Clydesdale Horses

A few weeks ago, the Clydesdale horses came to Hy-Vee. Yeah- you read that right. These gigantic horses came to a local grocery store. I still haven't quite made that connection as to why horses would visit Hy-Vee, but who cares?!? It was a something different and was something fun to do.

Ronna and Larry-a.k.a Grandma and Granddad-read about it in the paper. Then they called us up to see if we wanted to go. We didn't have plans, so off we went. I had never seen a Clydesdale horse up close and personal. Yes- I do live under a rock. But in my defense I don't really care for horses.

When we first got there, some of the horses were still in the trailers. So we got to peek in on them and get a few pictures. As cool as the horses were, the heat was almost unbearable!! It was SO HOT!!

We were melting as we were waiting for the horses to walk by. As time went on, the whining increased. I felt sorry for the horse-keepers- is that what they are called? You know the people who take care of and get the horses ready. Or are they called cowboys? Whoever they are, I felt sorry for them. They were in pants and shirts that were not appropriate for the heat. They must have been SO HOT!!! Anyway, the horses were finally ready and we got to see them walk by. It was neat to see.

They are beautiful horses- as far as horses go. After they walked by, we all needed to go someplace cool. Luckily, Hy-Vee was there! So we all went into the nicely air-conditioned building. Ahhhh, sweet relief! I would not have done well as a pioneer!

Right inside the store there was a money machine. At first, I thought I was having a heat induced illusion! But it wasn't!

Alex

There was a MONEY machine!! I still can't figure out that one. Why did they give free money away? But they did. You can imagine the excitement of my kids! My boys are understanding what money means now.

Zach

Granted they only got to keep one bill, and they were all dollar bills, but still! What store gives away a free dollar to everyone that enters?

Josh

It was quite exciting!! Unfortunately, I think the money event made the boys forget all about the horses. Since that day, they have talked about the cool money machine but not the horses. After the boys got their free money, we headed to a table and got a cookie and an ice cold refreshing glass of water to cool down!!

All in all a pretty terrific outing! And it was all free! In fact- we got money for going!! Pretty awesome if I don't say so myself!

Chores and Prizes

Matt and I have decided that we are going to try and teach the boys a little more about money. Like how to save it and/or spend it. A while ago the boys discovered the crane game and bubblegum machines. Now every time we walk by one its "Mom! Can I have a quarter?!?!" Needless to say, I quickly ran out of quarters. I thought that this could be a good learning opportunity! Matt and I have discussed should we give them an allowance each week or make them earn money. We have been brainstorming and haven't quite worked out our system yet. There are chores that we feel they need to do no matter what -like pick up their toys or make their beds. So right now our system is to give them extra things to do to earn money. Their first chore was to help rake and pick up leaves. I am not sure this ended up being a chore....as Matt and I LOVED the help and the boys had a blast!!


(Josh is in orange. Alex is in black. Zach is in stripes.)

It was a lot of fun....and like I said it was nice to have the extra hands to help. Another chore we thought of was to help shred our paper. Seems silly, but again they loved it.

I hope our ideas keep coming. The boys are asking for chores to do. I am running out of ideas and money. :) But I am thankful that they are asking to help!! Today I need to clean the house. I may just put dust rags and brooms in their hands to help! I better check my wallet first. I don't know that they will comprehend an IOU yet. :)

Last week the boys had their parent teacher conferences. I have to say I am one PROUD mama!! All three of them got REALLY great reports. In the past they have always gotten a good report. Nothing to complain about. But this year all three were FANTASTIC! I am about to gush and brag so gag alert! :) Alex's teacher went on and on about how kind and loving Alex is. How he is considerate of others and has a big and kind heart! Zach's teacher talked about how kind and inquisitive Zach is. And that he loves to help out. Josh's teacher said how Josh is doing a great job. That he not only likes to try new things but will encourage others to do so too. Then she told me that Josh has gotten in trouble once or twice for talking to his friends too much. My jaw HIT the floor. Anyone who knows Josh knows that is AWESOME!! I feel Josh may be coming out of his shell a little bit and isn't quite so timid!! I was over the moon!! Matt and I are very proud parents and wanted to do something special for the boys. So we decided to take them to a toy store and let them pick out a toy. Nothing major- just a little something.

Josh picked out a spinning art thing.

He LOVES it! The problem was there wasn't much paint in those little bottles so he went though that pretty quickly. Luckily, washable paint works just fine. He is spinning art like crazy- and has even let his brothers try a time or two.

Alex chose Spongebob Walke-Talkes.

Another great hit.

Zach chose this matchbox car spin track.

He loves that too! I have to admit that its pretty cool. Its fun making the cars flip around twice then jump through the hoop of fire. :)