It's all in the details

Looking back at the photos from our trip, I was struck by all the little details.  The details that cement the sweet memories in my mind.  Especially while travelling, the smallest detail can mean so much and make a visitor feel so welcome!

Our favorite details:

3 cousins playing in the sand

 huddling under a cabana in an unexpected rain-shower 

the twins playing the lively xylophone music on the boardwalk

sandy little feet

the waiter tending tables by the sea

seashells and hibiscus flowers decorating beach tables

the majestic boat bobbing in the turquoise water

the magenta begonias that decorate island beverages

the iguana that greets visitors by suprise

mysterious red berries hanging from the palm tree

crunchy tortilla chips, guacamole and limey pico de gallo

all the folks that enjoyed talking about their kids with us

Nautical

We recently had the pleasure of vacationing on a large boat of sorts.  I had a wonderful time dressing the girls in nautical colors.  There is something so wonderfully classic about deep reds, navy blue and crisp white mixed with natural wood and the cobalt blue of the ocean.  

That first splinter

We all remember the fright of that first wood splinter poking out of a little finger or hand after a full day of play.  My big girl has become quite concerned about any sort of ailment lately.  Even the smallest bruise or scrape has her mind spinning.  When she discovered a splinter in her hand the other evening she became so panicked.  This picture describes the scene perfectly:  Dad with the tweezers, Uncle #1 holding the hand steady, Uncle #2 holding the flashlight and the little girl looking on with a sweet mixture of fright and delight (I know she loved all the attention she received from her doting uncles and father).  I look at it and have to laugh and this dramatic moment.

Valentine

Peeking out a snowy window

Our big guy loves the snow.  He sat outside all morning and was happier than I have seen him in months.

We enjoyed peeking out our snowy windows at our big boy today.

Wishing for Snow

There seems to be a chance of snow in our area this evening.  With this exciting information, we dreamed and talked about snow all day.  There is something so magical about little snow-globes with people inside.  As we sat shaking our snow-globes, we pondered what real snow might be like.  In our area, snowfall is rare.  We are wishing and hoping for a beautiful white snowfall tonight.

Warm and Cozy: Baked Apples Part II

via

Have you ever heard of They Draw and They Cook?  It is a wonderful little blog where people submit drawings and illustrations of their recipes.  I love perusing the unique recipes and illustrations.  Wouldn't this be a great way to cook with your kids?  Anyway, after making baked apples a few weeks ago, I have been looking for other variations of this sweet treat.  I ran across this recipe today and thought it sounded great--especially on a cold night.