Friday, May 23, 2014

What the Bugs are Watching lately

So I got to thinking about what shows my kids like to watch, and how educational they are (well, some of the shows anyways). Because my kids DO watch TV, and we're OK with that.

Some of their favorites (and ours) are:



1.  Team Umizoomi
This show is about math, shapes, patterns and the like, all mixed into a 20-something minute show of adventure and problem solving. The characters, Millie, Geo and Bot are interesting and cutely animated with kids/adults filmed in there too. It's neat to have the 'interaction' between the kids and the cartoons. I think the show aired/is shown on Nickelodeon, but we watch it on the Amazon Prime account we currently have.

2. Super Why!
This show is a computer-animated show of storybook characters who use their super powers to solve problems and working together to find solutions that the story book characters have. It uses ABCs, missing letters to form words, rhyming words and also 'drawing' the words in the air.

3. Leap Frog
There are a few of the leap frog cartoons on netflix. These consist of stories involving the alphabet and/or numbers with characters ranging from frogs (the newest cartoon) to dogs (the older ones, for us anyways).

4. Word World
Another animated show that works on the alphabet, "where words come alive". Unique twist to this show is just about everything is word-made. A dog has letters d, o, g, together in its body to spell dog. It's really cute and different from other word cartoons. The characters can bunch letter combinations to build new things too, which is different!


5. Blues Clues
Yes, from the 1990s/2000's but we love Blue and Steve/Joe, along with her companions and finding all those clues.


6. Baby First TV
The boys like this show on netflix, specifically the video about painting. It's aimed for kids younger, but that's ok. There is learning in the mix for older kiddos.

7. Thomas and Friends
Classic Thomas is better than the newly animated Thomas in my opinion, but the new stuff is good too. There are many various shows available on netflix to watch.

8. Phineas and Ferb
A Disney creation of a family and the boys creations. Music in every episode. Good music too! Plus, Perry the Platypus is in the show.

9. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
I have to admit, I was a major animation-snob when it came to this version of Mickey Mouse. But, the show has grown on me. I'm still more for the 2d animation of the mouse. Cute show.

10. Anything Pokemon
Thank you Ammah (my mama). Luckily there is plenty of pokemon on netflix! The boys love this show. I only like the original 150 pokemon, because after that there are way too many to catch, and I cannot possibly catch them all.

11. Sonic the Hedgehog
Kids love this show. I'm not a huge fan but the boys love it.

12. Care Bears
Same characters from the 1980s version, however in the 3d computer animation style. Same type of show though.

13. My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic
The new MLP is pretty good. Nice story line, where as the 1980s version really had no story line at all. Loved the show growing up though. The folks who made Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends, Powerpuff Girls and Dexter's Laboratory re-rolled MLP into what it is today. I like the animation, and the kids love the show. I think my husband is a total Bronie.

14. Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends
Ok, so overall this show is good, and the kids enjoy it for the most part, however I do have to admit they over use words like "stupid" and "dumb" and "shut up", so if those words are not allowed in your house, be forewarned. I love this show.



What are your favorite kids shows?

Monday, May 19, 2014

Charles' 5th Minion Birthday

Charlie turned 5 in April! Crazy. It's been 5 years.
We celebrated his birthday with friends from school and church at Pump It Up, which is our go-to for the special #5 birthday.
Charlie wanted a Minion birthday party theme, so here are some pics from the day and also his Minion theme! Enjoy!