Thursday, January 31, 2013

Snow!

Kenna wanted to help Daddy shovel the sidewalks
Throwing snowballs
Pick me up, Mama! I'm cold!

Don't even think about it!

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Papa Came for a Visit!

Papa came for a visit and stayed to play (and work) for a few days. Since his travels to Colorado depended on the weather, I opted to wait until a couple of days before his scheduled arrival to tell Jake that his Papa was coming, and was that little boy excited!! We hiked and picnicked at Garden of the Gods and took Papa to our beloved Nature Center for a fun morning learning about animal tracks. Papa also graciously let us take full advantage of his truck and handyman expertise while he was here. He and Brian put up drywall in the garage, as well as in the kitchen ceiling (the lighting in our kitchen had been changed just before his arrival). The time passed all to quickly, and we were sad to see him go, but we were very happy to have had a few special days to share with our beloved Papa. Thanks for coming to visit, Dad! We love you!
 
The night my Dad arrived...the kids were anxiously waiting for his arrival.
Jake wearing Papa's hat.
At the Nature Center...Makenna was fascinated with the frozen stream below the bridge.
Papa helped Jacob make a penguin. I don't think the boy wanted his picture taken.
On a hike at the Nature Center. All the kids were gathered around a big find...animal scat!

Jake helping Papa wash his truck. It was unseasonably warm (high 50's) for a couple of the days that Dad was here. Hence, no coats while washing the truck!

Friday, January 25, 2013

The kids were painting...

and it was way too quiet. Mother's intuition told me my munchkins were up to something. I was right!
I heard someone say once, "Don't get mad. Get the camera!" So I bit my tongue, told them not to move while I grabbed the camera, and captured a few memories of silly childhood decisions. 

And when all is said and done, I'm grateful for washable paint!

Monday, January 14, 2013

the Happy Birthday song

So, I have to add on a little bit to the last post, mostly so I don't forget. Makenna definitely loves the song, "Happy Birthday to You." It has become routine over the last week or so to sing it every night before putting her to bed, but she has pick who we sing it to. Last night I was snuggling with her in the rocking chair, and after we'd sung the beloved song to Daddy, Mommy, Jacob, and Kenna, I assumed we were done. Wrong. She holds up her teddy bear, indicating he's the next honored guest. Okay, my clever little one. One more time through. Wrong again! Makenna grabs hold of her blankie and indicates that I need to sing to her blanket as well. I had to chuckle but indulged anyway. About halfway through the song, Makenna starts giggling, and I'm pretty sure that she knew that singing Happy Birthday to a blanket was complete silliness. Funny girl!

Monday, January 7, 2013

A Happy Heart

I try to instill in my little ones a love of music, and its been fun over the last week or two to hear my little daughter start singing. As soon as the organ music begins on Sunday, Makenna picks up the hymn book and starts flipping through the pages, singing her heart out as loud as she can. Her favorite song is "Happy Birthday to You" (though not much of it is audible English). Driving to pick up her brother from preschool this morning, she was singing away to herself in the backseat. So cute! But the best part was this evening, as I was putting Makenna to bed. I always sing her a special goodnight song, and as I snuggled her in my arms and kissed her little face, she started singing to me. A special baby babble song, just for Mama. Makes my heart happy!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Making bread with Daddy

Brian likes making bread. The kids like to help. I like to eat the end result. :)