snow!

I had accepted disappointment. I had given up on the hope of snow this year. I had decided that we'd be okay without all that comes with it - their three layers of clothes and wild-eyed grins, snowball fights and sled rides, sips of hot chocolate and piles of mittens, boots, and wet clothes left by the door.

Spring hasn't come early - it's been here for most of the winter, and while I appreciate the warmer weather, it hasn't felt like winter should. But, just when I thought we didn't stand a chance, winter gave us its greatest gift (no matter the small amount), and we had a great time. (Except that Brian kept catching all the snowballs I threw at him.)

first sign of spring

A daffodil in bloom. A day spent outside. With no shoes on. A smile on her face. It can't get better than this.

hello snow

We got lucky this year and have already had our first snow. Sarah wanted to try snow with maple syrup, and she had great hopes that she would love it. No such luck. Maybe we'll try snow ice cream next time and maybe we'll come inside to eat it.
Eric and Brian threw lots of snowballs.
Meanwhile, Sarah was a penguin. She waddled around with her arms glued to her side and her hands facing out. It was a pretty good impression, I must say. She tried to talk Eric into being her polar bear friend and he appeased her for awhile, but then went back to the snowball fights. I couldn't help but mention that penguins live in Antarctica and polar bears live in the Arctic, and therefore they probably wouldn't be friend. (Not to mention that if a polar bear was anywhere near a penguin, the penguin would be eaten in short order.) Sarah decided that neither geography nor animal behavior mattered.
The snowman toppled over within an hour, but it survived long enough to snap a picture!
It snowed on Saturday (December 4th), so we bundled up and went out for sledding the next morning. They loved it - can you tell?!

NC State Fair 2010

Ah, yes, the State Fair. It's something that (for the most part) we look forward to every year. We each have our own reasons for wanting to go. Sarah and Eric like the rides, the food (cotton candy), and the animals. I like the gardens and the people watching. And Brian? I'm sure he didn't mind that Philly Cheese Steak. Below are some highlights, including an 894 lb. pumpkin, some baby chicks, a praying mantis stalking Eric, MONSTER TRUCKS!!, pig races (there were goat and duck races, too!), a juggler, a giant chair, and some silly looking clowns. Oh, and a dragonfly, a butterfly, and a bee.

end of summer/at the pool

During the month of August, we spent as many days as possible at the pool. It closed for the season on Labor Day, and we were there, enjoying one last swim. It wasn't nearly as pleasant as it had been a few warmer weeks earlier, and we didn't last long, but we were still there. We've decided that next year, we'll sign up for the entire summer. It was just too much fun.

Eric's claim to fame - everytime he went underwater, he pinched his nose. Despite his best efforts to avoid inhaling water, somehow he still did. It didn't seem to phase him too much. He just made a really cute, surprised face everytime he popped up.
As for Sarah, this summer she went from being afraid to swim to eagerly jumping in the deep end, over and over and over again. If I didn't witness it, I wouldn't have guessed she was the same kid. I'm constantly amazed.

summer in iowa

I took some pictures of Alijah, my cousin's daughter, and Sarah during an after-supper (that's what they call dinner in Iowa) cartwheel lesson. Thank you Alijah, for your knowledge and patience. And thank you Sarah, for trying so hard.

We're getting settled in after our midwest road trip and I look forward to sharing very soon - I just need to unpack first!

fun in the sun

Whenever I think of my childhood summers, sprinklers (and popsicles) are what come to mind first. I can't help but smile watching our kids having the same sunny wet fun.

Hello Spring

Dear Spring,

We're so happy to see you and so glad that you've decided to join us! Feel free to stay for as long as you like.

From two of your most adoring fans,

Sarah and Eric