Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Early morning visit

Just before we left for Christmas break (literally the morning of!), Michelle, John and Odin were kind enough to spend a few hours with us before heading north to John's parents house. This was super nice considering that they had just taken a red eye all night and were probably anxious to get to their destination to rest. But we got them first and I must say how incredibly impressed I am with Odin's attitude and pleasantness the entire time, even with no sleep. Laura continues to ask when we will get to visit them in Washington. Soon, I hope!




Thursday, January 19, 2012

Tea for Three



(It was raining, so she made an umbrella)



Friday, January 6, 2012

Lebanon Hills

We've had a great couple of days!

Laura was invited over to a school friend's house. Well, it turned out to be a huge success. The family lives in a converted dairy barn on a farmstead that board...horses! Laura and Mimi were outside pretending Little House on the Prairie and walked down to the fence to pet the horses' noses. Dude, does it get any more perfect for my daughter? A girl playmate(finally! no offense boys)? Horses? Little House on the Prairie? Pretending? Holy cow, its a match made in heaven. Oh and did I mention I really like the mom and they have chickens? I'm, excuse me I mean Laura, is so excited!

And while Laura was enjoying herself, Adam and I went sledding. There was just enough snow (though it was gone the next day) and a nice hill at Lebanon Hills. He loved the speed and was able to walk back up himself if I carried the sled. (Next year, you're carrying your own sled buster!) Then we went in to the visitors centers, ate the PB&Js that we brought, and played with the toys and games they have. So fun!

Then, today, Laura and I had pretty much the same morning that I spent with Adam, except we ice skated on the lake instead of sledded. It was the first time either of us skated on a lake and it was so much more exciting than an indoor rink! It was pretty bumpy, but in a smooth way. Lots of leaves, sticks, etc to find under the ice. And we saw a bald eagle soaring overhead. Then inside for lunch, games and play. A good morning with my girl. I will miss half day kindergarten next year!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Dawg

By the way, who taught him to do this?



Sunday, December 18, 2011

Festival of Carols and Stories 2011

Our church's Festival of Carols and Stories was today. It is a mix of, well, carols and stories about Christmas. There are all ages of choirs, musicians, dancers, and actors. It is very nice, but long and thoughtful, which is hard for little ones on a Sunday afternoon. Hard for grown men sometimes too.

Laura was in the littlest angel choir again. We tried curlers in her hair for the first time. She loved it!





The first curl was spectacular...for about 2 minutes. I was completely unprepared and didn't have any appropriate "product" to make the curls stay. But they stayed long enough for her to get out the door and imagine herself in curls. I don't think there were any mirrors after she left our house, so we were safe.

But she was still cute. See me? I was a helper.

"Away in a manger..."

My favorite

This is what the boys were doing during the performance.


And this.

Still cute.

Look, it's Mom and Laura!

Still cute. And she stands a lot like her mom.



Thursday, December 15, 2011

Christmas Cookies

We had a great time making Christmas sugar cookies last week.


We use (clean) paintbrushes and colored egg yolk to paint them before baking. It gives them a nice shiny top and I think it is easier for the kids than smooshy frosting.


I made a couple too using the leftovers from their dough. (please ignore the gross tray from my toaster oven.)




Is it sacrileges to bite the head off of an angel cookie?

Yum!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Friday, December 2, 2011