It's Friday!!!

Our first week back and oh what a week its been :) We have had such a wonderful time playing, getting wet, singing, dancing, painting, and just having fun that I can't believe the week went by so quickly!! With the weather so beautiful today we put those bathing suites back on today and went out to the yard to have some more fun!!

I took a little time this morning to set up the Princess Tent with a little floor (sheet), chairs and books in the shaded area of the yard, it was a nice relaxing place for the kids to go for a little quiet time. I also set up the outdoor easel, and the sprinkler again for the kids to enjoy.

These girls seem to be having fun!!

I have found that the kids really enjoy painting outside, especially on the plexi-glass easel. It is easy to rinse off, start over and basically make a "process" type of art, rather than a "product" type of art. All the kids took a turn and created something, even if it was just the joy of blending colors, using the squirt bottle or squeegee to play with, they all seem to enjoy their time there.

What was left at the end of the morning :)

It has been an awesome week and I look forward to the new school year. I have lots of great ideas from the NAFCC conference to implement, lots of places I would like to take field trips to, and lots of love to give... I am truly Blessed to be able to do this job.

Getting to Know Each Other

This photo was from yesterday, but is still out today. I took some photos today, and can't seem to find the camera as I sit down to post today. What did we do?? Getting to know each other has been top on our list this week. Although Little Miss M knows me and my space, she has been gone for the summer and actually is only visiting for the week until her new school starts, and Roo is getting used to a new space, new friends, and new rules.

So, what did we do today?? We performed some silly songs, our favorite was one from Jim Gill's CD Make it Noisy in Boise. The song, Stick to the Glue, was hysterical. It sings about getting stuck together, like shake hands... Oh No, now we're stuck to the glue!! Every time I pretended to be stuck to their hands, or my side, etc... it was giggle/laugh fest time!!

We also took toys out and put them away, learning where things go, how to ask for help, or how to stay on task (when everything is new and exciting). There was light table fun, play dough creations, building with some new blocks D-Man donated to us, and housekeeping was visited a lot this morning. The Do-A-Dots were out again and many new pictures were made and exhibited to the big kids when they woke up and came down for breakfast. We can't forget snack and outdoor time!!

Outside saw us at the water table, where the goal today was to find all the watering cans (or anything that held water) and water every blade of grass and tree (I had to fill up the table twice). There was tire swinging, ball kicking, sandbox playing and mud pie making. The slides were still a little to hot to slide down, but maybe we can get those swim suites on and the sprinkler going tomorrow or Thursday. We'll see.

It was another great morning and I think little Roo is enjoying her time with us so far. Even though the kids that will be with me all year aren't even here yet, she is settling in just fine.

I'm Back!!!

WOW... what a 3 weeks it has been. It seems like I have been away a life time. As much as I long for the beauty and coolness of the Adirondack Mts, I am glad to be home. I missed my dogs, my house and my own bed :) We got home yesterday and it took all I had in me to get the house in presentable condition for my arrivals today. We have Little Miss M back for the week, until her new school starts up, and our newest friend joining us, we'll called her Roo, because she is so inquisitive and friendly, just like little Roo with his Mama Kanga.

This morning I was able to welcome my friends back to "school" with some new and old toys, (Miss M liked finding some of the toys right where they were when she left) and plenty of activity to go around. We sang some songs, moved from Do-A-Dots, to sand table, to play dough effortlessly, and even went outside for a rather hot and muggy romp in the yard. Thankfully, the water table was in full swing and the breeze from the swings made it tolerable. It was nice to have "my" kids back, I missed them!!




Below you will find some photo's from our many excursions and adventures we had over the last 3 weeks...

Romping in the Atlantic Ocean off Fire Island in NY

Jumping off Aunt Kimmy's boat on Schroon Lake, NY

My Dad and I enjoying the views at Red Rock Canyon in NV

I have lots to post about in the up coming days... I loved each and everyday of the NAFCC conference, I loved visiting family and friends in NY and I loved coming home.

Playdate

No photos today... so busy, and the camera's battery died, that I just wasn't able to get any shots. That doesn't mean we didn't have a very busy and fun day. Our new friends from around the corner came for another play date. It was really nice to have them here. Our Princess likes having other girls to play with sometimes. Though, everyone enjoyed playing together.

We made some new YELLOW play dough to have when our friends came. It was so soft and warm, they couldn't help but play with it. I also put some rice in the sensory table, and I'm sorry, but I only had red, but it was a review color so it was ok :) Our easel was up and running and the kids were actively engaged pretty much the whole time. Of course the trains, blocks, & house keeping were utilized as well.

I think the kids enjoy having new friends to play with and the time flies. I hope they can continue to come and play. It gives us new friends to try out all those great skills we work on everyday. Like using our words, problem solving, turn taking, patience, modeling appropriate behavior, and friendship. The kids really enjoy showing their new friends how to use their materials and equipment. Having this chance helps them find their leadership qualities and try them out. I love watching them.

Fun Day

Today was an immensely fun day. We had some new friends come over for a play date. Miss Beth comes everyday, and we LOVE her and her crew. Having friends to share and socialize with is what Child Care is all about. I "lost" 3 of my preschoolers to Kindergarten this year, leaving me with Princess and the D Man (both 4) and then Little Miss M, Sprout (both 2) and Little Man (infant). Well, Princess and D Man are both trying to find their niche since the older kids went off to school. It is coming along, they are experimenting and taking risks, and navigating the Leadership Role really great. But, while D Man had his a little friend (that is a boy) come over with Miss Beth, Princess is the only preschool girl. She goes with the flow, plays great with D Man and his friend, even playing with Sprout and Little Miss M can be fun sometimes. Yet, she is missing her kindergarten friends. So, at my son's bus stop, a neighbor comes with her daughter (4), son (almost 3) and a little girl she watches (4)... YEAH!!!! This morning I invited them over for a play date!! Princess had a ball. It was nice seeing her play with the little girls, and they both immediately allowed her into their twosome. (I was worried, a little.)

When they arrived we were already immersed in some free play choices.... we had the water table set up, free choice art at the table with paper, scissors, markers, tape and glue, we had the easel going, and of course the housekeeping, blocks, and light table. I think the kids had a great time.

What color is your Apple? at the Easel

Then the many, many Easel Paintings that came after.

Lots of fun!!!

Another New Friend!!

WELCOME SPROUT!!!

We Welcomed another New Friend to Child Care today!! Our Spunky Sprout visited today, by herself!! She was a Pro!! After an initial hesitation at drop off, she transitioned into our play with ease. She enjoyed the musical instruments the kids were playing with, and went on from there to try everything!! How amazing it is to watch a child explore a new environment!!

Outside was Sprouts favorite part of the morning!!! She loved exploring, going into the house, playing in the sandbox, and swinging in the toddler swing!! When we came in (it was 90 degrees by mid morning) she kept taking my hand and leading me to the yard door, saying, "outside."

Inside, Sprout had a lot of fun with coloring, exploring the magnet bucket, playing in the sand sensory table, and exploring her new surroundings!!

Sprout, I am soooo excited that you have come to play and learn with us. You are an amazing, happy little girl!! I am so proud that your Mommy & Daddy picked me to watch you and spend time with you. I know you & I will have lots of fun!!!

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!!!!

Little Man

Welcome Little Man!!!!

We have waited sooooo long for this moment!! I remember the day I found out about your pending birth, it seems like yesterday. I was so excited. Now you are here. You were met with open arms, lots of smiles and curiosity on your first day at Shell's house. The kids couldn't wait to make you laugh, to touch your little feet, and all that hair... they loved it.

You are such a happy, gorgeous baby!! I love your smell, your eyes, and the way you are so intent on picking up your head to look around and watch those kids. You have done so good today. I am so glad your here!! Welcome, Welcome, Welcome... your a perfect addition to our Child Care Family!!!

Welcome

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome

We want to Welcome a new Friend to Kozy Kids... Little N started full time this week and we are soooo happy to have him. The kids love playing with him and it seems that he loves playing with them!! Welcome N... we are so Happy to have YOU!!!!

This next photo is my favorite... it makes me so happy that our Big Kids are so loving and patient with the Little Ones!!! In the photo below, S is allowing N to dump sand on his back and wipe it off... over and over and over!!! It was just so sweet, no yelling, no pushing, no mean "Stop That" words... just patience and kindness... Again, I love my job!!!!