Inspired by Angry Bird RIO iPad Game

 Austyn gets inspired by movies or games sometimes when he is thinking up things to build or play. This is a game he made that was  inspired by a popular iPad game. He made the birds to hurl through the air.

Austyn made a bunch of built up obstacles to topple with the birds.

 Here is what the game is, in case you are interested. It's based on a movie that is going to be released soon.


Here is the movie trailer.

Isn't it interesting how something that doesn't really seem like an important activity (video games) can turn into something amazing!

Another Park

 Now the weather is over 0 degrees we've spent a bit more time outside again. 

It's not easy though. There are large puddles everywhere, ice, mud and the snow is unpredictable. 

 We tried to go to another park for a picnic. The wind was a bit cold. Usually there is no wind here, but this day there was. The snow was so deep in parts that the kids couldn't get around easy. They kept getting their boots stuck. Everyone had wet pants and socks after this trip.

The kids did their best but it was just too hard to play in the park in these conditions. We didn't end up staying as long as we'd have liked to and we were the only people there.

A Story + Art = StArt -The Pet Dragon

We read The Pet Dragon by Christoph Niemann. As the book says, it is a story about Adventure, Friendship, and Chinese Characters.

It's a cute book that incorporates the Chinese characters into the pictures so that they are easy to remember as little pictures from the story. 

 

 Right away Austyn wanted to draw all of the characters from the book. Zoe wanted to copy the dragon.

Here is the dragon Zoe drew. She took the picture herself.

Here are Austyns' characters.

Join in the fun at  A Mommy's Adventures: stART.

this moment - topless scrubbing

{this moment}

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{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you would like to see what others have posted or if you would like to join in here is the link to SouleMama's Blog:
http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2011/01/this-moment.html

Book Sharing Monday - The Magpies' Nest

Moving to Alberta from Ontario we are mezmerized by magpies. Beautiful colouring, long tail, and possibly the fact that there are so many of them we can't help but wonder what they do, where they fly, what they eat and much more. I've been told that locals find them boring and a bit of a pain, but being new here they evoke a strong interest. 

Searching our library for magpie books I came across this one that includes facts about many other types of birds as well.

The Magpies' Nest retold by Joanna Foster and illustrated by Julie Downing is a book about building nests. The birds ask how to make a nest in spring and the magpies build their nest and give a lesson to each bird about how to build a nest. Each bird in this book may use one or two of the things that the magpie adds but in the end the magpies have added many more items than any of the birds in the book. 

This story is a great way to introduce different types of nests. It's a must read for spring.

To join in on the fun of Book Sharing Monday or to read other entries visit http://canadianhomelearning.blogspot.com/

Skating

We went skating after visiting with friends. We met them there. It was a good thing because the regulars were not there. They probably figured that with March Break it would be too busy.

Austyn was skating so fast one week and he was zooming in between and around people. Some of the parents and his coach (who was there) commented to me about how well he skates. We talked to him about the dangers of skating around people like he was, so he doesn't do that as much now. I had requests from relatives to get video of him so they can see him skate. You can see Zoe in the video as well. She doesn't need the support anymore. She can skate on her own but sometimes chooses to get the help.

Venturing Out to Visit New Friends

 We decided to bring our bikes to their house and bike to a treed area nearby. The ice and water on the sidewalks were so bad that we had to turn around and just have the kids bike in front of the house.

 Outside I spotted a nest in a tree. I wonder what kind of bird made it.

 Even though they didn't make it to the treed area they still had a good time out front. 

 Zoe loved their indoor swing.

 Here is a better view of it.

They played many games in the basement and played with some wonderful toys. 

It was a nice visit. Next time we'll have to have them to our place.

Beautiful Spring Day at the Park... In The Wet Snow!!!

 The last few days have been warm and the weekend will bring more snow. We are witnessing a spring thaw. We walked to one of the parks near our apartment. 

 Getting over the snow piles to get across the street was a challenge. Once in the park walking became difficult. The snow was almost to the top of the garbage can. It hasn't snowed much the last few times that it did snow.  This is accumulation from the huge amount of snow that has fallen here all winter. Locals assure us that this wasn't a normal winter. 

 As we walked on, the kids were able (for the most part) to walk on top of the snow, but I wasn't as lucky. I had knee high boots and with just about each step my feet fell through the snow past my boots. It was very wet (like slush) and my boots were soaked through in no time, so I couldn't play much with the kids. Here is the park bench I sat on. I had to sit on the back rest.

 It was nice to get out to the park. When I asked the kids if they wanted to go to the park they said, "There's a park?" There are actually two playgrounds that I know of and I chose this one to try on this day. 

We couldn't stay too long, and we all left with wet pants, socks, and boots, but it was worth it. I hope to get to the park again while the weather is warmer and before more snow comes.

I didn't get pictures of the kids who came to the park but they met new friends and we have kept in touch.