V is for volcano

Jackson has been obsessed with volcanoes lately, constantly asking us to "talk about volcanoes" and asking questions about what they are, where they are, how they work. We've resorted to you tube videos when our own knowledge runs out (which happens pretty quickly with this subject). He pretends everything is a volcano and runs around the house "rescuing" us and asking to be rescued from the "hot, hot volcano." Pretty adorable (see him in his "volcano boots and cape" below which apparently protects you from the volcanoes). So, last weekend we made some volcanoes of our own by mixing vinegar (which we colored with food coloring) and baking soda which we had in muffin tins so it looked like a bunch of mini exploding volcanoes. The kid was in heaven.  

LIFE with jackson

I remember worrying a lot right before Audrey was born about how I would ever be able to maintain the level of fun and activities we did with Jackson once the baby arrived. Especially during the week when Dan was at work and I was alone and needing to tend to a newborn. But, almost four months later (and a lot of trial & error), I am so happy with the groove we have found. I think, if anything, the amount of activities, art projects and adventures has increased for Jackson since becoming a big brother. I have learned, that for us, the more I plan ahead and have ideas held in stock (thank you, pinterest), the easier it is to break out something fun for Jackson to do either on his own or with us, resulting in a little boy who is happy, engaged and learning which always equals a happier, less stressed mama.

Here are a few shots from life with Jackson over the weekend. PS: I love how Audrey studies Jackson now as he plays... sometimes wanting so badly to play too and other times probably happy to stay out of the chaos for a little longer!

Each morning we talk about the weather and Jackson decides which weather sign to hang up on the fridge. Saturday morning he decided "Sunny" was the best fit and wasn't too thrilled about how much the sun hurts his eyes...

Dried beans and rice. Who knew they could provide so much entertainment. Seriously, ALL Saturday morning he moved his stash around from container to container with different spoons and utensils. It gave Dan and I time to make even more progress on organizing our disaster of a basement. 

I'm pretty sure that 95% of the toys I buy for Jackson are Melissa and Doug- we LOVE them. They are long-lasting, wooden (a big plus for me, I'm not a fan of plastic toys) and teach so much. He played with these lacing beads for a long time this weekend, practicing hand/eye coordination, colors, patterns and counting. 

Another Melissa & Doug favorite, stamping letters. They may or may not be a favorite toy of mine to play with too...