Young Picassos

Birthday Weekend

We enjoyed celebrating some February birthdays this weekend. Without giving exact ages, Bryan is now in his "Ressurection" year while sister Kim is now capable of running for president!

The Johnsons and LaVines came down Friday evening and stayed through Saturday. We had a nice visit. The kids were extremely wired and stayed up late to welcome their cousins.

 The little girls did some reading of their own,

while Jack read the bedtime story. Quite an impressive young reader!

We feasted, played, opened presents, watched basketball and enjoyed being together.

These two sillies had lots of fun together!

Today, Bryan got some real birthday gifts in the form of 2 very eager baseball players. Here's the pitch . . .

and she actually made contact! For Shannon, being tagged by her daddy whilst trying to evade him along the base paths may have been the best part!

Mitch is getting quite good. Not satisfied with grounders, he won't run until he lines one somewhere!

It's a hit! Happy birthday, Bryan!!

Enzian Weekend 2014

Our (nearly)annual Presidents' Day pilgrimage to the Enzian was successful again this year!

We arrived to a snow fall and during our time there, Leavenworth received 6ish inches of very heavy, wet snow. It was beautiful, if somewhat sloppy.

Happily, Russell joined us! In fact, there were something like 36 of us in attendance. Just try to reserve the courts or ping pong rooms when we have the reservation game down to an art!

For Valentine's Day, Grama made the kids super hero capes! They were a huge success.

These caped crusaders ran up and down the halls, out on the decks and balconies, up the fire escape, and generally anywhere they could con Grama into following. Mitch was also seen in undies and cape only. Probably not a one-time occurrence . . .

Naturally, the pool was a source of glee! All told, I think we only visited 3 times, but they were very much enjoyed.

Mitchell is getting braver, managing to propel himself through the water in his float coat. He didn't even cry when splashed by bigger kids. That was a first (and a relief!).

Uncle Russ got Shannon started with the floating game, which she adored.

She also loved leaping into her father's arms.

Mitchell's favorite game was a form of lifeguard rescue, where Shannon was left adrift and he bobbed out to her and then dragged her back to the stairs. Again, and again, and again.

We didn't venture to any real snow hills, or even for any lovely walks on Blackbird Island this year. We did bebop through the park and attack each other with snowballs. There were some very nervous passersby, with justified reason.

Sleeping went well and we were able to leave the munchkins in the room with a helpful monitor app. Awesome to enjoy the evenings of ping pong, visiting, and outdoor hot tubbing without requiring a babysitting parent (or grandparent) to be left out!

Breakfast was the usual hit and the kids looked forward to
Mr. Johnson's alpine horn.

A trio of rowdies enjoying the lights. We'll be back again!!!

Valentine's Day Cake!

Mitchell's preschool does a cake auction and
we got to bake a love-ly cake!

Mitch wanted chocolate, so we went with a chocolate pound cake - with a surprise inside!

The kidlets did good work on the decorating. They were very careful and there was very minimal finger licking.

Mitch chose the heart decor to go along with
the "Love One Another" theme.

Happy kids eating some of their leftover hearts.

Here it is - I'm a little pleased with it!

A Perfect Snow Day

We had a Snow Day today! It started last night with the welcome phone call. Happily Papa Allstot was already here as he
was going to do some fill-in childcare.
Instead, we got to play and send him home safely.

The morning began with snow time with Grampa, including a snow castle made from area icicles.There are even some in our freezer . . .

Then it was off to the sledding hill after nap!

They LOVED it. Amazingly, there were no tears in spite of a few spills.

Mitch even braved it alone.

We capped the evening off with a snow fire and wienie roast.
Yeah for snow!

Snow!

Finally! The weather has decided to be wintry with cold temps and actual, stick-to-the-ground snow!

It's been coming down all day and there is enough for shoveling driveways, snow angels and general enjoyment.

My little snow angel with her "pretty hat".

Happy kids celebrating their time outside with Daddy.

Shannon lasts outside about 5 minutes before she has to come in from the cold.

Running from polar bears - who knew?

Look, ma, no gloves!

Bryan is enjoying the chance to use the snow blower, a hand-me-down from my Grampa Allstot!

Welcome, February!

The kids and I bid adieu to the January greys and welcomed sunny, blue February skies at Uncle Russie's house!

There was lots of time at the park with the dogs, where Mitch and Shannon loved to go "badger hunting".

We explored the river banks, flushed some ducks and geese, found squirrels galore, and no one fell in the water or mud. Amazing!

There was some spontaneous hand-holding and happy kiddos.

We also enjoyed the carousel downtown. Mitch sought out the knight horses and Shannon was just along for the ride.

Thanks for the fun weekend, RP! We'll be back again soon!!!