Blizzard 2.0

We've gotten more (and more and more) snow! It just keeps coming! So we've had a couple more snow days without really recovering from the last few. Translation: we've got cabin fever. These boys have gone wild!

Spring is just around the corner, though...right?

Snow Day Helper

We had a true snow day yesterday, where Daddy stayed home to work and we all hunkered down to wait out the blizzard that covered our surroundings with white. Once it became clear that Eric wasn't going anywhere, we decided to make it a fun day, even though he had to work. We had giant pancakes, a fire, and some time curled up watching TV. It really was the best day ever.

For most of the day, Ellis chose to join Daddy in the basement, where we have an office and a play area, and Oliver stayed upstairs with me. He was a good little helper. I think both Ellis and Oliver enjoyed the one-on-one time they got. Here's a recap of our snow day:

We read a bit...

"Kitty cat," of course.

We did a bit of laundry...

...and a little bit more.

Looked handsome...

...played...

We watched the 'no' falling outside...

Oliver especially liked when the "tra-choo" (tractor) plowed the alley!

And then he'd had enough. It was nap time. 

Snow!

We've been hearing about this snowstorm that is coming our way, so the first thing we did when we woke up this morning was look out the window. Those weather guys weren't kidding--we're getting a good snow shower, for sure!

Oliver said, "Daddy, no!" (Translation: Daddy, snow!)

Marvel

Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again. And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capitol of France. When will we also teach them what they are? We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And, when you grow up, can you then harm another, who is, like you, a marvel? You must work, we must all work, to make the world worthy of its children.

--Pablo Casals

Weekend

We had a fast, but nice weekend. How about you?

Friday night Eric and I had dinner with some of his colleagues. Grown-up time courtesy of Grandma--always a treat!

I spent Saturday cleaning while Eric went to the office.  (Who got the worse deal there?) Then my mom and stepdad came for a visit Saturday afternoon. They played with the kids, we ate out, visited some open houses in the neighborhood (for ideas as they rebuild their home) and generally caught up. Then we parted ways yesterday after lunch at Panera.

They always seem too short, those weekends. Especially the ones when we get to see Yia Yia and Papou. Ellis and Oliver agree. Ellis sweetly told them yesterday that he wanted them to stay forever. Then last night as I was putting Oliver to bed, he was crying, "Pa-POU!" over and over. This morning he woke up early and wanted to go nurse in "Yia Yia's bed."

It's hard on them to live apart from their grandparents. I know we're lucky to live as close as we do, where we can drive rather than fly, and we can make the trip in one day if needed. Even still, they can't understand why we can't just hop in the car and see them, or why they're here one day when they wake up and not the next.

Gosh, I meant to just show you a few cell phone pics of the weekend, and ended up going on and on. Anyway, here they are.

Our stingy kisser gives out some affection.

Begging Papou for "momey" (money, for games) at the pizza place. 

A little mama-baby love.

We had to travel with a basketball. I guess it's a boy thing. 

Oliver and  his "bah."

Dino

Remember when Oliver ate a dinosaur?

He rides them too.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Much love.

Tie a String Around My Finger

Yesterday, Ellis and I were talking and he asked if I wanted to hear a story about when he was a baby. I said, "Sure, tell me about when you were a baby." He told me about how, when he was a baby, he didn't know much. 

"But I always wanted to be like you."

God, please let me always remember that. Keep this sweet little sentence in the forefront of my mind when I'm hurried, annoyed, tired, or distracted. Tie a string around my finger, so that I will remember this when I choose my words and actions, particularly when there is a giant mess or a grocery store excursion involved.

Note to self: I have a little admirer. Two, I would imagine. And they are looking to me to show them how to get along in this world. What an honor, and what a huge responsibility.

Brotherly Love

I was on a long conference call last night, and these two had to resort to snuggling on the couch. Maybe we've turned a corner? Stay tuned for more sweet scenes like this (fingers crossed)!

Mister Big Stuff

Look who's looking like big stuff lately. 

Science!

We spent the day yesterday at a science center. We had fun playing, and probably learned a few things too!

Mustache

Now that Ellis is four, he's decided to grow a mustache.

Oliver's 1st Haircut

Before

Sitting very still...

"Hey, what are you doing back there?" 

After: a subtle difference.