Of The Season

December is going fast, despite our city halted week after week by snow and ice. Our children love it. The Christmas season is filled with parties and cookies, advent calendars and ornaments, songs and cartoon specials shown on the laptop after bath time. We lose power overnight in an ice storm and they see nothing but a magical land like Elsa's, the morning after. They talk to Santa with confidence and trepidation and so much anticipation. Lulu's birthday party is tomorrow, and a great chance to have friends over, eat the cookies from the cookie swap, see all of the gorgeous children and talk about Christmas some more. It's almost too sad to think about this ending, and what challenges 2017 might bring. Let's live in December, and remember it as one of the best ones yet.

A Cabin in the Woods

We were invited to a friends cabin in the woods last week. The girls got to ride in a motorboat, play in the cabin, and go swimming at the docks. There was so much to see. Lulu is still talking about "boat ride with turtles". Such a lovely summer day. Thanks you so much for inviting us, friends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garden Club

Filling our raised bed with edibles has become a yearly tradition (see last year and the year before that), but doing it with our friends Phoebe and Willow was even more fun!

Gardening was followed by dinner together, a romp through the sprinkler, and a swing on the hammock (pushed by Phoebe, the youngest of them all). It was a lovely evening together. See you at harvest time, friends!

Butterflies in the Grass

Penny Jones had her 4th birthday party in the backyard this weekend. A dozen girls ("I'm not inviting boys. Boys like to play 'Bad Guys' and I don't like that.") came to our house and decorated butterfly wings, pulled strings of a pinata, ate their weight in chocolate cake, and celebrated Penelope Jones. The weather was glorious and so was the friendship, fluttering around the garden.

Siblings were present. Lulu made a special friend in 8 year-old Cora, sister to one of Penny's preschool buddies. Cora crafted wings with Lulu, watched her finish her cake, cleaned her hands and face for her, and then followed her out into the garden to play with her. My heart melted.

What can I say about Penny Jones? She's a lover of family, and friends, flowers, and fashion. She's a gentle spirit who is always willing to share. It's truly phenomenal. I can count on one hand the number of tantrums she's ever had. She wants nothing more than to have everyone get along. She likes to hug your neck and shout, "Together!".  She loves rules, and she loves routine. She loves naps, still wants to sleep in her crib, and still wants to spend every waking moment with her mama. I used to say, "Don't be 4! Four is too big." to which her reply was always the same: "Don't worry. I'll still be a good girl. And I'll still be your best friend". What more could I want, than that?

Also, a school note. Because I know I'll lose it. And I really don't want to:

Penny Jones, you are an inspiration to all of us. We really couldn't love you more.

P.S. Penny's 3rd Birthday Party, Penny's 2nd Birthday Party, and Penny's 1st Birthday Party.

Springing

It's been raining and sunny both, but so mild. Sometimes the sky is pink and purple and blue, and we stare at it from inside, and take a photo to remember.

We have been getting the garden ready for when it's even warmer (and for an upcoming 3rd birthday!). We scoop rocks into buckets, pull leaves from the shrubbery, and take note of the different colored flowers popping through the soil. They make garden boxes with daddy, and are held by him to get a better view.

When it rains, we find our fun inside. Unless, of course, your best friend comes over and you happen to have matching rain suits (thanks, Judy!) since your sister can't fit into hers quite yet. And your best friend wants to go to the park and play, even though it's raining. Then, of course, you go. And you talk about it for weeks afterward.

Things are really getting fun around here. Happy Spring!