Two Seasons in Two Weeks

There are so many things we have become accustomed to in the South including "Ya'll", Southern hospitality, macaroni & cheese as a vegetable and warmer winters.  But this winter was definitely one of the colder ones with more white stuff than we have become accustomed to.  I remember when Siena hated going out to play in the cold and Mommy would go out without her, and now she is out there before we can reach for our boots and Carson is typically done after only a few minutes.  

And just when you think you have left the Midwest behind, the following week brings sunshine and gorgeous temperatures.  One week after the snow, we spent the afternoon outside doing yard work and going for bicycle rides.  Kurt was itching to pull out the lawn mower and get to work and it's a good thing he did: the previous owners of the house drove by just to see the old place.  It's difficult to believe that we will celebrate 9 years in this home next month.  It just doesn't feel possible but we love it more and more every year. 

Our kids have an art cubby and they typically pull everything out and go to town with stickers, markers and paints.  Here is just one example of them BOTH hard at work.  These activities keep them from arguing too much which takes up a lot of their time these days. 

And yes, Carson found my flute and insisted on trying it out.  It looks easy enough, right?  Milo's ears aren't covered anyway.  They both love the piano and Daddy is now playing the guitar for them at bath time.  These little ones are being exposed to so much that I hope they catch the love for the arts somewhere along the line. 

Winter Months

How simple the winter months are and yet how busy we have remained with the typical grind of life.   For the most part, our life has remained interesting with Story Hour, Preschool, MOPS, Small group, doctor's visits and play dates.  Siena & Carson are aware of their new sibling that is soon to enter the world, but that doesn't stop them from turning to Mommy for everything, including rides around the kitchen.  I guess this is how I get my exercise when it's too cold for a jog. 

We started a new semester at our preschool co-op were I have officially become the music teacher teaching the different types of instruments and composers as well as beat, rhythm and songs.  We took our first field trip to a farm where we got to see new baby chicks, pet a horse and see the cows with our friends. We also exchanged Valentines with our class mates. 

Carson has his first sleep over with his friend Clark.  It was unexpected and unplanned but the boys had a great time, played so well together and Siena loved being the older ruler enforcer.

Then came Snow-apolycalpse 2015.  Our state literally closed down for an entire week due to ice and a little bit of snow.  It wasn't awful but if you can't get out the front door due to ice, it makes sledding and snowmen building was a little difficult.  With everything canceled, we just stayed indoors with hot chocolate, puzzles, games and movies.  

 

And with some extra time off work, Kurt made Mr. Calvin Anderson proud with his woodworking skills.  He built the kids their bunkbeds from scratch and then painted the lower half of the front bedroom to make it more unisex friendly.  The kids enjoyed being part of the process of helping and a little bit of fun was had in the process.  

Here is the new kids room, featuring both of their favorite color, BLUE.  Siena has Doc McStuffins sheets and Carson has Olaf from Frozen sheets.  They have done pretty well adjusting to the new set up  but there are still a few kinks to be worked out.  That's why we started this process 6 weeks before it's baby Stawberry's arrival in April.