Oh, how they grow

Candlemas 2008, Amsterdam. This night was so amazing these photos are often pored over late at night. It was this visit to Amsterdam that made Candlemas a must-do celebration. I'm always so excited to pull out the hand carved wooden lambs we bought in Holland. I just had to post these as it's so often that I think Noah is so very big.....it's not until I look back that I realize how much I have expected from him. Thank you Noah for being such a wonderful big brother and son. Neve, stop growing so fast.

Our candlemas dinner

Another sign of spring

For weeks now we've been spotting all the bulbs peeking up from their winter sleep. Yesterday our spider friend arrived to reclaim her spot in the kitchen window. She put on quite a show spinning away.

prepping for candlemas

Off to the florist where the children create our spring bouquet. Mimi would love this shot.

heartbreak

A stray toddler kitty found what seemed to be the perfect home. For weeks now,Rosey as she was known until yesterday's vet visit has spent her days in our yard. Mama has also found her inside the children's tent a few too many times in the house. The vet visit revealed John. John is the first cat mama and daddy have ever had an affection for. This guy is so full of love and cuddles, he's our shadow and even guards our alley by pouncing out of our hedge and jumping onto innocent visitors. But the reality that found us yesterday was that it really isn't safe for John to be an outside cat. This guy has too much to give to risk it. It was a hard night coming to that decision but the children are now quite involved in finding John a loving home.

Ta-da

Noah's pins and Neve's necklaces. I love that they had very different ideas and held to them. This week we're finishing up with making tags, gluing them onto bags and stuffing our baskets full of love for our friends at school next week. Bravo!

Valentines in the making

Noah and Neve had big plans for their Valentines. Three weeks ago we started with wet felting to make our own felt hearts. Neve moved onto dying wooden beads and stuffing felt hearts. Noah spent his time sewing by hand. It was so nice to keep going back to the same project each afternoon.....a good lesson in the value of things handmade!

the wee chefs

Noah and Neve have been working in the kitchen a lot these days. We've been making lists. I love the exotic items Noah selects [gooseberries and starfruit]. Yesterday they roasted a chicken on their own. They washed, they chopped, they peeled, they patted, they seasoned. Noah kept saying, "Boy, it sure takes a long time to roast a chicken and it's not even in the oven yet." They were so, SO proud of themselves. They even had a dinner guest in Mr. Filardi. Bravo!

monkey nuts

We thought we'd make a nut gym for the birds and squirrels. We hung one in the front and one in the back. The first 24hours we were disappointed not seeing evidence of a single visitor. Saturday morning we woke to find nothing. Not a shell or a crumb to be found anywhere just a dangling string. Racoons are our guess.

Neve and Mia

Our present for the critters

They can share the prune eyes, carrot nose and hazelnut mouth and buttons! Bon Appetit furry friends in the forest.

A visit to Multnomah falls

USS Blueback

the balance board

Christmas morning

The tree waiting for the wee ones. Noah's handmade gift for mama and daddy. Noah's gift from Santa. He was SSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited for his splash cymbal. I guarantee that the neighbors aren't too happy with Santa.

yes, a 4 hour layover in Dallas

fun visits with the Phallers!

Joe and Rebecca brought Nake for a visit and Auntie Bev found some nifty puppets for a fun ride back to Gainesville.

lots of naps

tired after taking in the museum

butterflies and sculptures

can't get enough dress up time

ride on the vintage steam train

lots of fun

thanks auntie carol

warm hearts

The wound isn't from the hockey but from baking cookies. Noah got too close when sniffing them on the tay.

Casting pond in the hood

time for tea

she shoots and she saves

I'm a natural

the run and slide

At Ms. Sonia's toyshop

"Hum, I've never been asked for Santa's before." said the face painter. Everyone who crossed Neve's path the rest of the afternoon got a robust "HO, Ho, ho." For a week now Neve has been casting her ballot for NEXT halloween.

"I want to be Santa Claus."

"I will have to put a pillow on my belly."

"I'll need a beard."

Long pause.

"Mama, no one will know I'm a girl! But you will know. And Dad will know. And Noah will know. But no one else will know."

just around the corner from home

This weekend the neighborhood businesses are treating us all to free carriage rides and fun activities. We loooooove our spot.

spiral of lights at school

A spiral garden; a candle is lit in the center of a spiral which is laid out on the floor of pine trimmings. Each child in turn walks the spiral inward to the center candle to light their own apple candle which is then placed upon a golden star along the spiral path out again. Like the turning point of the solstice, the dimly lit room brightens as more candles are lit. It was quiet, magical, and sweetly scented of beeswax and pine. Bedtime was magical too.