Copycats, Carrots, Caterpillars, and TC BEAR

 Aiden being silly with TC Bear.  He has a baseball pinata on his head.

All three Boys with TC

All 5 of Us with TC

 The transfer of our chrysalis from the jar to the butterfly house.  We started with 5 caterpillars that made little cocoons over 7-10 days.

Discussing the process with Daddy

Semi-exciting for Aiden. 

The caterpillars were ready to be transferred when all of them were hanging from the top of the jar (see picture).  We should have some butterflies in another week.

Racing around the "track" in our backyard just like in the Olympics!

And running in the house

Gold Medal Ceremony.  Our third participant did not wish to have his picture taken.

 

Liam's Carrot!!  You might remember that Liam wanted to plant some carrot seeds in the backyard in May.  Well, we actually grew a carrot and he was so excited about it. 

To say that we are impressionable is an understatement.  We "copy" almost everything we see and the last week or so is a good example of this.  We have enjoyed watching the Olympics each night when we come inside, take baths, and get ready for bed.  The boys have been swimming laps in the pool, doing floor exercises for gymnastics, jumping off nearly everything like the gymnasts, and running circles in the house and yard like the Olympic track athletes.  I was pretty happy when the Olympic spotlight moved from gymnastics to track and field because John and I were pretty sure we would be making a trip to the ER if we did not find a safer sport like running. 

Another big thing that happened this week was our personal visit with TC Bear.  TC is the mascot for the Minnesota Twins baseball team.  Yes, the professional baseball team!  One of our neighbors had some type of a "connection" and set up TC to come out to a birthday party for her son and we were fortunate enough to be invited to the party.  No one knew that TC would be showing up so we were all completely shocked when he walked in the backyard.  We got his autograph, played baseball, and got to visit with him up close rather than the two seconds you usually see him at the games.  Very cool and something the boys have not stopped talking about.

Lastly, we have been doing a little science lesson with some caterpillars.  I ordered a kit that you can get online and they send you at least 5 living caterpillars in the mail with instructions on how to care for them.  After 7-10 days, the caterpillars became a chrysalis and developed a cocoon around them.  The instructions tell you to transfer them carefully to the mesh butterfly house when the cocoons are hanging from the jar.  So, we have transferred our little cocoons and we are patiently waiting for our butterflies.  The boys have really enjoyed the whole process and they are dying to feed the butterflies once they finally arrive.  So far, I think we have managed to keep all 5 caterpillars alive despite some shaking and a drop or two on the floor.  Stay tuned!