Baby Books

Over Rhett's first year, we took SO many pictures!  We (like probably most people these days) don't really print many pictures unless we are hanging them up.  I remember the days where I had photo albums everywhere full of photos.  Now, I have some pictures on my phone, and the ones on the computer, but it just isn't the same.  Jordan and I decided that we would create books to document Rhett's first year.  We made a book every 4 months including many milestones and big events in his life.  Here is a short preview of the books that we made.  We used www.snapfish.com and it was VERY easy to make them.  They also have specials frequently where books are 40% off or buy 1 get 2 free (we got a couple extras for grandparents for Christmas with that).

These are the 3 books we made for year one.

First 4 months

Next 4 months

Last 4 month

The last page in the last book.

I am so glad we made these books.  They were a bit expensive, but not really in the long run.  We went over the 20 pages in all 3 books, but the extra couple of dollars was worth it to add a few more pages. 

A few other projects- colored pasta and sensory bottles

There are a few other projects that we did this summer (that I took pics of and can remember!)

I colored some pasta noodles.  I used a tiny bit of vinegar and some food coloring, put it in a bag with some assorted pasta, and shook them all around.  I let it sit in the bag for several hours before dumping it.

I made several "sensory bottles."  This one has blue water, oil, and glitter.

One of these was filled with colored rice, then Rhett added different objects.  As you move it around, you can find the objects hidden in the rice.  The other is water with glitter, a bit of soap, and some random objects. 

He loves shaking them up and watching the glitter settle.  I have learned that super fine glitter settles MUCH slower than regular glitter.

California 2012

We got back from our California trip on Tuesday and it was a long, exhausting, but fun trip.  I was worried (ok very worried) about how Rhett would do on the flights.  We had a 5.5 hour flight (that was delayed on the tarmac for 45 minutes) and a 2 hour flight.  He actually did an outstanding job.  He didn't really sleep at all (until we were landing on our second leg) and even got his own seat on the second leg. 

We spent a lot of time at the beach while we were there.  Here are some of my favorite photos of him at the beaches (Aliso Creek Beach and Laguna Beach)

We also went to Sea World...

And we went to Disneyland!

We had a great time!  Rhett enjoyed the trip so much, which made it easier on everyone.  He did wake up at about 3-4 AM every day and went to bed by 5 PM, but he was a happy kid!

Finger painting fun

I recently bought some finger paint for Rhett.  I figured, he's getting into more of the art stuff, we have a patio, why not?  I have seen all the ideas on Pinterest about using tape to make the kid's name or pictures, so I figured I would try one with Rhett.

I used painters tape on watercolor paper to spell out Rhett's name- some of these letters were not easy!

Rhett was ready to go before I was!

I made sure to strip him down before beginning- then gave him paint and a brush and let him go for it!  The paint did get tasted and all over his belly.

Here he's using his hands.

After removing the tape, we were left with his name.  He is really young- almost 15 months here, so I think he would be even more into it once he gets a bit older and paint a little more.  Also, the paint wasn't very bright.

Ta-da!

Homemade playdoh!

Rhett has recently been into playing with playdoh.  I bought a small 4 pack of tiny ones at Target for $1 and he plays with them for awhile.  He is even careful not to mix the colors!  I did some searching online and on Pinterest and found some recipes that I thought I'd try.  Here is one I made that turned out really well!

http://rustsunshine.blogspot.com/2011/09/homemade-play-dough.html <--- This is where I found the recipe.

You'll need:

1 cup flour
1 cup warm water
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. oil
1/4 cup salt
food coloring

1. Mix all ingredients together. Stir with a wooden spoon over medium heat until the dough thickens, pulls away from the sides, and forms a ball (about 5-10 minutes).

2. Remove from pan and knead until blended smooth.

3. Food coloring can be added when mixing ingredients before heating, or kneading the dough afterward. (I made 3 batches and split them each in half, so I added the food coloring afterward.) Add a few drops at a time and knead until the color is completely incorporated - add more if necessary.  I also added glitter to one of mine.  (I only made three batches because I accidentally added 1/2 cup of salt to my second batch- so ended up doubling the whole recipe)

Finished products- not mixed completely, but liked the tie-dye look.

Rhett was excited to play with it!  He woke up from his nap and saw it on his high chair from his crib.

He played for quite awhile.

Even got out some cookie cutters.

Overall, the playdoh was a huge hit! Now, 3-4 weeks later, the playdoh is still soft and moldable.  I kept it in Glad containers.