play area

The boys got plenty of practice taking turns driving the coveted fire engine.

Gateway play area

Rylin did not care for the larger climbing area and instead took refuge on this pack of gum.

If you aren’t in the Dallas Fort Worth area, chances are local churches in your area have similar play areas. Ask around! There are several other indoor play areas we plan to try this season.

hugs!

Amber

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch {Spot to Visit with Tots}

Amber 9 Comments

Lists of places to take toddlers in Dallas Fort Worth

You may recall several months ago, I shared a listing of toddler friendly places we’ve visited with the quads.  After writing that post I was eager to begin a new list, but a compilation of ten places may take another year.  Instead of waiting for a list I’m starting a series, sharing as we go.

Last weekend we joined our local mothers of multiples club at the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch, and I believe we began a new fall family tradition.  George had to work, but Nisey and Poppa joined us for the experience and helped me manage four two year olds sans strollers.  Here’s the scoop:

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

Location:

Double Oak Ranch
5100 Cross Timbers Rd
Flower Mound TX 75028
(817) 430-4536

Hours:

Seasonal from October 1st – 31st
9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Cost:

Parking is $5 and ALL activities (e.g. train ride, hayride, corn mazes, bounce houses, photo opportuniites) are included

Buses and walk-ins are $1

Favorite Features:

Our crew enjoyed running through the rows and rows of pumpkins as well as the hayride.  For older kids, there are bounce houses and corn mazes.

 

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

Running in a pumpkin patch can be dangerous business.

The pumpkin patch is a fantastic place for snapping photos.  During our visit it was overcast, which made for great fall pictures.

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

 

There are hundreds of character cut outs perfect for photo ops.  Our attempts to convince the quads to pose with the cut outs were futile, however.

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

Since the quads were unwilling to sit next to the cutouts, this is the only picture we snapped of them. This is a mere fraction of the cut outs we admired.  Literally every popular children’s character is represented somewhere on the farm.

There isn’t a petting zoo, but we had a blast watching the farm animals.  The main attraction? Horses snacking on pumpkins of course.

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

Tips:

On weekdays only drinks are sold on site, so pack snacks or a picnic to enjoy during your stay.  On Saturday and Sunday, vendors sell seasonal favorites such as kettle corn, grilled burgers, corny dogs (Fletcher’s!), and pumpkin bread.

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

After nibbling at our picnic lunch, these four gobbled bright, festive cupcakes provided by our local moms of multiples club.

Radio Flyer wagons are provided free of charge, you can borrow one to cart any bags, snacks, ect as well as any pumpkins you plan to purchase.  No need to bring your own wagon!

DSCN0864

Bathrooms are port-o-potties so plan ahead the best you can…I personally avoid those at all costs.

The Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch gave us a fantastic, nostalgic fall experience. What is your favorite fall activity?

hugs!

Amber