Snowed In

Finally - SNOW!!

Just when we were giving up hope of being snowed in, our dreams came true.  And in a few days, just when we're sick of being stuck at home (even church was cancelled) and ready for kids to go back to school after 2 1/2 snow days so far, the rain will be back and we'll have one big slurpee all over the place.  Can't wait.

Since we, in the northwest, are long on rain and bodies of water, and short on snow - we've made some excellent discoveries:

1 - Waders work better than snow pants and boots.  They are truly waterproof, and snow can't go down their boots.  Plus, we have a steady supply of them!

Kayaks make great sleds.

There is actually one instance where a sloped yard comes in very handy, and this is it.

The goats have missed us.  Rocket is giving Grant a little nuzzle.  Next he'll probably chew off his zipper and eat his gloves.  They can't help themselves.

And little Jackie and Blackie got to go outside and pretend they were REAL rabbits - not just designer bunnies that live all pampered in the house.

Hoppy Christmas!

Shhhhh.... After the kids go to bed, I get Brynnie's Christmas presents out and play with them.

They are hidden away in the the locked guest room with all the other gifts.  Little Lionhead bunnies - almost 7 weeks old.  The only thing Bryn asked for this Christmas was a fuzzy little baby bunny.  Check that one off the list!  Twice! And Merry, early Christmas to me.

Spelling Bee in Your Bonnet

Sue is getting carpal tunnel surgery so I asked the kids to make cards for her.

Grant: Dad, how do you spell "love"?
Dad: Ask Bryn, she knows.
Bryn: L-O-V-E
Grant: Bryn! you can't teach me!
Dad: But Bryn was right. That's how you spell it.
Grant: I don't want her to tell me.
Dad: It's just like Bryn said: L-O-V-E

A few minutes later...

Grant: Dad, how do you spell "you"?
Bryn: Y-O-U
Grant: Bryn! Stop!

Here are the cards they made:

Back to School

Yes, the boys are heading off to their first day of second grade.

Don't they look excited?

But first, a little backpack battle.

Take that!

And that!

Now it's time for some serious pictures.

No, I said "Serious"...

Close, but that's not quite it.

There's a little enthusiasm but it's still not what I'm looking for.

No, that's not right, either.

Almost...

Finally, some friends to calm things down and share the walk to school.

Rules of Engagement

While preparing for a Lego war versus his brother, Cole wrote down this plan, describing a new attack vehicle he designed.

1. If it touches it, it will disappear. [√]
2. If Grant has that power it won't work. [√]
3. It is a Lego monster remote truck. It will be awesome.

Easter Blooms

Look what sprouted in the front yard!

She may grow like a weed but she's as sweet as honey and pretty as a tulip.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

It was a beautiful day on the coast so we headed out to join some friends for some sun, sand, surf, and kite flying.

Also, since it is Easter weekend we hunted for Easter eggs.

Finally, we capped the day off with a campfire on the beach. We roasted seaweed (which we didn't eat),

hotdogs (which we did eat),

watched the tide roll out (nothing to eat here),

and yes, s'mores were involved (we ate them).

Legal Loophole

Following an altercation Sue ordered the boys to perform some service for each other. Not long after that I overheard the following exchange.

Cole: Remember how we pinched each other and we're supposed to do something for each other. So my thing is that you have to clean my hamster cage.

Grant: Well, my thing is that you can't make me do that.

Erin Go Bragh

Forgot to wear green? Here's a quick alteration to your attire that can help you avoid some pinches.

You might still find yourself on the receiving end of ridicule...

And don't get her started about spiders

Bryn came running up to me breathlessly:
"Dad! I need to tell you something!"

Me, thinking: Sounds important. Is the cat on fire? Did the groundhog see its shadow? Did the hamsters escape again?

She continued: "Bugs are trickier because they can stand on the ceiling."

Ah yes, those tricky bugs.

Potty Humor

Bryn: What is the funniest word in the world?
Dad: Hmmm, I don't know, maybe "dirt".
Bryn: No, it's toilet.

Bryn: Actually, I can't say the funniest word or you'll be mad.


Ah. I see she's been talking to her brothers...

It's a Wanderful Life

While Sue and I were at choir practice the kids were playing in the church nursery with several other children. Grant was talking about who was there and described a two year old named Lillie, "She's wanderful because she was always wandering all around."

My Favorite Christmas Card

Bryn came to me today and handed me this Post-It note.

Then she read it for me.

Dear Dad,
Merry Christmas.
I love you very much.

Hukt on Faniks Shopping List

See if you can find the following in this list that Cole helpfully made for Sue's use:

• milk
• potatoes
• whipped cream
• wheel (for the hamsters...)
• straws
• mouth wash
• chicken food

Ho! Ho! Ho-bbit.

Santa Elrond

I recently started reading The Hobbit with the boys and tonight I read the part where Bilbo and the dwarves arrive at the valley of Rivendell and meet the elves. Grant asked, "What are elves?" I told him they are a type of people but they're not real. Cole was quick to point out, "But Santa's elves are real."

I stand corrected. This is certainly not the season to cast doubts at the jolly old elf and his elvish assistants.

Principia Gastropoda

Cole had his own entry in our story writing exercise. He opted for the more traditional paper-based writing material but kept with the mollusc-based theme.

Here is the transcription:

Once there was a slug. His name was "Slimee" and he was going to school but he found some sand and he started to play with it but he was late for school. The end.

Pulitzer Aspirations

Grant has produced another literary tour de force and he's experimenting with different, more durable, writing media. He brings a whole new meaning to "board book".

Here's a transcription:

Once there was a slug named "Dooglee". He was going home but he was getting poked.
And that was because he ate a porcupine but he did not know it was a porcupine so he spit out the porcupine. The end.

The Big 4 (and 40)

This was a big year for both Bryn and Mom.  She turned 4 (which was HUGE in her eyes) and I turned 40 - exactly one week from each other.  We each got to have a date with dad, although one of us dressed herself to the nines and even brought her purse.  I'm not even sure if I have a purse.  Well, that is one happy little girl, and one really cool dad.

Just in Time for the Holidays...

Missing: Two Front Teeth

I recommend printing this picture and putting it beside your bed as a way to avoid having good dreams.