:: a glimpse of spring ::

Sunday was such a warm, sunny day, and a welcome sign that spring will come someday after this loonnnggg winter. We spent the morning snow hiking around Hartley. How lucky are we to have all these trails, singing birds and plenty of opportunities for inquiry, right outside our backyard? 

These are types of pictures I get when I ask for nice smiles...

 

Of course there are wrestling matches along the nice peaceful trails. Why would I think otherwise....

It was so mild out on our walk back that jackets, mitts and hats needed to go!

Helping a brother out.....climbing trees is hard work.

We can't wait for you spring!

:: dinner for.....18 ::

Last year, we had our friend Russ come in and cook for Seth's 31st birthday: steak and lobster. It was amazing. We had family over and it was literally one of the best times ever. Check that out here.

This year, we thought we'd have a group of friends to share in such a fun experience. So, for Seth's 32nd birthday, we went Cajun style! We had gumbo (yum!), red beans and rice, crawdad etoufee and bread pudding with whiskey sauce. Oh....and wine....lots and lots of wine. Deeeeelicious!

As a last minute idea, Seth wanted to have a guys table and girls table. Interesting idea, I thought, so we tried it. It really was a great way for everyone to get to know each other.

I don't know what they were doing at the guys table, but I bet they didn't get a full-on scarf tutorial. Sara finally got it - thanks, Kim :-)

Oh nooo.....the wine's all gone. Poor Seth.

Dessert time!!

Seth getting comfortable between Brian and Melissa......

Yes. We thought this was very amusing... I blame the wine.

Fab Night. Fun friends. Great food.

Annnnd.....adding 'large entertaining space' to the necessity list for the house hunt this summer.

:: valentine's love ::

We always get the special privilege of celebrating Valentine's Day and Seth's birthday together. Happy 32nd Seth!

Fun breakfast!!

The boys put together their own Valentines a couple of days ago. I love giving the boys the opportunity to put them together themselves. I don't care how much time I don't have, store bought Valentines have an immense lack of personality. But, no offense to those who do buy them because I'll be going to Walgreens to buy such personality-lacking Valentines for my classroom today. :-) S'more valentines for Owen and mini bird feeders for Ald. Thanks, Pinterest!

Oh, and a late night up before Valentine's Day would not be complete without making cupcakes for no apparent reason....

:: hockey weekend ::

We had so much fun at Owen's Mite hockey jamboree at our home rink this weekend. The transition is complete: we are officially hockey parents :-)

The Texas Roadhouse armadillo is really all Alden cared about the first day

#9 - Owen

Best view at the rink!

Seth on the mic - there was some good announcing going on :-)

Here's a little snippet of one of O's goals!