A New Neighbor

He just came strolling up the road, made a left hand turn under our van, pulled a U-ey passing under the truck and a sharp Right up the hill.. you know, the usual route. He got personally placed back into nature by our friendly 9 year old neighborhood biologist, after a thorough inspection. 

Shinkicker's Soccer= a lot of this...

and this....

and a wee bit of this....

So, maybe goalie isn't for us..

First Camping Trip: Mothers Day

Do you realize how insanely expensive hotels are???? I didn't until last Thursday.

This weekend we spontaneously went CAMPING! Ok, confession, we have been camping one time in our whole marriage and actually that was while we were dating! So this was a great opportunity to learn and grow. And attempt to keep sane. I am happy to report we did all three and had fun to boot!

We also made a promise to ourselves: go camping more. it's not so intimidating really. I have always had this hatred for camp cooking... it was a mysterious Everest... one I really skipped around this weekend. (Sandwiches and snacks. A wedding reception. 1 meal out.) But I realize now it doesn't have to be complex or even involve a Coleman camping stove.

Here are some highlights...

Friday:

Arrive LATE and set tent up via head light

Saturday:

Took a lovely walk

Drove to Charleston

Enjoyed a pic nic at Riverfront Park

Played in both fountains

Showered

Went to a wedding recption

Campfire for adults only

Sunday:

Broke down campsite

Drove to BEACH on Folly Island

Got sunburn

Napped N. on a blanket

Cleaned up

Drank half priced frappicinos

Ate Thai dinner with my sister and brother-in-law

Talked in the parking lot til the kids were delusional...

Drove home, happy.

First Strawberry Picking of the Season

How to Eat Cake

Step 1: Inspect Cake

Step 2: Touch cake

Step 3: Dump cake in lap

Step 4:Ummmmh jmmmmmm!

Our First (Surprise) Harvest:

We tried. It was an epic effort. And then the sun hid his face and the snow blanketed the sprigs. We thought all hope was lost. Until the last week. The springs bounded upward toward the sunshine that peeked through the leafless trees. Perhaps all hope is not lost for a garden this cool season!

Green Harvest Bounty:

and the Ensuing Lunch Fare:

First Steps:

My darling little #2 took his first freestanding steps yesterday. 10 months old and wanting to walk! Crawling is so 2010. Walking HERE WE COME!

January 2011:

This month we have stayed busy. In the midst of the occasional play date we have visited my sister and her family twice. The boys have been kinda sick of the road. The weather hasn't really cooperated either, ok, well, it is winter after all. But outdoor time is a MUST for the eldest. He has so much energy! We have also been working around the house, which takes the attention off said 3 year old. And that can be tiresome. For mama. This month has flown by and the boys are as cute as ever, both growing and changing. L. has gotten taller I think and N., well, he's changing daily. The little guy gets into everything... the dirty shoes, buckets of water (from the tiling), and OH the spackle....finger painted the hall wall and floor...artistic and delicious! We look forward to the rest of 2011 and watching the boy grow.

2010 Snow

Yes. Twice in one year. What a record! (The first was in January.)

Today we woke to the most beautiful dusting of snow! Maybe it is just 1-2 inches but it's a special event! We all put on two pair of pants and the kids each three shirts... L has enjoyed walking around in it, slicing it with his pirate sword, kicking it and eating it- fresh from the lawn. I kept N in the sling, but let him reach to the snow. He didn't seem to be overly excited about the cold (he was ready for a nap anyway!) L however can't stand himself and wants to return to his white bliss. So we will venture out to make snow cream but first I will lay N. down for a nap. Today we also went to visit Daddy at work, and had a little snowball fight in the parking lot. Visiting Daddy give L something to distract him from mundane mama. Oh and yes, that is hot cocoa on his mouth!

Moving!

Little man is on the GO! For about a week now N. has been crawling. Hubby and I had a debate on what constitutes crawling. I said he was scooting and not crawling for a week prior. And finally with more gusto and distance he's officially crawling! Not only that, but he's pulling up. Noting is safe anymore!

Did I mention he said DaDa?????

Sheesh, 7 months is a busy month!

Picture Post: How does your garden grow?

N. At his finest...

My sweet little baby is 3 1/2 months old and weighs 16lbs 4.5oz. WOW. He's so sweet! Here are a few pictures of him lately!



Just the past few days N. has started bringing his hands up to his mouth to chew on them, so I added a little surprise to the mix today. He did great with holding onto it!


We started ECing N. at 4 days old... and progress has been made! as well as #1 in the potty!

Top Bunk

It has been a while since I was able to blog about happenings around here. But there has been one major change for L. He's officially a BIG BOY! We were thrilled to find a great deal on Craigslist and purchase a bunk bed for the boys. Of course N. is way to small to take his place on the bottom. But the new big boy of the house LOVES his bed. We scored some awesome sheets for both beds, in a truck print. I think since the bed has been in the house we have only had one nap on the big bed.. I mean it's way to cool to sleep anywhere else!

Family outing:

We spent a little bit of time at the zoo yesterday. It was N's second visit. Both were joyful but sleepy events for him. We regularly duck in and out of the zoo since we have the luxury of a membership allowing it to be our playground. Here are a few shots of the event.

Pictures of Peanut

Hanging out with daddy March 12:

First seder meal March 31st:

Knitting with mama April 1st:

First car ride alone with mama: April 1st

Looking cute on April 5th:

Who's feet? Scott feet! (ok, add in a twisted toe, but mostly Scott feet!)

Other notes worthy of mentioning:

First bath April 4th