marriage retreat

48 hours, without kids, at the beach... what else except lovely. We went on a marriage retreat weekend last week and got coerced into taking a 'couples photo', and then actually liked the photo - imagine that. We had 3 different people taking care of our kids over the two days and nights - thank you Catherine & Jimmy, Debbie & Whit, and Julie & Nir!

A few days after the retreat we had our 20-week ultrasound. So there's my belly and baby at the same time - good luck figuring out what the ultrasound picture is (it's the face), I was pretty disappointed by the picture quality, but the moving image was great. Still amazing.

Life and stuff

Laura please come pick up the yogurt raisins you spilled. Oh sure mum, but they're pretty yummy, do you mind if I eat them while I'm picking them up?

Is it just me or does watching kids use the coat closet as a cubby house make you want to be a kid again?! They read, played and had a snack in there for a whole hour!

We'll miss our playdates at Zara's house!!


I love doing the braid - and it's getting thicker all the time...

Body paint - what fun! Butterflies, spiders and lizards. They were not pleased to have it wash out in the bath.


Elise, Daniel and Laura coloring - a moment in the normal routine of the day (plus a friend!). It was while sitting here that Daniel announced to Elise, "Elise, we are moving to Australia soon, and I will have to say goodbye to all my friends! I'm sorry about that..." - to which Elise promptly says, "I'm going to come with you." Adorable. They had their own little conversation working it all out. I love when they let us into their thinking...



What to say...?!

3 and 3/4

At Daniel's preschool they like all the kids to have a chance to 'celebrate' a birthday, even if their birthday doesn't fall during the school year (and since July is summer in America, Daniel misses out). So they celebrate 3 1/2 birthdays, and even 3 3/4 birthdays! True to my cynical self, I went into it thinking it was a bit silly. But Daniel told me in the car on the way there exactly what he was going to get to do: make a birthday book with the teacher (pictured), stand up on the chair in 'come together time' and describe the book he made and the snack he brought. I don't think he stopped smiling all morning.

So this cynical mom/mum was a bit less cynical after the day was over. What is funny, though, is that he actually says to people now that he is 3 3/4, which is amusing and every-so-slightly embarrassing - as though I'm pushing fractions on my 3 3/4-year old!

not everything!

After fixing a little toy today right after Daniel pronounced it broken forever, I very 'confidently' said, "Mummy can fix everything!" His immediate response: "But you can't fix Jay Jay!!" (True, true... Jay Jay was chewed up by the riding lawn mower in the playground a few weeks ago, and when it happened I had to explain that glueing 30 pieces of the blue plastic airplane back together in the shape of Jay Jay was a bit beyond me. Leave it to the kids to be literal!)

4 months and growing

This is for you Lisa, just to assure you that maternity clothes are fitting better and better by the day, and not just because of the bump!

big girl

...just a cute photo that a friend took - i snapped one of daniel this time last year on the same ride. she'll try anything, especially if the big kids are doing it!

not in the mood

I don't feel like being a parent today - anyone want to come and substitute in? I'd be happy to take over your job for the day! After having a disaster errand this morning (which I chose to do while I had a babysitter, instead of investing my time doing something that would help me be a better mum, like a parenting book or journaling or something), I certainly didn't feel like coming back to be a parent! Ahh, at least it's sunny and although the kids are hyper, they are outside and happy. Sometimes I just want to live by my own agenda, I guess that's what it is...!

San Fran Zoo

We took an unplanned trip to the zoo on Sunday with a good friend who flew into town for an overnight visit. Kids could watch animals all day! Jon had a lot of patience with both kids, and won Laura over well enough to get a great big hug when he left!


I think Jon is wondering more what Daniel is doing to his hair than what the giraffes are up to...

It's always lovely to see other people with your kids, even if it's something as simple as looking through a window.

Patiently reasoning with Daniel about the reasons he can't bring the stick home with him.

Random...

A tent in the living room - babysitters are cool!

Spring planting...

Body slam! (when she says it, it sounds more like 'by sam!')


All ready for Daniel to return from preschool...

Talking with cousin Isaac

Busted by my almost-4-year old

M: "Daniel, don't laugh when someone is in trouble, it's not really nice." D: "But sometimes you laugh when someone is hurt..." M: [um, uhhh, well...] "Well I guess we should all just try our best not to..." (I do have an inappropriately-timed laugh button, but i thought i hid it well...!)