Birthday S'mores

We have this awesome fire pit for our backyard, and we are embarrassed to say that after 3 or so years of owning it, we've only used it once or twice.  I think it has to do with our kids' ages (and how busy we seem to be) and how exhausted we are once it's dark enough to light this thing up--but now that our kids are a little bit bigger, we've decided to make birthday s'mores a family tradition.  At least for the kids--March 26, May 27, and Nov 22 seem like great times of the year to roast.  Dec 17 and Feb 27?  We'll have to see about that...

We had a few wet wood issues, but after we got it going, we realized that THIS WAS THE STUFF.  The stuff that makes life fun.  Meaningful time together.  Stars, crackles, marshmallows.  And the chatter that comes with it.  We may get good use out of this thing yet!

His Park Shadow

It's finally nice enough to be outside!  Heidi and I took the boys to the park on 5 Mile one blistery Monday, and I realized that my job this spring and summer would be to shadow this very active 1 1/2 year old.  We love the outdoors!  How we've missed outside play...

Determination

The bird squirrel feeders have been a huge entertainment this spring...

The Melt

I shouldn't even say that.  It's only February, and I'm sure we haven't seen our last snow.  No need getting my "Spring!" hopes up...  :)  But last week we started seeing clearer sidewalks and black asphalt so we decided to start getting exercise again!

The kids were so excited to get out and RUN that I had to slow them down by asking for this posed picture.  This hug quickly turned into a sidewalk wrestle.  Good thing most people are at work during this circus parade!

The kids have been DYING to try out these rain boots that G'ma Joan gave them for Christmas.  And BOY, did we try them out!  Thanks for the boots, G'ma.  Nice job on the puddles, God!

He still wants to hold my hand.  Precious days!

Our Outdoor Girl

She'd just as soon be outside than anywhere. We learned this in the first few weeks of her life--often resorting to sitting outside on our porch just to calm her down. She loves her coat, her hat ("Good job, Jen!"), her gloves, her shoes...anything that assists her in her outdoor quest. It doesn't really matter where we go...a simple walk down the sidewalk or a trip to the mailbox to get the mail...she's content. But don't try going inside too soon! :)



The puppy in the window, the texture of the sidewalk under her fingers, "Cold! Brrrr!" the flight of a crow, "March! March! March!", the basketball sitting on the slab, "Mommy, hand."