31|365

He's back....

Grandpa's heading to California to visit my sister so Gunnar gets to come for a visit. Grandpa just left and so Gunnar's a bit down in the dumps. Misses him already. He actually whined for about 20 minutes after he drove away!

30|365

With Daddy gone skiing and a long cold day ahead of us, we decided to head out on an adventure today. I packed up the kids, a few snacks, an "I Spy" book I created, and of course my camera and took them to the Domes. Having never been there before, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was really pleased by how our afternoon turned out. With no schedules, it was nice to just wander at their pace...following their lead. Giving them purpose (the I spy books) really added something to our trip. I'm sure they would have rushed through if it had not been for that. This shot was near the end of our time. Hannah was wandering around looking for things to photograph while Alex stood mesmerized by the train display. He stood there for the longest time, I thought, just watching. Eventually he came running up to me and announced that it took exactly 115 seconds for the logging train to make its way around just one time. Sweet. The sunshine and bright colors did us all some good today...

29|365

Overheard:

"Hey Alex, wanna go in my secret room and just talk?"


Naturally, I had to sneak a peek at what they were up to. They had spread out blankets, added some pillows for comfort and a little light and were inside this tiny closet playing Pick-up Sticks. I love the snowflake jammies, purple snowman jammie bottoms and blue striped socks....she's so on top of fashion!

28|365

Seriously? This is what happened not 30 seconds after arriving home from school today. Granted this is the work of two extra children along with my own (playdates!) but really...can't anyone put anything where it belongs? At least one child had the forethought to hang her coat on the stair post. (Unfortunately, that child was not one of mine.)

27|365

I love that the kids don't mind winter like I do. They have no problem spending hours out there...digging, shoveling, sledding. Today after a fresh snowfall this morning, they both went out after school with the sleds. Alex had so much fun trying to jump his sled off the top of this hill. It's all of about 2 feet high so there wasn't much "air" to be had, but he definitely had fun trying!

26|365

Bedtime stories...tonight, a story I enjoyed when I was young. And a first for me in my 365...a self-portrait.

25|365

Hannah and Sean have chicken chores this week which means that at the end of the school day they need to round them up and put them back in the hen house for the night. Eight months in to our year with the chickens and she's still reluctant to hold them. Sean was sweet enough to hold this one for her and "make it look like' she's holding one!

24|365

Busy day today... On the to-do list: cleaning out the chicken coop. Luckily I only had to supervise! Those third graders really did do the bulk of the work.

23|365

Apparently last night's dinner choice was not appreciated. This is what I woke up to this morning!

22|365

These two sure are good friends. I love when your children choose good people to be friends with...

21|365

Freezing cold day here today. High of 5 with a windchill of -25. Can't wait till spring...

20|365

And so it begins...life with homework.

19|365

The kids had a really good class tonight. Both are making such great progress. H has been working for so long on getting the kick-over and today she did it all on her own. Just look how hard she's working!
I'm so proud of them both.

18|365

One of my favorite ways to start the day. Hot latte, good mug and time to work on my photos!

17|365

Catching big fat snowflakes on her tongue...taking a break from sledding today.

16|365

He decided to take apart and rebuild his airplane today. I amazed by how quickly he got this done on his own. Love when he sits on his feet like that...just like Daddy/.

15|365

Chicken chores this weekend. These ladies were hungry! Whoever had the morning chores had forgotten to come so they had gone all day without food. Poor things....

14|365

Had some spare time before picking up the kids today so I drove around looking for inspiration. Wish I could have gotten closer to these guys. I love their winter coats...

13|365

Nothing glamorous today. Just documenting the day. Mom and I went through almost 2 gallons of this stuff trying to get my dishes clean of hard water stains left by our lemon of a dishwasher.

12|365

The cheer the kids do at the end of each gymnastics class. Everyone wants to be the kid in the middle!

11|365

Fresh fallen snow today. Not much but just enough to make it fun. My little snow angel :)

10|365

Love his look of concentration. Also love the bananas off in the background. Would love to say I planned this, but I didn't. Happy accident!

9|365

My little shoveler. He loves being out in the snow.

8|365

After a long week away, Daddy's home! One their favorites...playing "Tiger" with Dad.

7|365

I realized today that I hadn't yet taken a photo of this year's tree. Soon to come down...still beautiful.

6|365

Little details... winter days at home.

5|365

Rise and shine. It's time to go back to school!

4|365

Practicing her "violin" in J's "castle"

3|365

Fun in the tub. Love the upside down goggles :)

2|365

Frozen condensation on the window. Doesn't make me want to go out.

1|365

Climbing the tower. Wanted to get out & get some fresh air & exercise. Didn't realize it was about 12 degrees (with a wind chill of about 1 degree). Quick climb...short walk.