hearts

Their little hearts burst with excitement today.  Dinner for Daddy was served.  More candles were dug from the depths of candles and candlesticks that get stored under the bathroom sink.  Wonky-shaped hearts were drawn on every pink paper napkin and little notes of love were scribbled around the borders.  Classical music played on the stereo in the kitchen and three little girls waited anxiously for the sound of the garage door opening.  They stood at the back door and peered out the tiniest crack just to watch him pull in.  They were taken off guard when he arrived with flowers for them.  Graciously, they placed the fragrant roses on the dinner table that was aglow with almost every candle in the house.  The middle one, brought his favorite beverage while the smallest one rubbed her spaghetti-stained hands all over his pressed work shirt.  The oldest was proud to share her hefty stack of valentines from school as we all ate.  Despite the inevitable chaos that always seems to erupt from 3 kids at dinnertime, tonight was special indeed.  Three girls enjoyed their at-home Valentine dinner date with Daddy 

Happy Valentine Day greetings from our home to yours!

what can I get into next?

This little one has that familiar look in her eyes and sneaky little smile on her face -- just enough of a smile to reveal her prominent dimple on her left cheek.  Yes, this one is a handful.  Oh, we love her dearly but she is into everything, all at once, it seems.  She goes and goes with every ounce to keep up with her older sisters, sometimes surpassing them as she climbs to great heights (the table, counter-tops, stairs, etc.).  I am not sure how much birth order, hair color or personality have to do with this fiery little stinker but a day with her can be quite exhausting.  She teaches us something new daily and we all struggle to keep up.  

But with all this activity comes the most loving and affectionate little girl.  

We are in awe.

the museum

“When we treat children's play as seriously as it deserves, we are helping them feel the joy that's to be found in the creative spirit. It's the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.”  - Mr. Rogers

We recently had the chance to check out our new children's museum.  It was a special day for my big girl who was out of school on holiday.  We met up with some sweet friends and enjoyed exploring all the fun!  It is a wonderful place that fills the imaginations of children and adults alike.  Just playing, exploring and experiencing this new space was very magical.

We look forward to going back again very soon when some of the newness wears off.  Whew, there were tons of people there!

ice day fun

We just experienced our second ice day in less than a week's time.  That is unheard of in our neck of the woods.  I must say, it has been nice to have an unexpected day off with my kids.  Yes, there has been fighting and arguing between siblings, but for the most part, it has been a welcomed change in our weekly routine.   

Ice and snow were discovered first thing.  

Only robes and footed PJs were worn outside by these anxious observers.  

New cozy spots were found in the house by indoor explorers.

Cake balls were made and decorated for no reason other than to occupy little minds for a few minutes.

New games among siblings kept them busy inside for most of the day.

And the wonderful world of PBSKids and Starfall entertained the oldest and the youngest equally well!

Happy Snow/Ice Day to you!

baby love

She longs to be with her smallest cousins and sister.  Gentle and thoughtful she plays for hours, happy to entertain.  "When can I babysit?" she asks. "Let me take care of her.  Can I hold her?  I can give her a bottle."

They look back with such joy and delight in their eyes, happy to have her attention.

ice ornaments

With the arrival of freezing weather, comes lots of fun with water and ice!

My kids and I made ice ornaments for the first time a few weeks ago.  It was such a fun activity to do with them on a cold day.  

Just gather a few simple supplies and some Arctic weather and your trees will be adorned with colorful ice ornaments this January!

Supplies:

ice cube tray

twine

food coloring

water

Step 1:  Let your little ones mix the water and food coloring to make the colors they want for their ornaments

Step 2: Pour the colored water into the ice cube tray/mold

Step 3: Lay pieces of twine inside each cube

Step 4: Place the ice cube tray outside and wait for the water to freeze

Step 5: Watch the excitement when the water turns to ice

Step 6: Hang the brightly colored ornaments from the trees to enjoy on your snow day!

could it be?

Ice in the dog water?  

Yep, the freeze is back and with it anxious kiddies just hoping for a snow day!