Tyler was never into fingerpainting so much…at least “back then”. And so I think at some point, I passed on all of my stash. Quinn is a different kid – highly tactile. We recently got more fingerpaint from Grandma Susie who was cleaning our her art supplies. Color me surprised when my kids enthusiastically wanted to fingerpaint!

And so we did and the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves! So I guess I might be getting more after we use up what we have. Sometimes I fall into that trap of attaching certain activities to ages forgetting that it all depends on the child. Maybe Tyler just wasn’t really ready for it then or as interested?

I have had fabric for some summer napkins for over a year now. I finally decided to get on the project and see if I could include the kids. Tyler has used a sewing machine at school and so was happy to help me figure out how to make it work. He decided to squeeze the foot pedal with his hands while I guided the fabric. As we were sewing the next set of stitches, he asked if we could do the one like a lightening bolt. Sure! I thought the napkin came out great!

Then it was Quinn’s form. Since Tyler had picked a fun stitch, I let Quinn take a look, Of course she picked the complex decorative ones and of course she wanted a different one on each side! We got through it and hers came out great too.

It was fun and I am glad I included the kids..and they say they want to help me finish the rest. I think we will stick to one fancy stitch this time though!

A slow morning in PJs, enjoying the morning sitting together on the bench swing. These moments, I just love these moments.

A few weeks ago, Tyler was not feeling well. So he planted himself in the big chair and just laid still for a while. Quinn feeling worried about him, sat on the ottoman and proceeded to tell stories to her brother and do whatever she thought of to make him feel better.

It totally melts my heart when they tune into each other and try to make the other feel better.

Some days things just seem to flow. We are all in rhythm with each other. They cooperate with my requests and I indulge theirs. There is a quiet understanding. These are days I cherish.

A moment shared at the door to their castle.

Coming into the kitchen seeing the shoes taken off right where I had asked and a home found for the sticks. Then later taking a peek outside and wondering just what they were up to earlier.

Seeing the remnants of the banana milk (which was bananas mashed in water) recipe where I asked them to limit their recipe to 2 bananas to which they say, “we only need one” (as opposed to using them all). They are serious and focused (read: no banana mash fights).

Laughing because when they brought me the finished product and asked me to taste it, I commented that it tasted “interesting”. They then walked off exclaiming, “she liked it!”

Watching the weather change wondering what is on its way. And being thankful for new indoor fun that helps the kids to get their energy out and smiling at Quinn’s small adjustment (tiny stool) so that she to can partake of the fun!

So it was an evening like any other – the kids are FINALLY asleep and we are relaxing into the evening. I walk to the kitchen to make some tea when I notice something out of the corner of my eye.

I realize there was a child hiding under the coffee table with the dog. He had been there maybe 10 or 15 minutes at least. So after making my tea, I walk to the office being non-nonchalant and inform Daddy that he needs to grab the camera and go see what is in under the coffee table.

After we got him back to bed, Chris and I shared a few giggles over this one…

Had a good Valentine’s Day! The kids each received one of those Bilbio toys. Activity toys – all about activity toys for my active two.

These things are pretty great. They can sit and spin around in them which I have a movie of them doing that somewhere. They can turn them over and stand on them. They have been hats. Not surprisingly, Quinn is using it as a place to put things. Tyler nn is spinning bear and lobster in his. We brought them with us for sliding down hills in the snow. Pretty fantastic thingamabobber!!

Speaking of love, this dog loves Chris. Sadly Daddy is very busy and so Chase doesn’t get all the Daddy time he would like. But when he does, oh this dog is in completely heaven. I love this picture….