Punctuation Mark Loves Raw Carrots

Punctuation Mark tried out raw carrots today for the first time.

He likes cooked baby carrots, as baby food.
But he seemed to love the raw version more.
Probably felt good on his gums.

Wordless Wednesday

Our Park Visit to Ledges State Park

Punctuation Mark and daddy.

Grilled hamburgers.





Explained things to the kiddos.
Ever-learning.





Played.





Played and drank chocolate milk.





Did some bonding.





Put make-up on.





Relaxed.





Used our chompers.





Played some more.





Smiled of course!





And took lots of photos.
Lizard Man took this one.



If you ever get the chance, stop at Ledges State Park.
It is an amazing park.

Camping at Backbone State Park in Iowa - Day 1 of 2

Backbone State Park is the oldest State Park in Iowa.
Dedicated in 1920.

We went camping there last weekend.
It is one of our favorite parks in Iowa.

$6.00 camping fee per night.
I think it is the cheapest camping fee we have EVER paid.
And we've camped A LOT.
October is considered off-season for camping in Iowa.
That is why it was so cheap.





Relaxing.
And clapping.
One of Punctuation Mark's favorite things to do.
Especially with daddy.





Love Bug spent a lot of time in the playground area.
Lots and lots and lots of sand.


Lizard Man did too.
But he tries to avoid the camera at times.
And it worked this particular time.

I wish I would have brought more sand toys.
But the kids did just fine with what we had.



It was the best weather for camping.





One of the best camping experiences for us.
And I know the weather had something to do with it.
No mosquitoes.
Not even one.





This is one of my favorite photos from the trip.
Love Bug in her pink polka dotted pj's.

She's roasting marshmallows for me!!
I am the only one in our family that likes S'mores.
So far.





Simple S'mores.
Using striped chocolate shortbread cookies.
And marshmallows.
My friend, Katie's mom Annette taught me how to make them.
I call them "Simple S'mores".
Easy for little hands.
And oh so yummy too.

Left Photo=My S'more
Right Photo=Love Bug's





And off to bed.



Photos from Day 2, to come sometime this week...

Video #2 @ Backbone State Park

On our camping trip last weekend...

Punctuation Mark babbling and stands up on his own.
Lizard Man putting a tent pole together.
Word Geek says raaaaaarrr!

Unschooled Lizard Man Reading

While camping, I captured this video.
Lizard Man started reading to Punctuation Mark.
Love Bug came over and listened too.

Very happy I thought to grab the camera.
Will treasure this moment forever.

Wordless Wednesday

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Linking up here!

Wordless Wednesday

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Linking up here!

Armory Field Trip

We visited an Iowa National Guard Armory Friday.
Mama.
Punctuation Mark.
Love Bug.
Lizard Man.

We've driven past this particular armory many times.
Gates are always closed.



Word Geek was at work.
He's been working a lot.
And working very hard.
I really wish he could have come.



Love Bug & Lizard Man fought.
They drove me bonkers!!
That's why we usually go on field trips with dad.
He helps with distraction.
Or holds Love Bug when she needs to be held.
They were tired.
Very tired.
They got bored.
It was a rather long tour.
2 hours 2 minutes.
And they fought more.
I think now.
I should have taken photos of them fighting.
To show them later.
These shots caught a tiny bit of it.



But-
There were some neat moments.





And cool things to see.









We learned many things.
For instance, did you know?
The National Guard is the only branch
of the many military branches (Army, Navy, Marines, etc.)
that can be called upon by the governor.



We received food rations to try at home.
3500 calories worth.