So content

Some days I wonder why we have a basement full of toys that my kids are not playing with.  We brought a few of their favorite toys with us to my parents', but most of the things downstairs are saved from when my brothers and I lived and played here.  It was awesome for the first few months, but lately, the kids have seemed more interested in playing with things that are not technically toys or fussing with each other as a result of boredom.

Not today.

Gus the engineer set up an entire town of micro-machines, then provided play by play commentary that was yelled into the kitchen to me while I made dinner.

And my darling Kip dressed her baby doll, fed her dinner at the big table with us, then got her ready for bed and rocked her to sleep.

 

Life is sweet tonight.

Pitching In!

In addition to working hard to be content and entertain themselves while we are at the farmhouse working, the kids are starting to pitch in. Kip spent some time painting yesterday. Gus helped garden briefly...before returning to his archaeological dig. I swear that boy has already found his vocational calling at six years old!

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

Ok. So we don't have a dog, but our old cats are learning more of what life will be like with a four year old girl in the house.  Kip is increasingly trying to pick them up and has recently been helping Mariko to accessorize!  The cats dont get much time to themselves or personal space when she is here and not otherwise engaged.  I have to say, though, that other than a scratch or bite here and there (which only briefly deters Kip), they are taking it all in stride. 

In other news, we had a good day at the house yesterday. Now that I've fixed my camera, I will try to take some pictures. 

Shazam!

Rockin' the Stove

This is the perfect time of year for this stove. Its so great to be outside at night in the spring, sitting next to it if things get too chilly. 

Getting Big!

Brand New World

Despite my camera's inability to take a good picture, there's no getting around the beauty of this pic. We've come a long way to get where we are today: dry wall!

She's been paying attention!

Today I asked Kip to dress in a "mommy outfit": meaning something that I would approve of being worn out of the house.  She cheerfully skipped off and came back dressed like this.  Jeans rolled up, flats and her only non-pink shirt.  I guess she thought I meant for her to dress like Mommy.  If so, she's pretty spot on!

DC Getaway

Thanks to Chris and Patti, we got away for a long weekend and some much-needed time together. It's strange to be away for Easter but we had a run early this morning, followed by a nice service at a local church and now we are at the game watching the Cardinals beat the Nats so it has been a really nice day. Looking forward to wrapping up the day with a nice family dinner back at home. 

All Ready!

Tiny Cookies

Scott scored a free Easy Bake Oven for Kip the other day.  We had our first batch of teeny, tiny cookies this morning.  She is having so much fun.  Such a sweet girl!