Have a Splash at Discovery Green

I've been "itching" to take Little K to the fountains at Discovery Green this summer. When I realized last week that summer was almost over and we had not made atleast one visit, I sent a text to my sister Colyn.

Want to go to Discovery Green fountains? Please say "yes".

Luckily, Colyn agreed. Last night, we took the girls just before 5 pm downtown to the fountains. My sister had not yet been there but seemed to really like it. Her daughter Claire (age 2) and my 5-year-old loved every minute of it. I really like that the fountains will slowly increase in height and strength and then stop altogether.

"Where'd the water go, Claire?" I kept asking my niece. My daughter echoed. She'd look around & around  & around until finally, the water started up again. It gives the kids a bit of suspense. I just like to watch.

Looks like we'll make a repeat trip since I deleted ACCIDENTALLY all the great photos that I took of them playing in the water. Oh well. We always need fun things to do. Hope to see you there. I've posted here some of my favorite photos from the fountains at Discovery Green Park. Enjoy!

Until the next nap time...

Burn Off Some Energy

Little K was bored to tears (almost). I promised an adventure after I finished my work. She stood close by, watching over my shoulder as I typed. (Clearly, she's never heard the tale about the watched kettle that won't boil!) She didn't have camp that week because we were heading out of town to see my grandparents in Ohio in a few days. Trent & I would take turns entertaining her throughout the week. (That does bring up the point that my mom stayed at home with me when I was little but didn't entertain me every moment of the day. Perhaps I'll save that for another blog post.)

Finally, it was her turn. I had promised that we'd head to the "jumpee thing" at Memorial City Mall before school started. She never seems to forget those promises. So, we drove over, parked and head for adventure. (Enter near Eyemasters and Target.) After a short wait, I paid maybe $10, and the excitement began. The staffer strapped Little K into the harness and she jumped for 5 very long minutes on a contraption that seems like a twist between a trampoline and an bungee cord jump. She loved it and eventually figured out how to flip herself over once she was mid-air. It was cute... and did I mention EASY?

Next, she stepped over to the rock wall, was again strapped in, and then she looked a bit confused. "Get to climbing, girl," I told her.

Honestly, what did she think she was signing up for? I didn't push it.

Little K gave it a good shot and I was surprised when she was so close to the top, she slid down. But there's a bell to ring at the top so everyone knows you accomplished your goal, I thought. Okay, so there are a few differences between my daughter and me but only a few. She gave it another try but gave out a bit sooner. I really think her little legs had just been through enough.

My new secret weapon: the "Jumpee thing" at Memorial City Mall. Little K slept like a baby that night. I smiled in glory! My only regret? I can't find my photos and video on my iPhone. Darn!

Until the next nap time...

After a yummy breakfast of homemade biscuits & gravy, we met Aunt Patti & cousin Bentley at the movie theater at The Greene. We watched "Toy Story 3" & really enjoyed it.

Afterward, we walked around the outdoor mall (like Town & Country Villages in Houston). When we returned to the car, a family had run into my PaPa Don's parked car! Luckily, they stayed to talk to a police officer until we showed up. That was our only downer of the trip, except PaPa Don's ear ache. Here's hoping his doctor appointment Tuesday returns good news & the accidental driver pays for the car repairs.

We're waiting for our flight in Dayton & are oddly ready for home. I'm craving our schedule & a bit more play time before Little K heads to kindergarten this Friday. Where did the summer go?


- Until the next nap time...

Young's Dairy Farm

During our Ohio trip, we went to Young's Dairy Farm for our first time. It's similar to Dewberry Farm in Houston but has a large dining area that focuses on dairy products (although burgers are available).









A video shows how the staff males the cheese. The ice cream was tasty but too much for us to eat. Little K enjoyed the outdoor activities with our Barrett family. Perhaps we worked off some of our calories.


- Until the next nap time...

Dig Taters

Many moons ago, my mom, sister & I came to Ohio in August to escape the Houston heat. The other years, we came in early June to celebrate the start of summer. June trips also meant pea picking.

This August, we found the weather in the low 80s. PaPa Don blamed the lack of peas on the rabbits as he had done in years past, although it is really past harvest time. I in turn taught my daughter the potato song:

"This summer I went to Ohio.
I went there to help PaPa pick peas.
The rabbits arrived there before me.
Dig taters cuz there ain't no peas.
Taters, taters, dig taters cuz there ain't no peas!"



When Little K found a little potato, she hollered "Souper!" since the little taters go in Grammy's soup. When she found the big potatoes, she threw up her hands & yelled "Mongo!", taking after cousin Lauren when she was a youngster (She turns 24 today).



I took a turn at digging up green onions & garlic, which I taste tested. It had such a strong flavor! I've since been told that I should brush my teeth. Oh well. I've freshened my green thumb & Trent is helping me with our own garden ideas.

- Until the next nap time...

Pa Pa Don Still Makes the Best Pancakes

Add together 2 eggs, 1/4 tsp


vanilla, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 Tb cooking oil, "some milk". Mix well in the mixer.

Put in a cup of Hungry Jack


pancake mix. Mix well. Add in more pancake mix as needed.




The mixer seems to really get the pancakes fluffy. However, the true test is in the tasting. Yummy pancakes! Thanks, PaPa Don.

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Dayton, OH.

Tease-y

After dinner, there clearly was tickle time between Little K &


Uncle Sean. He was so surprised at the difference between our daughter & his at the same age. (photos tomorrow night will also be telling!) Too bad they both like teasing.

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Dayton, OH.

Do a Hair Do

As tradition demands, Little K "fixes" PaPa Don's hair. Unlike her mother & her aunt, she doesn't have any temporary hair dye!

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Dayton, OH.

Mini Burgers & Good Memories

Little K earned $2 this morning by picking up all the twigs that fell after last night's Ohio t-storm. We then went to a local rummage sale, where she bought coloring pages for 50 cents.




We'd worked up quite the appetite so we drove to the Hamburger Wagon in Miamisburgh, OH.

My PaPa Don says the original owner sold the famous mini burgers for just 10 cents each.


They now go for $1.10 each but are cooked right in front of you & are delicious!

My sorority little sister replied to my FaceBook post about this & says she has fond memories of this "monument", too.

Of course, there is the distinct possibility that we both love this place because our grandfathers have brought us here for years.

What are/were your favorite pitstops with your grandparents?

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Miamisburgh, OH

Baby Birds Need Space

This morning, we took a peak at


two baby Robbins that were nestled in a nest outside of my grandparents' big window. Little K thought they "were so cute".

Unfortunately, my mug got too close & one of the baby birds lept out of the nest. The mother & father bird quickly flew into action but the baby couldn't fly back into the nest! We obviously backed WAY back but we'll keep a eye on the little feathered friend.

Little K was quite upset with me, claiming I didn't even apologize to the baby bird for scaring it. Ha!

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Dayton, Ohio

Good Start to our Trip to Great-Grandparents

So each summer, we make a trip to visit my maternal grandparents, Little K's great-grandparents, in Dayton, Ohio. We also have aunts, uncles & cousins there. Each year, it proves such a rewarding experience... for me. The opportunity for my daughter to really get to know her great-grandparents is truly priceless.

We landed today to be greeted by PaPa Don & Grammy. An hour or so later, we arrived at their house & Little K promptly headed out to PaPa Don's garden. She picked okra, green


beans, baby pumpkins, cherry tomatoes & even luscious, big, juicy tomatoes! The funniest part is that my mom said they were "her tomatoes" but she didn't fly up here to eat them! Her. Her. Eat your.... Tomato out!

- Until the next nap time...

New Blog Design

So, you may have noticed that the Kids Activity Queen's blog has a new look & feel. This is a precursor to the re-launch of our new Web site, coming next week. We are so excited and hope you will find the blog and soon-to-launch Web site easier to navigate.

Your thoughts and comments are welcome here always.

Until the next nap time...

USA Today Shares Fun Things to Do in Houston

Interesting article in USA Today about fun things to do in Houston. Read it online at http://traveltips.usatoday.com/family-things-houston-texas-14895.html.

Our Circus Act

As I mentioned in my July newsletter, we visited the circus. I'll post photos later. We arrived early to see the pre-show of animals up close. So glad we did. We saw zebras, tigers, horses, elephants, clowns getting dressed for the show & lots if tricks. We even saw an elephant paint on an easel!

The circus is in town for ~2 more weeks. I highly recommend going as a family. Even this Mommy was wide-eyed!

Until the next nap time...

New Pool Float

After a day of errands & weeding at the house, Little K enjoyed a dip in the pool with a little help from our new pool float. Who's Texas proud?


Until the next nap time...

Pirates Take over Summer Camp

It's "Dress Like a Pirate" Day at Summer Safari (camp) and we really got into it.

I actually drew up a treasure map (on a torn grocery paper bag) with hints around the house for Little K to follow to the treasure chest. We'll do that after Daddy and Little K return from camp and the pediatrician. (A bad case of the coughs make it hard for my little pirate to say "Arrr!")

With a white t-shirt, brown pants and a bandana on her head, my sweet girl headed to camp with her map in hand. Upon arrival, the camp counselor was preparing the kids with temporary tattoos. So cool!

Earlier in the week, they had made pirate hats from black construction paper. The treats today included a wristband compass, an eye patch and a necklace. Activities are including: walk the plank (an old mattress), water balloon toss to the other pirates' sail (a bed sheet with a pirate image across it) and more. I can't wait to hear about the day's activities.

It seems like this theme would also be great for a pirate birthday party. How fun!

Until the next nap time...

Stay Dry in Houston while Painting Your Own Pottery

After a day of Summer Safari (camp), the rain started pouring really hard at our house. Still, Little K and I wanted to do something special together. So, we headed to Young at Art Studio in the Heights.

Once there, we dried off and then picked two large tiles to paint. At left, Little K shows off her tile with a collage of flowers on a red background. Apparently, I was taking too long because my daughter also had time to color a page with markers and stamps, thanks to Mrs. Laura's creativity.

At the end, we headed back out into the downpour to return home. We'll pick up our tiles next week after they've been fired. We're hoping to do enough off them to create a new tile top on my old sewing machine table. Good thing we started last summer!

Young at Art Studio is still one of our favorite ways to get out of the Houston heat or rain. Maybe we'll see you there.

Until the next nap time...

Post-Partum Depression

A friend of mine was recently blessed with the birth of a daughter. While very excited, she is struggling a bit  through post-partum depression. She is seeing a post-partum specialist so I feel like she is on her way to healthy feeling. Still, I'd like to do something fun but simple for her.

Any suggestions?

Until the next nap time...

Show Your Kids that You'll Stand by Them

I've seen this video before but I still think it's cool. Mark Johnson is uniting people around the world and changing lives through the power of music. The video says it all and it’s quite powerful. Check it out, share it with your kids and talk about standing by each other. Watch the Stand by Me video at http://www.playingforchange.com/

Until the next nap time...

Enter the Animation Coloring Contest

I thought this contest looked fun and is an easy indoor activity to beat the heat. I hope Little K will be intrigued.

Download an entry form or pick up a copy of the Greensheet now and enter to win the Health Museum's Animation coloring contest! The winner from each category, ages 2-5 and 6-10, will receive a prize pack that includes a museum membership! But get your coloring finished soon - all entries must be postmarked by July 27.

Two grand prize winners will receive prize packs that include a membership to the museum and Cartoon Network merchandise in this contest presented by The Health Museum and Greensheet. Pick up a copy of the Greensheet June 14 - July 23 or download an entry form now that includes the complete official rules.


Entries must be postmarked no later than July 28; winners will be announced August 10. Limited to ages 2 – 5 and 6 – 10. No purchase necessary to enter.

Until the next nap time...