Day 61/365~2012

We woke up to snow today!
The kids were really excited.
A two hour delay gave us enough time for a snowman and some hot chocolate.
(Notice Andrew lost another tooth?)

Day 60/365~2012

I was a little nervous this morning when the house was suddenly too quiet.
I started searching for Kaitlin & Andrew and found them snuggled up under their "umbrella house."
Fort building is a favorite pastime for these two.

Day 58/365 ~ 2012

Matthew loves to learn. 
His mind is always going ~ questioning, thinking, wanting to know more.
He told Dan when he was five that he was teaching himself to read because Dan wasn't telling him all he wanted to know about dinosaurs.  :)
He also told me when he was very small that he was a "thinker."
A very accurate self assessment.



Matthew was having fun creating a vortex in these photos.
While I find these sorts of things interesting, Matthew finds them captivating.
The smiles you see in these photos are unprompted.
Truly just his happiness from this little experiment.
One of the many things I love about Matthew.

Day 57/365 ~ 2012

While Mom & I were in Seattle, Andrew tested for his Blue (stripe) belt and got it!
He is pictured here with Mr. Phillip who has been a fantastic teacher ~ firm, but patient & encouraging (and with a sense of humor).
A perfect match for Andrew!

(Video to be posted on my 3 little loves blog.) :)
 

Day 56/365 ~ 2012

Ever since I heard the American Girl store was coming to Seattle, I've been excited to take Kaitlin.
The 3 hour (one way) drive was so worth it! 



Lunch at the Bistro.
Such fun ~ Annabelle & Elizabeth had their own seats & cups.
Katie loved it.



Frozen Hot Chocolate ~ a belated birthday celebration.



O Happy Day.



Elizabeth had her hair done into a style Kaitlin chose ~ a braid!



(Nevermind that I could have done that!)
She thought it was great.
Kaitlin picked out a car seat carrier for Annabelle & a purple party dress for Elizabeth for her birthday.
After the shopping, the fun lunch, the hair styling....I asked Kaitlin as I was putting her to bed what her very favorite part of the day was.  Her reply?

Playing at the mall play area.

Such a reminder that kids are really happy with so little.

Day 55/365 ~ 2012

38 today!
A day of lovely simple pleasures.
Breakfast in bed (completely thought of & executed by the kids!)
A latte delivered to my doorstep by a dear friend.
A peaceful afternoon.
Birthday greetings from family & friends.
Time to read.
Dan home in time to pick up the boys.



Opening gifts ~ gift cards to Pottery Barn ~ for something I've been eyeing.

Mom arrived & surprised me with this great cake.



Out for dinner with Dan to Tommy O's.
(SO good!)
Followed by "This Means War" ~ movie with Dan.
Laughed 'til I couldn't breathe.

A very Happy Birthday.

Day 53/365 ~ 2012

Ash Wednesday.
One to go down in history for our family.
Kaitlin's dramatic (but very serious & heartfelt) dancing & lip syncing to "The Wonderful Cross" during church will forever be a favorite family memory.
Still laughing about that one.