Last Day of Summer Vacation 2013

We have had fun, and really, I don't want it to end.  But tomorrow, Tate goes back to school.  It is a new school for him, and it is just a few blocks away.  I am ready for the routine, and to meet new people, but I am used to having Tate with us daily. 

We've done a few projects this weekend that the kids loved. 

Firstly, I put out a set of watercolor paints for each kid, a spray bottle, good brushes, watercolor paper, and salt.  The salt leaves a really cool texture when you put it on the paint when it is still wet.  It absorbs a bit of the color, leaving behind beautiful patterns.  

I bought Model Magic for the first time, (Michaels had a deal!) and we pulled out all of the playdoh toys to use with it.  I couldn't stop squishing it!

Soleil will have a hard time when Tate goes back to school.  She does every holiday break, and she asks and asks for him.  I got a few things for her, and have them in her backpack for morning.  Also (not pictured) I found every book we own about school and put it in a little basket for her.

 I set out what I could to make breakfast easier.

We boiled eggs in the steamer (it works great!) for morning.  I would say for the week, but Tate goes through about 3 eggs in a sitting.

I hung garland in the main living area for the kids to see when they come to breakfast in the morning.

And lastly, I took the time to program my Keurig, probably the most important task!

Schwartz Summer Camp: Paint Relay

Last year, I had every week of summer planned out.  This year, I am moving, (which means that I don't have summer planned).   And I hate moving.  I am a Cancer Crab who likes to nest and be at home, and when that is disrupted, I freak out.  Like my parents' chihuahua mix Wendy.  Here is Wendy:

With no plan, I still had a few activities that I came up with for the day when I don't want the kids to be in front of the tv, and they are starting to get bored.  

So today....PAINTING RELAY!!! 

Set up four stations, Set the timer for 5 minutes, and rotate through.  (I also recommend starting 2 kids on #1 and #3, instead of #1 and #2 because if the 3 year old wants to linger, no one argues.)

Project 6: Photo Op Mural

One of the folks from Tate's school asked me to make a colorful photo op mural for the upcoming Did de Los Muertos celebration.  It was great to paint, and was a perfect activity to accomplish while Soleil took her daily nap.  (She didn't take one today, and I am really, really, really hoping that she isn't growing out of them!) 

Tate took my photo trying it out before I was done:)