This special season of hope, joy, beauty and family seems to become more precious to me every year. We look forward to some traditions all year. Eggnog, choosing the perfect tree, making cookies, decorating the house, gingerbread houses, the list seems to grow every year. I realized one tradition I have kept for almost twenty years is making paper snow flakes. I love how delicate and temporary they are. Just like their real counterparts each is completely unique and won't last long. But the joy I get when I unfold one after carefully cutting is something I look forward to all year.
This year Bea helped Evie with his school gingerbread house. There is something so decadant about coating a graham cracker in white icing and sticking brightly colored candy to it. I love watching but I can't resist helping either. Thankfully, Everett likes when I participate. At least for now.
Our finished houses. That quilt top underneath is so happy, but the houses almost blend away into the floral extravagance!
This past weekend we went up to Kansas City to visit our sweet friends. They came with us to Science City at Union Station. Let me just say, WOW! We went to the Children's Museum in Lincoln a couple weeks back (when the other camera was broken). I just have so much fun watching my babies learn and interact with new fun places. I remember going to museums when I was little and how often it would spark an interest later on, even years down the road. Even if that isn't the case with my kids, the joy they express and the fun we have makes me treasure these little day trips and look forward to the next one!
This looks like Everett is entering a room at Wonka's Chocolate Factory!
A huge thanks to Anne who always has the energy and love it takes to play with my sweet boy. He has so much fun with you.
Yes, thanks for asking. We did coordinate our outfits. It makes for better pictures don't you know. Only partly joking. Beatrice does look amazing in purple though!
Three stories of amazing-ness.
Bea really, really, really likes the water table. Maybe we should make one?
She also wanted to climb an adjacent pole. Pretty cute. At least for the next 13 years.
Russ rode the sky bike. He is awesome. I wouldn't be able to peddle even a little out across the void.
Also, a real helicopter. Both kids took a pretend trip with their dad.
Not scared of much, this one. Or perhaps just not scared of what is obviously a bronze statue of a crocodile. Either way, I love the juxtaposition of hairbow, velvet dress, and giant gaping reptile smile.
Young archeologists at work. Our playset will definitely have a sandbox. In which I fully intend to hide things for discovery. Also, goggles are genius--flying particles can't get into small eyes if they are covered!
So you cant really tell, but my hair is now red. Or maybe a deep, dark auburn is more accurate. Since I am growing it out, I didn't want a drastic cut, but it needed something, so today I took a picture in (think Joan Holloway) and I LOVE it. Seriously it is much more dramatic in person. Just right for the holidays! Just ignore the Rudolf impression I have going on. I caught some nasty (hopefully very short-lived) cold bug after church yesterday and feel awful. But hey, at least my hair is awesome!
