Before the Storm

With spring in full swing, so are the Texan storms! We were lucky enough to squeeze in a playdate and picnic before the storms approached us. Our last visit to the Log Cabin Village was almost 18 months ago. We joined 12 other kids, along with their moms, for a full size Lincoln Log tour. Despite a few tears here and there, we all had a blast.

A picnic lunch nearby followed and we even talked a few into joining us on our favorite train ride. Now I am enjoying a quiet house with 3 sleeping kids, as the thunder rolls!

SB - 2009

Spring Break 2009 Memories...

S - Swings & swimming.
P - Playing on the "talkie-walkies"
R - Riding the jeep.
I - Inner Space Caverns.
N - Napping in the hammock.
G - Green pancakes (St. Patrick's Day.)

B - Bats, blizzards, & bass fishing.
R - Running in the mud.
E - Exploring & Easter egg dying.
A - All nighter in the tree house.
K - Kranz and Kolecki kids.

...and to view more photos, click here, then play the slideshow!

Lucky Charms

The drought of 2009 has ended, as we have collected 4 inches of rain over the last 3 days. What better way to get ready for St. Patrick's Day than to share their cold rainy weather!

And to keep the kids (and myself) sane...we made some shamrock cookies and joyfully shared them with our neighbors, dressed in our rubbers!

"For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way -
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day."
~Author Unknown

slides...sculptures...STANLEY!

A busy Friday morning for our klan. Reminds me of the days in Helsinki, visiting more places before lunch than most people see all week. Only now, I have no one that can hang with me :(

After running around 2 different parks this morning, only to tire out Ms. Pink so she would nap later, the boys and I ventured to a nearby sculpture garden for a picnic lunch. The word of the day was "abstract." It is amazing (and quite humorous) what these little minds see in a crushed piece of metal.

Then onto the highlight of the day...the Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley! After purchasing tickets weeks ago, we started reading the Flat Stanley books. Great chapter books, easy reading, and simple story line. Lets just say we are ready for Broadway. The performance was amazing and we all loved it!

Weather & Wheels

You can't beat Texas weather...freezing one day, high of 80 the next. Winter coats in the morning followed by sandals in the afternoon. You never know what to expect even if the forecast showed you the 10-day outlook. That is why when it is warm and sunny, we LIVE outside.

Enjoying this gorgeous afternoon, all of our wheeled toys adorn the driveway. Kids strolling, riding, pushing along merrily. Spring must be on its way!


<

Good Night Room

15 months later we are once again crib-less. Ms. Pink is now in her 'big girl bed' counting the sheep as I type. As everyone asks..."why so early?" My response..."why not?" Big was booted out at 14 months to make room for Little and I refused to buy 2 cribs. Little was 14 months when we moved to Finland and immediately took a liking to sleeping in a big bed in the same room as his brother. Success after 2, of course the 3rd will follow.

We do miss the quick and easy bedtime ritual as she would play in her crib for a bit before falling to sleep alone. But this snuggling and spooning sure is rewarding at the end of each day, as she falls asleep by my side!