After Lunch Adventures

Sometimes after lunch, Lizzy and Peter become involved in elaborate imaginary play. With the after lunch frenzy of cleaning up dishes and trying to get Peter down for his nap at a somewhat reasonable time, sometimes I catch myself hurrying, or ending these games. The other day was a doozy. Danger was everywhere, and the kids sought refuge under the table, where they had created a boat full of essentials- blankets, stuffed animals, books, treasures. Lizzy is often the captain in these scenarios, and Peter her willing and capable first mate. I'm not sure why (or rather I'm exactly sure why), but Peter often ends up in imaginary beds, nests or other protective and cozy places during these games, being shielded from dangers from Lizzy. He eats it up, and Lizzy relishes the drama and excitement. It's amazing how vivid and enchanting these worlds become. The other day, I found myself allowing "just five more minutes!" and then "just five more minutes!" because I too didn't want it to end. Sometimes the moment is just too magical to hurry along.

Daddy and Darling

Thank goodness for daddies! Thank goodness for their enormous hearts, their creativity, their readiness to toss footballs and play chase, and their wonderful spirits. Lizzy and Daddy got to enjoy a special day at school together, just for dads. It was awesome! They got to paint, build together, make volcanoes in the sand, swing, and have snack and singing time. Both reported that it was a wonderful day.

Car Garage

"Mommy, come see! Take a picture of me!"

Oh, Lizzy!

The other day, I could hear Peter calling out for Lizzy. He kept shouting, "Lizzy, come over me! Lizzy, come over me!" I went into the living room and what should I find, but Peter, precariously dangled between the big chair (that he had pushed over) and the couch making a tunnel. Obviously, he wanted Lizzy to come and crawl through. When he saw me, a disappointing second choice, he told me matter of factly, "No, you go mommy. You go over there (pointing to the hallway)." Lizzy quickly bounded into the room, giggled, and popped through the tunnel. I'm happy to report this game had a quick, and safe, ending.

Royal Wedding Fever!

Royal Wedding Fever officially hit our house the other morning! No, we weren't one of those crazies that woke up in the middle of the night to catch it, but we did enjoy watching it while we ate our breakfast before school. I must say, everyone was into the festivities, and enraptured by the beauty and pageantry. When Will and Kate made their way by carriage back to Buckingham Palace, I laughed to see Lizzy and Peter (and even Daddy) waving at them, cheering them on. I guess everyone is a sucker for a beautiful wedding.

Picnics

Peter has started a wonderful new lunchtime tradition- picnics on the porch. One day, when we were coming home from school, he asked if we could have a picnic. What a great idea, I thought! Now, when the weather is sunny, we eat our lunches on a blanket out front. It's so fun! It feels like a little escape in the middle of the day. I love feeling the sun on my face, watching the blue, blue sky, and breathing in the beauty of the day. It's like a tiny vacation in the middle of a busy day.

Happy Easter!

What a Happy Easter we had! I love Easter........the fun traditions, the gorgeous time of year with all the flowers and sunshine, a sense of re-birth, and time with family. Our daddy had to work this Easter, so we decided to spend the morning with grandma and papa. We drove out to their church for Mass, and it was an Easter miracle- both kids managed to sit through Mass, in the "big" church, with relatively little complaint. Afterwards, we went back to grandma and papa's house for brunch. What a special treat we got, because Jack and Auntie Elizabeth unexpectedly joined us! They were coming home from visiting USC and were delayed a bit in their travels, so met up with us. We were so glad! The kids went on a little egg hunt around the house. Of course at Grandma's house, the eggs aren't just filled with candy, but thoughtful surprises like shells, and tiny trucks, and beads. We had a delicious brunch, played outside, and dyed eggs. Truly, it was such a great day!