Grandpa's Visit

Grandpa came to visit us! We always love having him. The children enjoy all the time and attention, the games and outings, the little presents. It's better than Christmas when he comes.

Sizing Up at the National Western Stockshow, where we saw mutton bustin' and bull riders

Buckaroo! 

 

"I-didn't-win" face

 Nothing like a cozy lap and a comfy rocker

Funtastic Fun!

 Real Live Tools!

Men at Work

Peacefully BuZzing,

Misty

Atypical Preschool Adventures

Today he studied geography while playing in the small stream running down the side of the street in front of our house. He studied physics and engineering as he damned the stream, made pools and let the water go again. He practiced dexterity and manipulation, using rudimentary tools of pinecones and sticks to move the leaf debris (mama told him not to touch the water). He even honed his investigative skills in seeking the source of the water. And I was delighted at how easily he came up with the answer.

Ah, yes, these are our pre-school days!

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty

Big Man, Little Man

Today I am reminded of just how much I adore the man I married.

Busy as he was, he took twice as long diagnosing a car in order to take time for a little "helper". Joe has this wonderful way with Sabin, allowing the small boy to truly feel useful.

Even now, hours later, the vision brings tears to my eyes.

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty

Would you believe.....

that I am sitting here on my front porch, computer in my lap. The children fell asleep in the car on the way home and, as it is already late in the afternoon, I hate to wake them. Most amazing is that here it is January - our snowiest month of the year (according to statistics) and I am sitting here on the concrete in a hoodie.

We had the most beautiful day, the children and I. Soaking up plenty of Vitamin D. At 10am we left the house for a neighborhood walk. The weather was so gorgeous that we hatched a plan to take full advantage of it. Back at the house, I made pb&j while Sabin put baby carrots in a baggie. We filled water bottles and donned "mud boots" (also known as rain boots, but we use ours for well..... you know) The destination: a park about a 10 minute drive from our home. The park has a playground, large field, and several dwarf cherry trees that are perfect for little climbers.

To our delight, we found two other mama/children groups at the park and we all enjoyed a great visit. The sun was high in the sky and sweet Chloë began to fuss. As if on queue, three cars were loaded and it seemed that playtime would come to an end.

But a little blonde boy begged for more time outdoors and little sister perked and seemed eager for adventure. Across the street, a living history museum taunted us. Mama caved at such exuberance and steered the car into the parking lot. We tucked Chloë into the stroller certain she would doze, but she never did. The farm animals were much too exciting. Most favorite was the cat who rubbed against legs and mewed for attention. We went the 1860's to the 1890's and in the house we met a woman (an employee of the museum) who was just pulling a King's Cake from the oven. She shared with us a bit about Epiphany and how she was celebrating by taking down her Christmas decorations. We tasted the cake - a sweet bread which she decorated with gold, purple and green sugar while we toured the home and tried out the piano. The cake was delicious. She (Miss Kathy) gave me a copy of the recipe. To show our gratitude we helped a bit with the undecorating of her tree.

I now have some new ideas which I hope to incorporate into our Christmas festivities for next year.

As the sun sank further toward the mountains we headed for home. The children, both exhausted and content, fell asleep within 5 minutes. The day has been long. My "to do" list lies undone. And yet, I feel refreshed.

Peacefully BuZzInG,
Misty