Park Holiday

With the kids out of school today, we spent a couple of hours this morning at the park.  The kids rode their bikes for a while, and then Audrey ran into some friends from her school and they ran around playing tag.  I am just amazed by how beautiful it is outside right now! 

I have also really enjoyed just being at home with the kids today.  We did some art projects after breakfast and played the Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game, because it is simple enough for Barrett to play with us.  God just keeps pouring out his blessings on us.  My heart is just so full and so thankful right now!

Sunny Days

When I get to work in the morning, the sun is barely coming up.  By the time I leave, it is setting.  That is the part of winter that depresses me the most; the sun is only up for a few hours a day, and I am at work for most of them during the week.  So, on the weekends, I like to soak up the sunshine.    Warm sunshine on a cold winter day cheers the heart and warms the soul.   The windows in our living room face west, so in the afternoon, that is the perfect place to soak the sunshine in.  This weekend, it has actually been warm enough to go outside to enjoy some of the sun's rays.  It has really refreshed everyone in our family to help get us through this last stretch of winter. 

Not only does sunshine warm the heart and soul, but it also great for taking photos!  I've been playing with using the natural light with our new camera to take pictures. Here are a couple of my recent. successes.

Long Overdue

I realize this post is long overdue.   There is no particularly good reason for why it's been so long since I posted.  Honestly, after a busy Christmas holiday and the subsequent chores around the house (cleaning through old toys and finding homes for new ones, putting away Christmas decorations, and working out like mad because of all of the treats I ate over the holidays), I just didn't feel like it.  I guess you could say I was burned out.  Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Christmas, the family get togethers, the food, giving gifts, etc.  However, I also love the month of January when we have a chance to slow things down, spend some quality family time together, and get a few things done around the house.  After a hectic December, a quiet January is always welcome in my book.

As I said, we  had a great Christmas holiday.  The kids are both quite proficient with gift opening now.  Barrett was on such a roll at my parent's house that he halfway opened one of my dad's gifts.  His favorite gifts were his power drill and chainsaw (both kid versions) and his legos.  Audrey had many favorites, and it changes each time I ask her.  Here are just a few that she's mentioned:  dolls, dollhouse, dance bag, clothes, frozen hat, frozen lunch box, and of course, legos.  It was really fun this year not just to see them open the gifts, but to watch them play with the gifts afterwards.  They are both growing up so fast.

I feel so blessed by all of the wonderful gifts as well as the many gatherings we had to visit with family and friends.   I know by this fall, I'll be ready to do it all again!