Nature Walk

Yesterday, Andrew and I took advantage of some good weather (you know almost warm and almost dry) and went to Tynehead Park.  We love going there and since its cold and wet its been since before Christmas that we were last there.  I told the kids once got their that we were looking for things that start with the letter "M".  They did a great job coming up with things or finding things as I suggested them.

First up was a mole hill and some moss on a tree.

Then a maple leaf and a mushroom.  

 

We saw lots of squirrels.  I almost got a picture of one (hehehe) but later we did get a picture of one of his friends.

My sweet monkeys.

This little chickadee posed for me.  Not an M thing but still very cute in my book.

M is for map...

and mud....and even mommy.

Our big treat was seeing this bald eagle sitting up in a tree.

Andrew very patiently let me wait so I could see him fly.

There are probably lots of M things that we didn't spot but we had fun and a great walk.

Wordless Wednesday

Play Dough Fun

Hannah and Ethan received some play dough for Christmas, so last week as I was getting things organized, I decided to go through the play dough and get rid of all of the old stuff.  You know the stuff so old that it almost hurts to squish.  The funny thing is Hannah, Ethan and I never really noticed until you have new play dough as a comparison.  Anyway we tried some neat tricks with the play dough and had a lot of fun.

 First we rolled the play dough onto a piece of paper really flat.

As you can see we used lots of colors and it got all mixed up together.

Then we scrapped off the play dough with the flat side of one of our play dough spoons.  

This takes a little patience and Hannah gave it a good try.

After you scrap off the play dough you get a really neat marble effect where the play dough sticks to the paper.

Ethan played happily with some of the new play dough.

      

Next, Hannah finger painted with the play dough.  I did this too and it is a lot of fun and very relaxing.

Afterwards, Hannah wanted to scrap off the play dough to see if there was another picture underneath.  Ethan joined in with the scrapping.

Admiring their finished picture.

Who knew old play dough could be so fun?

Winter Break is ending.......

We have been enjoying the last of our winter break and I know the kids have been watching me get things ready for our activities.  They eagerly ask me if "that" is for them.

We (me and the kids) have especially enjoyed having extra time with Andrew.  Hannah went swimming with Andrew and Auntie today leaving Ethan at home with me.  I do not remember the last time Ethan and I had some alone time.  We very much enjoyed the time together.

It's nice to have some unscheduled, do as you feel days.  We are all getting over (in the process) of getting over our colds.  In a house where colds tends to spread and cycle through, it is a relief to be on the end of it all.  

Hannah and Ethan have been playing very well independently.  The games they make up are becoming far more complex and planned.  

I have been surprised over the last week and a bit because it seems like I can stand still and watch them grow.

Toot & Taco

Before Christmas, Ethan gave himself a nickname (pickle).  Listening to him refer to himself as pickle never ceased to be cute or funny.  Well the other day I was shopping with Hannah and Ethan for groceries, Ethan decided that it was time for a new nickname.  So if you can imagine, we were going down the aisle with one of those big green kids carts when Ethan turns to Hannah and says "Hi my name is Taco" and Hannah turns to Ethan and says "Hi my name is Toot".  They then dissolved into a bout of giggles.  It was funny, really funny. They repeated their sketch several dozen more time is the store, getting louder and louder to EVERYONE who had the joy of passing by us.  They are a comedic duo in the making.  But sometimes mommy just wants a little peace and quiet.

Here is another from their playbook:

Ethan: You hurt my feelings.
Hannah: Why did I hurt your feelings?
Ethan:  because you didn't come to my birthday.
Hannah: Oh...(long pause)... I'm sorry.

 ........a few seconds later.......

Hannah: Open this up.
Ethan: Wow. Gasps with glee...What is it?

Hannah:  It's the squeaky toy you wanted? (Apparently she decided to give him a gift since she missed his birthday.)

Christmas

Since the kids have been born, Andrew and I switch back and forth between grandparents.  Last year, we spent Christmas with my family so this Christmas we were with his family.  So a few days before Christmas we packed up the kids and enjoyed a snowy Christmas with Andrew's parents and his brother who joined in as well.  Have a look at some of the fun we had:

 

Getting ready to go tobogganing.

Playing hide and seek.

Cuddling with Grandpa.

Getting ready to go look at lights.  Someone was not in a good mood.

Christmas morning.

Uncle Shawn helping Ethan.

I don't even know what to say about this one.

Hannah in her Christmas romper.

Ethan pointing to his pickle card from Gamma and Papa.

Brothers.

Playing with grandma.

My butterfly princess.

Checking out the turkey.

Watching a movie before bed.

Ethan looking out at the snow.