Royalty at Breakfast

Anders and Jorja designed a pair of crowns that have joined them on a variety of daily tasks and outings -- to preschool, the library, while spending time on the potty, during breakfast, and so on and so forth.

I did manage to convince them to remove their crowns for sleeping, but only if they rested on the top of their dresser with direct lines of sight from beds to crown.

The Treehouse

Meg and I finally had our night in a real, not-just-for-kids treehouse. Nestled 15 feet above the ground in a Sitka Spruce, we spent the night lulled by the coolness of the forest air and the sound of the Raging River below. It was awesome.



Crossing the 30 foot suspension bridge connecting the treehouse with the ground.



Checking out the attached deck.



Meg below the treehouse -- embracing the supporting spruce tree.



Climbing the aluminum ladder to reach the tree net -- 20 feet off the ground -- suspended between 3 trees.



Relaxing on the net.



Walking on the net.





Meg taking a moment next to the Raging River.

Snowshoeing

Jen, Alina, Heather, Meg, and I headed east this past weekend to snowshoe in one of the few non-avalanche warning areas. With an abundance of snow -- both on the ground and falling from the sky, the opportunity to snowshoe off the main thoroughfare, the occasional dumping of snow from one of the many trees onto one's head, and the fun dynamics of five lovely ladies, I had a blast.

Alina-- all smiles -- ready to tromp in the snow.



Meg and Heather heading out to find the "trail".



The five of us rearing and ready to go.



Alina and Heather forging their own way through the trees.



Meandering through the trees.



Me and my lady.



Jen -- post-snow fall -- dusted with snow.



I love the snow fall happening right behind me.



Meg's snow angel-making activity...

Snow Days

Snow in the city for Jorja and Anders...









and snow in the mountains for me and Meg.

It really is about the kiddos.

Our Christmas included three fabulous kids -- Anders, Jorja, and Jordan (and four moms and Grandma Ruth). In addition to a day of unwrapping, feasting, and conversation we made our way over to "Our Park" for a medley of activities -- owl hooting, kickball, football, and general romping around.

Sledding Galore

With school closures, ample snow, and bright sunny skies, we headed over to our neighborhood park to put our sleds to work. Gailyn, Julie, and Jordan met us at our place and we tromped, pulled, and slid our way over to the beckoning snow-blanketed hills.

The varying facial expressions in these photos tell a story of both exhilaration -- mostly on the part of the kiddos -- and terror -- mostly on the part of the adults. What a blast!

Our initial arrival and a wave from Gailyn, Julie, and Meg.



Jordan taking the first run.



Julie and Jorja following suit.



Absolute approval from Miss Jorja.



Gailyn and Anders in the midst of their first run.



Pummeling Anders with the snow my brakes boots are kicking up -- oops!



Meg and Jorja zooming away.



Anders and I try again.



Gailyn and Jorja give it a whirl.





Meg grasping one the kiddos -- who's tucked away in there? -- in hopes of slowing down?



Meg and I on our way to one close call after another.

The Big 37

A, J, and I (and Whole foods) whipped up an awesome carrot cake with an undetermined number of candles to celebrate Meg's first birthday with us. Placing the candles, lighting the wicks, and licking the frosting off the candles were definitely the highlights for the kiddos. Meg and I enjoyed a week's worth of delicious cake.

Visiting with Grandma

A few weeks ago we -- the kiddos and me -- headed south for an overdue visit with Grandma (and Auntie too). Anders and Jorja had a blast spending time with Grandma --evident in their 5am wake-time, absence of naps, and later bed-time. The kiddos really know how to make the most out of a short weekend with one of the people they love the best...