Easter=Adorable

One thing you can always count on with Easter is adorable Easter art projects. Our walls are full of painted eggs, chicks, and bunnies. These are two of my favorites that Lizzy made at school.

Hunting and Games

Our neighborhood had it's annual Easter Egg Hunt. Lizzy and Peter grabbed their baskets and were ready to go. Peter was able to put aside his disdain for the bunny (who did make an appearance) and have a fun morning. Four neighbors hid eggs on their front lawns, each a different age group, and the kids took turns searching for eggs. After they found their eggs, they turned them in to the Easter Bunny for a treat. I think this is such a great idea, because no one has to worry about filling up a ton of eggs, or making sure that each kid gets an even amount of treats. After the hunt, we always play a few games. This year they had a sack race, egg and spoon race, and hockey stick race. It was very cute, and a fun way to spend the morning.

Dying Eggs

We've been looking forward to dying our eggs for sometime. On Friday, Daddy got home early from work, so it seemed like the perfect time. Our friends Owen and Evan were coming home from a walk, so they decided to join us. I felt like a teacher again! I got all our supplies ready, set everything up outside, and the kids helped me pour in the vinegar and water, stir the cups, and get all ready- what fun! Needless to say, I was reminded of a quote from our preschool: projects with kids this age are often more focused on process rather than product. The kids quickly flew threw all the eggs. An added bonus this year......actually eating the eggs! I'm not sure why this never occurred to me in past years, but Lizzy told me they had eaten their eggs for snack at school, and she wanted to have one. What a good idea! I couldn't remember the last time I'd eaten a hard boiled egg, and it was yummy. Dying eggs with the kids is always one of my favorite Easter traditions:)

One Bunny.....Two Stories

We went to visit the Easter Bunny the other day to try to get our annual picture. I should have known.........it wasn't going to be pretty. I tried to lay the ground work with Peter ahead of time. I showed him our old pictures, I talked up the bunny, and I even told him he could sit on my lap and I would sit next to the bunny if it would make him feel better. Like any good man, he nodded his compliance and told me what I wanted to hear (with his own intentions firmly planted in his mind). As soon as we approached the Easter Bunny, really as soon as he figured out we were even moving in the bunny's general direction, Peter stopped dead in his tracks. He shook his head, yelled out, "No, No!" and ran away. Lizzy, in true Lizzy fashion, walked right up to the Easter Bunny, high-fived him, hugged him, began sharing how much she admired his colorful eggs, and sat right down. Try as we might, I could not convince Peter to come within fifty yards of the guy. It began to feel a little ridiculous, and possibly psychologically scarring, to force the issue, so I gave it up. This year, we have a cute picture of a smiling Lizzy next to the bunny. If only the camera could have caught a trembling Peter, firmly planted a safe distance away, we would have gotten the whole Easter Bunny Story- a Tale of Two Bunnies: Friendly and Frightening.

Lizzy's "Baby"

This game is an oldie, but a goodie. The other morning I heard Lizzy chatting away in a soothing voice to Peter. I peeked into his room, and what should I see but Lizzy putting Peter to bed. She had made a bed for him, snuggled him in blankets, given him his binkies and stuffed animals, and even a few cars to keep him company. Peter, of course, was all to content to play along, and loved having another lady to baby him and take care of him. He's a pretty lucky guy!

Car Show

Our local high school had a car show over the weekend, so we decided to stop by and check it out. After all, how could we not go, when we have an official car lover in our family. I'll be honest, car shows aren't really my thing. If I didn't love Peter so much, I wouldn't even consider going to one. But here's the amazing thing about love: when you love someone, you love the things that they love. The things that make them excited are thrilling for you too. So I was pretty jazzed about it. Guess who wasn't jazzed about it.......Lizzy. She put up a minor protest, told us how boring it would be, and how she didn't like cars. What a great learning moment for us to remember the millions of times Peter has trailed along to Lizzy's dance classes, swimming lessons, and soccer games. Finally, Peter gets a moment for himself. I have to say, car shows are actually pretty cool. We all enjoyed walking around the parking lot admiring the bright colors and cool designs of the cars. When we got back into our own car (after discussing why our car doesn't look like any of the show cars), Lizzy said, "You know what, I think I actually like car shows Mommy. I'm glad we went." Thank goodness for small moments of clarity!

Unexpected Hike

There's a park near us that has a really giant slide and lots of unique climbing equipment that's pretty fun to visit. After our fun (but busy) time with our cousins, we thought we'd have just a quiet morning at the park. We were playing for a while, then the kids sat down at a nearby bench to have their snack. Lizzy found a little "forest" with lots of pine cones on the ground, and began exploring. Soon she had walked up a slight hill and discovered a view of the bay. We decided to get a closer look. Pretty soon we found a neat spot to watch the air planes come in for landing across the bay at SFO. We were all transfixed by this for a while, but as the true explorers we are, we wanted more. We followed a path along the bay and watched the water and sea birds. The path slowly led into a forest, and up a small hill. Before we knew it, we were on a real hike.......and I loved it! I wasn't alone. The kids loved it. I think we all loved that feeling that hikes give you- the joy of exploring, feeling adventurous, like you're off the beaten path and a little bit wild. When you step just a little bit away from your paved world, it's so fun to run your hands through the dirt, find tiny pine cones and cool rocks, climb big rocks, admire the view. Why hadn't I done this a million times before? My kids are the perfect age for this, and I'm excited to try some more gentle hikes through our beautiful area.

Fairy Tale Town

Caroline played hooky from school to spend a wonderful day with us at Fairy Tale Town. Ahhh Fairy Tale Town......you're just the type of place that's right up my alley- Plenty of space to run around and explore, darling little spots based on fairy tales and nursery rhymes to play in, slides, play structures......really just tons of fun stuff. The kids had a blast. We saw a mother duck and her 14! ducklings waddling along, and we loved watching her lead her darling babies. Peter loved the key he had to put into the little boxes by each exhibit and listening to the little stories. I think the girls just enjoyed running from place to place and climbing, sliding, and playing. I loved our lunch together in "Sherwood Forest." Feeling like we were in our own hidden spot, enjoying some quiet conversation together was the best. We definitely want to hit this spot again!

Spring Break

It was our spring break last week, so we took advantage of our free time and visited our cousins. Of course, it was a must for us to hit up one of our favorite spots- the farmer's market. Patrick, our fearless leader, led the way on his scooter, the girls right behind, and Peter picking up the rear furiously pushing along on his little car (on a side note: It's crazy how that guy can maneuver curbs and turns. He's a total pro). We did all our usual favorites- played at the playground, jumped in the bouncy houses, had our faces painted, and had a picnic. The farmer's market with our cousins is always a recipe for the perfect afternoon.

Monkey Bars

The other day we were at the park and the kids were running around playing. Some lady that I sort of knew was chatting me up, when out of the corner of my eye I see Lizzy working her way across the monkey bars. Slowly but surely......she's doing it! I totally tune out the lady talking to me and say under my breath, "Lizzy just did the monkey bars!" Then Lizzy comes running up, big smile on her face, shouting, "Mommy, guess what? I did the monkey bars all by myself!" Thank goodness I saw it! Thank goodness I happened to be looking in just the right spot, at just the right time! Lizzy was so proud of herself. They're still pretty tough for her, but now she know she can do it, and that's half the battle right there.

Proud!

Can it be? Has Lizzy, after countless attempts, actually mastered the rope swing at our cousins' house? Well, sort of........but most importantly, in her eyes......yes! Her little, proud smile, bursting into a giant grin at her accomplishment was so priceless. You go, Lizzy!

Puppet Show

We had one of those great moments the other day where the ideas were flowing, the kids were in sync, and the teamwork was impeccable. Peter found a brown bag in the play room and colored on it with markers. He then put it on his hand and told us all it was a robot, and ran around the house playing with his robot. Lizzy decided they should have a puppet show. She created "chairs" for all of the finger puppets, made a stage out of blocks, dug up two old puppets, and somehow wrangle the "robot" onto the stage for the show. Pat and I got to watch "The Robot, Donkey, and Frog Show." As you can imagine, it was full of twists and turns (literally), many plot shifts, and much excitement (especially when the stage kept falling down). Mostly, it was adorable!

Witch

Peter is really into playing this game with me lately where I am a witch (I'll try not to read anything into that). He sets up his cars and blocks, then asks me to be the witch. I'm supposed to try to "get" the cars, then he runs and hides and I'm supposed to find him. Lizzy often joins in too. It totally cracks me up to find Peter in his "hiding spots." He's always giggling, so excited with the anticipation of the tickling witch, and having the best time. It's one time where it really pays to be a witch.

Big Boy=Big Fun

The other day Lizzy was at school, and I thought Peter had gym class. Silly me, it was cancelled, so there we were, both disappointed, with a few hours on our hands......... we decided to visit the nearby duck pond, and that disappointment changed into fun! I relished getting to spend some alone time, just me and my boy, and to just watch how big, how capable, how interesting he has become. I love that he still likes to walk with me and hold my hand. I love how fast his little legs move when he's running ahead. I love his curious squeals of delight, his questions, and comments. And wow.........the conversation! What a talker he's become! I mean full sentences, back and forth, using words like "waterfall" and expressions like "mama, keep an eye out." When did that happen? All of a sudden he's bursting with ideas, and curiosity, and is ready to explore every bit of the world around him. It's awesome! It's so fun to watch, and he's so fun to be with.

The Pirate Ship

I'm fascinated by the imagination of children, their ability to make everything from seemingly nothing, to create magic where adults see the ordinary. It's something so uniquely beautiful about them, that when you get the chance to go along on their ride, don't hesitate! We met Auntie Elizabeth and Caroline and Patrick at the "butterfly museum" last week, and we decided to eat lunch outside in one of our favorite gardens. After eating, the girls began exploring, and it wasn't long before they had discovered the most amazing tree. It had one long and sturdy branch almost parallel to the ground, and immediately they began climbing it. Almost instantly the tree became a ship, and the girls pirates, and all sorts of excitement ensued. They discovered other nearby paths, and quickly scurried into all sorts of hidden nooks and crannies of the park. It felt like stepping into a private, magical garden, nature ready just for you. Everyone joined in. Peter found a special tree, and Patrick turned it into a teeter-totter. It was wonderful! We're still talking about "our tree" and "our special spot" and we're planning our return to spend more time in our garden.

Peter's Friends

Sometimes when Lizzy is busy at work, coloring or drawing, Peter will also want to make his own picture. It's so adorable to watch him. He is so serious, putting all the parts together, muttering to himself where everything should go, and who is in his picture. He's silly too, teasing me about what's he's doing, always with a big smile on his face. I'm amazed by his pictures, and can't wait to see what else he will create.

Working It Out

I love, love, love, when my kids play together. Sometimes, they can get territorial. One will be in the middle of something, the other will want to push in, and it can get messy. It's a hard boundary, because I do want to respect my kids' individual space and needs, but I also want them to learn to work together. It's so wonderful when they can come together and work it out, and then the magic happens. They create their own game, their own world, and are caught up in the wonderful frenzy of the moment. I credit them both- Lizzy who often finds a space for Peter, let's him in, includes him.........and Peter, who takes turns, follows the give and take, and enthusiastically joins in. In their world, they build houses to protect them from storms, create life-saving boats, make all sorts of block creations, and usually find a place for the vast assortment of cars, blankets, and stuffed animals that litter our house. It's wonderful to hear their excited voices as they plot together, and I love watching them in their work. It's such a blessing they have one another, and I get to see it all!

Ladies' Night

Oh girls........thank you for just being you. Please don't misunderstand me- I love my son beyond measure, and I love all the little boys we know (the immense, never-ending stream of testosterone that fills our days). But some days, some moments, the daintiness, the cuteness, the sweetness of little girls is just what the doctor ordered. We had a spontaneous street party on Friday night. We threw up some tables, layed out the treats, and began an enormous play-date. Super fun, right? Well, yes.......but a little out of control too. I went into our backyard to find wrestlemania and pretend fighting at a fever's pitch, and there.........in a little island of serenity......sat two little girls trying to have a tea party! Oh, thank goodness for you! Because in those moments when I just really don't want another pretend missile shot at me, you are a site to behold! I booted out those boys, amidst many protests of injustice, and let the ladies have their space, their peace, their moment. I said my quiet prayer of thanks that I'm the mother of a daughter for the bazillionth time, and then went out to the chaos to shoot hoops and play kickball- pretty awesome things to do too:)

Our Brush With the Rainforest

One of our favorite places to visit, is the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Lizzy just loves the butterflies, and even though we've been there tons of time, it's still a magical place for her. When we had a free day last week, Lizzy suggested we go again, so we gave it a try. She even wore her bright, butterfly shirt, because she thought all the butterflies would like it so much. The butterflies did not disappoint. This Owl Butterfly (above) was hanging around, just waiting for us to come by! How amazing to get to examine the delicacy and beauty of a butterfly from inches away! This little guy just sat there as we stared, and oohed and aahhed, and drank in all his wonder. Then, as if on cue, he flew away the moment we moved on. Lizzy kept saying, "Wow! Aren't we lucky! This is the best day!" I couldn't have said it better myself.

Fly Away Home

There is something truly miraculous about the metamorphosis of a butterfly. To begin as something as inconsequential as a caterpillar, grow, evolve, and completely change into something as breathtaking as a butterfly is pretty amazing. None of this is lost on Lizzy. Lizzy's admiration of nature is one of my favorite things about her, so I wasn't surprised at how much she loved watching the caterpillars at school. Every day I would hear reports about what was happening with them. I was pretty lucky to be at school on the day the butterflies were being released. Of all those grubby, chubby, fingers reaching out to "hold" a butterfly, Lizzy was one of the lucky few that experienced the heart-pounding wonder of having something as delicate and fantastic as a butterfly make it's home on your finger, if only for the briefest of moments. I know I'm incredibly biased..........but I would have chosen Lizzy too. Perhaps it was her calm assurance, her patience, her small, knowing smile, her........connection.........to the beauty of the moment, to the wonder of butterflies, to the awe of the world around her. Whatever it was, it was priceless.

Say Cheese

The other day when we were visiting Grandma and Papa, Peter wanted to go for a walk. He led us back to the daffodils, struck a pose, and said, "Mama, say cheese!" which is his way of asking me to take his picture. This boy must be starting to take a page from his sister's book, the original "picture poser."

Baller

It's March Madness, baby, and boy do we have a future baller on our hands! Last weekend, after some of the games, basketball fever had hit our neighborhood. When we were playing outside we noticed all sorts of big boys shooting hoops in their driveways. Lizzy sat admiringly watching the teenagers next door play two-on-two. She quickly got her own basketball (which is really my basketball from 20 years ago), and began dribbling around. We took turns dribbling down the street, and then playing defense. It was so fun! I loved watching her concentration, her smile, her eagerness to play. For the millionth time I felt so thankful that I'm able to run around and really play with my kids without giving it a second thought. How wonderful to run, to dribble, to have fun. I know why we all love March Madness so much. For just a moment, it makes us feel like we're all basketball players, like it's everyone's game........and it's the best!

Chalk=Spring

And so it's begun........Springtime. Whereas just a minute ago we were splashing in puddles and putting our cozy clothes on, the weather has turned on a dime to warm, bright, sunny days. And, as true Californians, this is what we crave. We put up with the clouds and rain, for a little while, even marvel in the wonder of "weather" (for a moment), but what we're really after is sun, and all that it brings. I know this, because during all those spring showers, the moment the sun would peak through the clouds, the world would come alive, kids would run from their houses to play in the street, adults would go for walks, even the dogs and cats got into it. A sure sign of Spring in our house is sidewalk chalk. I always buy a big box each year. The kids and I love admiring all the different colors, how it's so neatly piled into the box, how pointy each piece is. I love seeing the pictures on the driveway and the sidewalk. I love how bright it looks, how pretty, how Spring. When I walk around, and see the other driveways with their own pictures decorating them, I smile to myself because I know sweet, eager, imaginative little hands were busy doing their work, decorating the world for Spring.

The Big Red Ball

Our neighbors have a giant, red, ball that they have brought out now that the weather has turned so sunny and nice. It is a kid magnet! The kids see it from down the street, and they come running. Not only is it fun to sit in, but Lizzy and Peter always talk me into pushing them around in it, like two little mice in a ball. It's pretty hilarious to see the kids inside it, and I love to hear their giggles and crazy laughter as they roll around.....