Our creek

We decided to drive Uncle Brian's jeep down to the creek in the rain late this afternoon. Despite the quickly diminishing light, I got some good pictures.

This is from the road above the meadow

Kind of pretty, huh? Who's ready for a boot walk now! First sunny day, and I think we'll be putting our boots to good use...

Katie's blessing

Ok, so I know I'm no Sara, but we at least got a picture of Katie smiling in her blessing dress! Quite an accomplishment, not possible without Auntie Annie, who has the uncanny ability to make children of ALL ages laugh! Yes, Annie, you are that funny!

Pearl's first piano lesson

So, I finally did it. I actually ordered some piano books for Pearl, and they came today. We had our first lesson, about 15 minutes long. We are working (and I mean hard) on rhythm. I think if we practice every day, we will get it. She was very proud that she could not only play a song, but read to me what the lyrics were:). I don't remember my first lesson, I'm sure my mother taught me things before formal lessons started. I do remember my first formal lesson being very quick and skipping through lots of things, which made me feel very successful, I want that for Pearl. So, here she comes, the next perpetual primary pianist in the family!!!!

Snow!!

We woke up this morning to SNOW!!! Luckily, it was a school holiday for Pearl, so we got dressed and went outside to play. We didn't last very long - Pearl said her feet were frozen. Always the idea of snow is more exciting than actually being in it...which is why we live in California! She was so excited "oh my gosh of the bosh I can't belive it!!!" Oh, to be 6 again...

Sam was pretty impressed with his snowball throwing ability, Pearl contented herself with setting snowballs on top of Sam's head, what funny kids I have!

Pearl works out

Inspired by her Yoga pants, Pearl decided to do some exercises. So, she got her Dad's magic push up equipment, along with the spinal relaxing board he has and went to town!!! She told me all about how the exercises she was doing will make her strong...this remains to be seen:)

Sam and Jack

So, now that Jack is older and obsessed with Sammy's hand me downs, Annie and I have been trying to get them some alone playtime together. Unfortunately, they both seem to enjoy the idea of each other more than actually being together. Today we went to the park, and Sam had no nap so he was particularly onery. He kept taking Jack's hat off (which is a HUGE no-no) with his teeth, to which Jack would of course then retaliate. Looks like we're going to have to work on that relationship a bit more...with all of the girl cousins, these two are going to need to stick together...I'm sure by the time they are 5 and 6 they will have a blast together (especially if Annie lets Jack come get dirty in the creek at our house), but for now, we are still working on civility and manners...

Pearl is growing up...

Pearl came to me yesterday and told me she has a wiggly tooth! We can tell this is my oldest because I did get a little tear in my eye, she is getting so big!!