Hard to believe...

that winter didn't arrive until February. But after days of picnics and spring puddle stomping, we are now playing in the snow.

Spring Tease

This weather is SUCH a tease for spring!!! I adore having long afternoons in the sun, at the park, in January and February in IOWA. The birds are back out, and I finally got a bird feeder. So far, I've only been able to get them this close to it, though:


Come on birdie, just a llllittle closer.....

The boys love the spring-like weather. They have been taking every opportunity to get as muddy as possible.




A few more things have gone up on the walls, and we purchased a console table and end tables for the family room. Always enjoy adding the touches of warmth to our new home. My most favorite wall-hanging thus far is this Sticks mirror:



Aside from all the spring-like weather, I have been making a lot of winter soups lately. This one was not my favorite (beet and parsnip with dill cream):


I think I am not a big enough beets fan for that. But THIS one was a total hit (Cruelty-free Corn Chowder):



It's vegan and soy-free, so a hit at potlucks where people may have food allergies or restrictions. It's very creamy, but the "cream" comes from making cashew cream (you soak raw, unsalted, whole cashews in water overnight, drain and then blend with some water till smooth. It really looks like cream). Lots of veggies and yumminess in this soup. If anyone (Samantha?) wants the recipe, just shoot me an email.

Fun Staycation to chase away the cold

The kids had a day off of school on Friday, which happened to correspond with Mike's day and morning off before his work weekend. So we took advantage of the late-week time off to take a one day staycation right here in Des Moines, and chase away the winter blues. Jack's class presented a little play for the parents and siblings on Thursday morning, which we attended before our adventure.

Before the play (We really need to teach that kid to tie his own shoes and give his teachers a break :)



He and his friend Kate doing their one-liner:




After a lovely little Jan Brett play, followed by cookies made by the kids, we left to begin our "vacation." We stopped for lunch at Jethro's BBQ near Drake. Our waitress said to me, "You are brave. I have one 4-yr-old and I NEVER go out to eat." And here I thought they were pretty good at this restaurant...



Finally, the kids were giddy to get to the hotel and begin our PIRATE ADVENTURE.








Gavin really loved those slides, as did the other two.


We ate dinner at 4:30 and they were already WIPED OUT. Three hours of swimming and they were so done.



But after Mike left to take Gavin home for the overnight shift, the older ones revved up enough to head back out to the Tiki bar for some ice cream and pirate play.





All THREE of us were in bed at 8:38 PM, oblivious to the screams and splashes in the pool outside our door.

The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast for three bright and early at the hotel restaurant before Mike and Gavin came back for more swimming.



After spending way too much money in the arcade, the boys enjoyed watching CABLE cartoons (ooh, ahh) the rest of the morning before we checked out.


Then it was Friday afternoon, and Mike left for a loooonnnng weekend at work. Boo.

when it comes to suckers, it's "clothing optional" at our house



future secret agents

the sectional arrives

oh thank goodness, we have furniture again! after 4 days of sitting on the floor and looking up six feet to the t.v., I'm glad to have family room furniture again :) now we just need a couple end tables for drinks and i'll be set for what appears to be (finally) a cold, windy winter season.


i'm not sure how it didn't cross our minds, but when we chose the cushions it didn't even occur to either of us how well the circles within circles print would match with our tree prints above. lovely when UNdecorating people can pull that off ;) of course, probably real decorators would advise using contrasting patterns. whatev.

shenanigans already underway....