Gymboree, Flubber, and Snow

We were able to cram a lot of fun into a little weekend.  Alex had to be at a rehearsal in Tacoma Saturday morning, and then head straight up to Seattle for a lesson.  So we decided to make a fun day of it.

While he was at his rehearsal, we did some fun shopping.  It was nice to wander around with just Beth and have nowhere to be.  We looked around Build-A-Bear and remembered fun times we've had there over the years.  I can still picture her little 3-year old self making "Tootsie" in that store.  I got so sentimental with the stuffed animal memories that I made her also look around Gymboree with me!  They have a line there that looks custom made for Beth...all frogs and tulips!  She's been saying lately that she needs a new swimsuit, so I offered to buy her anything in that store.  She didn't take the bait.  But she did let me drape clothes on here and try to shove on little toddler hats.  A good sport, this Beth...

We went right from this store to a "cooler" store, so all was well.

After lots of fun shopping we went to lunch.  It's always so fun to have our kids one-on-one.  I love the conversations that can flow when the gift of unhurried time comes your way.  And our lunch was at Panera, our first time.  Yum.

After more fun up in Seattle, we came home and had another new meal: Chipotle!  Oh, yes, please for Chipotle anytime, anywhere.  So yummy. 

And then we finally got to make a fun project!  I watched a dad in kindergarten demonstrate this on Friday, and knew instantly that I must make this at home!  I knew it would be a huge hit, and I was so right.  I love playing with it, and the kids kinda dig it too.  Even Alex, who was skeptical and asked repeatedly what you "do" with it, could not resist joining in.  Gak, Flubber, whatever name you call it?  Fabulous!  It's one of those very calming tactile things that I love.  Like play-dough but not really.

Wanna make it?

Flubber

2 cups white Elmer's Glue
1 1/2 cups warm water
food coloring (green to be authentic "Flubber", or any fun color)

3 tsp. Borax
1 1/3 cups warm water

In one bowl, mix together glue and water.  Add in a few drops food coloring and mix well. 

In another bowl, mix together Borax and water.  Stir well, then add to the glue mixture.

Stir together with your hands.  This part is COOL!  There is some sort of chemical reaction that makes the flubber appear immediately, then you'll just be kneading in the remainder of the liquid.

Once it is all mixed together, let stand a few minutes.  Now play away!  Store in an airtight container.

And how did the day end?

Happy for their happiness, but blech!

Day 2 of weekend fun:  Brad and Alex went to White Pass for some snowboarding!  They were hosting a 24-hour "Hope on the Slopes" cancer fund-raiser.  Because of the music stuff, they could only go Sunday, but they made the most of it.  Brad hadn't skied since he was younger than Alex, and neither had ever been on a snowboard.

Those two love to have adventures, and they loved this one.  They'll be back, for sure.  And I'm sure the girls will be there with them.  Me?  Nooooooooo.  Beautiful, but noooooo.  I'll maybe go sit in the lodge and people watch, but on that chair lift with my feet dangling above the side of a mountain??  Nooooooo. 

Anyway, here's their day in pictures:

These elk were everywhere, and I have multiple pictures ~ but you can get "the picture" from just this picture!

So happy for their fun.  Me? Noooooooo thank you.

Alex said he was "dancing" not falling in this picture.

Really, this is beautiful.

Love these boys.

And on their way home, they found this sign.  Of course, Alex had to scale the snowbank to have is picture with it.  Yeah, Alex, I guess you rock.

While they were playing in the snow, I made the whole corned beef meal, a day late, but that's okay.  It was de-lish!  Perfection.

And Beth made a cake for dessert!  Proud of my little baking buddy:

YUM!