Reading in the chair

Easter

We had a lovely Easter around here.

Building a deck with Grandpa

Grandpa came to town to help build a deck at Lisa an Betty's house.  Mark has had a wonderful time working in the construction site.  

Here he is being a post.

 And getting his tools together.

 The flags were a huge hit.  Unfortunately they were not accurately marking the power line and we ran into it with the auger.  Fortunately no one was hurt and there was only a little smoke.

 Josie was a big help too.

 Lilly enjoyed moving all the flags to mark Grandpa's chair.  (this was long after the power line incident and not the cause of it)

Silly kids

A chair load of silly kids.

Pig tails!

She is actually very happy about the hair do- she was very unhappy about me setting her down to take a photo of it.  I can't believe her hair is this long already.  She may even need a hair cut before she turns two.

Clean Playroom

Many years ago I bought this toy box for Mark.  I remember thinking that if he ever had more toys than filled this box we were doing something wrong.  Well, then he grew up some and I got more tired and it turns out that toys are cheap at yard sales.  There have been moments- more that I would like to admit to- that I have been willing to buy anything for them to get a few moments of peace.  But, the reality is, pretty much no toy buys more than a few minutes of peace and they clog up the playroom so that the kids don't want to be there.  

Over the last year I have been whittling away at the toys in there.  Sorting and taking out 1/3 to a 1/2 at a time.  I have been moving the toys into storage in the basement.  They haven't asked for a single one of them back.  So about a week ago Tim and I bagged up most of the last of it.

So what's left?  The original toy box- mostly full of dress up stuff.  The Book case- very full of books.  The train table- with just the wooden train set in it.  The kitchen, the doll house and the table.  In the closet is the fire engine, rocking horse, and bouncy ball along with art box and musical instruments.  It still feels like a lot.

Mark's new toy

Made by me, decorated by the kids

I made this table and chairs from the Ana White website.  I brought them in for a specific reason (which now I can't recall) even though I hadn't finished sanding and hadn't painted it.  Within minutes Mark had colored and written his name on it.  I had a second of high frustration and was considering being angry about it.  But on second thought- I made it for them so they should be able to decorate it as they see fit.  So we got out some paint.  

Our favorite park

It was so warm the other day that we went for a walk at our favorite park.  

 Both the kids got in the water.  They were pretty happy to have their first stream trip of the year.  Mark spent a lot of time playing fishing games.  

Zoo - take, umm, 12?

Mark is generally sure that he would like to be in the stroller being pushed around to see things.  (even though we have come to the zoo without the stroller and he has no problems walking the whole thing with us- and we would like him to get the energy out).  Lilly is generally sure she should be out walking.  (she is not great at going in a particular direction or not walking into other people).  But I did manage to get a happy stroller photo- so here it is.  (we love the new to us BOB stroller I got on craigs list)

This is the more common situation.  With Tim saying "this way Lilly"

The Hippo was out walking around for us this trip.  It is so large it is hard to imagine it moving fast enough to be a danger to anything or anyone- and I hope I never get the chance to see it.

Walking together through the bird house.  I just love when the walk together.  

This zoo outing included a trip on the carousel for Fiona.  She really did seem to enjoy it, even though she looks a little like she is hanging on for dear life in this photo.  It is hard to take a photo of someone moving around and up and down.

Waiting in line for the train.

Giving their tokens to the conductor.

Sitting together on the train.

Lilly and I sat together on the seat behind Mark and Fiona.  Thankfully the ride was short because Lilly started trying to get off after a few minutes- but she was still happy here.

Then a little climb into the covered wagon for the kids and it was time to go home.  (Luckily when I download the camera there were two zoo trips on it so there will be more zoo photos tomorrow)

You can't see me

Going anywhere with the kids includes a constant rotation of who is riding where.  Josie doesn't spend much time in the stroller, but was willing for a short part of the walk to hang out there with Lilly.  Lilly did not think I needed to be taking a photo of it.

Just peeking to see if mom is still there with the camera.

Going to the Zoo

Some places we go I tend to take more photos than others.  This usually has to do with them being still enough to get a photo- and also with me remembering to bring the camera.

Happy Mom and Baby (Lisa made this Mai Tie baby carrier)

And later with a sleeping baby.

My kids taking a turn in our friends wagon.

The Kids piled in the stroller.

Fruit Smoothies for Breakfast

Some days I get up and actually make something for breakfast rather than cereal or toast.  Usually these are weekend days.  My mom sent me Angie's pancake mix for my birthday and we have been having that most sundays.  (we are almost out- you could send some home with Lisa).  This morning I made fruit smoothies.  You can see the outcome:

Happy  Clean Kid

Happy Clean Kid

Very Happy Not Clean Kid