No Snazzy Title, Just Cute Pictures

There is probably something clever that ties all these pictures and activities together, but I'm going to maximize my time during this moment when the kids are happily playing together with diaper boxes (who needs toys, right?) and just get the pictures posted...

A little morning pajama painting

Eli the artist

Evelyn's first time painting with a paintbrush

Cooking together in the pantry...no shirt, no problem!

Scooping snow

 Inside snow table

Rock band practice at Target

Venturing Out

For being such a short month, we have been packing in the fun in February. Mimi came to visit and cheer on Eli in his swimming class. And, of course, after class we had to go to one of Eli's favorite types of places ("Can we go to a cafe with Mimi?").

Reading a book while we finish munching on lunch

Some family friends kindly gave us tickets to see the circus while it was in town recently, and we successfully viewed the first half, leaving at intermission with a happy, but tired boy and a fully asleep little lady (seriously, she fell asleep in my lap in the midst of all the music and lights and in-aisle vendors shouting about glowing toys and sugary treats). The biggest hits were the animals - tigers, elephants, and camels.

Saying hi to the elephants

Only in Wisconsin can you spend the morning in your snowclothes, sliding and crunching snowballs, and then after naptime head back outside with bare hands to draw with sidewalk chalk and take your scooter for a spin.

Almost ready to go outside and definitely excited

 

Off to the neighborhood park for some sliding

Eli requested we draw a surfer...everyone wants warmer weather to get here!

Scooter, lawn mower, sun, and snow all in one frame. Sounds about right for late February around here.

We finally made it to the skating pond on a Saturday that was the rare mix of cool enough for ice, but warm enough for the kiddos to enjoy being outside. Evelyn slid around in her boots, but Eli enthusiastically tried out the ice skates and a little push walker thing to help with balance. Within about two minutes he was asking when we could play hockey. We assured him that next time we would bring the sticks, and this Mommy was thrilled that I may have a buddy to enjoy some more ice skating with in the winters to come.

 Smiles while lacing up the skates

Here we go!

Brave adventurer

Little Lady and Daddy sliding around

Love My Valentines

Valentine's Day with kids adds a whole new potential for heart-shaped, explosion-of-red-and-pink-fun. We tried this year to strike a balance between being festive and not creating added stress over all the cutesy things you're "supposed" to do to celebrate a holiday with kids. While I do respect and admire the pinterest-worthy ways some people fill their Valentine's day, it is ultimately about feeling the love and showing the love to your loved ones. Whether that means an extra hug, or a meal composed entirely of red, heart-shaped foods. Or both. So here's a glimpse at how we shared the love this year...

Making some valentines

Very serious about the cookie decorating

Eli liked the minimalist approach - just a drop of frosting and a sprinkle of blue

More food fun...a treat for Mom and Dad after kiddos are in bed

Blurry picture of almost catching a cute sibling moment at the children's museum

Sideways view of Eli's valentine for his preschool friends

Valentine's day celebration at preschool

 Even the little ladies got to join in the fun at preschool

So sleepy after our busy morning

It is Still Winter...

So after not posting anything for a few weeks, it was funny to me to see that our last post still pretty much accurately represents what we've been up to lately. It is still winter, still often abnormally cold, and we are still trying to enjoy some inside fun (with the occasional venture outside).

Yogurt. Good for the tummy and the skin.

Clifford is a focused audience to a toddler

Animal prints (and bowler hats) are all the rage in late winter fashion this year

"The Project Boys" (self-titled) work on the basement re-organization

Super Bowl celebrated with super snacks and a super picnic dinner (and a super giraffe)

Our most-requested destination these days - The UW Geology Museum!

This little boy "long-necked dinosaur" looks very happy (especially considering the t-rex right behind him)

Mmm...snacks...

 What does the fox say? 

Mostly "yeah", "mama", and "dada" these days, with an occasional "moo" and "hi" thrown in for good measure

Is that a Zorbaz-apron-wearing monkey riding a horse? Yes, your eyes do not deceive you.

Snugglebugs and Snow

It seems that this month has been a seesaw between snuggling inside to avoid the subzero temperatures of the latest cold wave of the week, and rushing to get outside to play or do something, anything, when the temperatures rise enough that you can just about manage (provided you have about 80 layers of clothes on all parts of your body). Here's a sampling from the snuggles, inside activities, and the fun in the snow.

All you need are some pillow and blankies to be cozy

Maintaining good oral hygiene while being snuggly

An emergency afternoon Sesame St. viewing

Captain Eli piloting the chair boat while first mate Evelyn looks on

 

Laying out their master plan on how to survive another day inside

 What to do when you can't play in the snow...make snow ice cream!

Mixing up the ingredients

A serious taste test

 

Evelyn signs "more" to the ice cream

 Happy girl

Yes! We made it outside!

All snowmen are built with screwdrivers, right?

My snowbabies with their new friend, Snowman Stan

Little lady does some digging

Surveying the snowman with snow tools at the ready

Swingsets are even better in the snow

Evelyn was happy she could still fit in the swing while wearing a big snowsuit