Things We Have Time To Do When Soccer Game Is Late

Tax Day at the Carousel

A young friend had her birthday party at the carousel.  Cameron opted not to come.  (It was, after all, a little girl's party.)  These 4 had fun with some carousel rides and then asked for some of the extra popcorn to feed the ducks.

I got comments from many people about how nice Conor is as he helped younger children up on horses, fixed safety belts, gave little ones his carousel rings, and in the end, gave his little brother the free ride he won by grabbing the gold ring.  He is such a sweetie.

No leaves yet, and clouds rolling in, but we are determined to make it spring!

They really enjoyed hand-feeding, whether it was the geese  . . .

or themselves.

This park is about an hour from our house.

We got almost half way home when I suddenly realized I didn't have my special, indispensable mocha cup!  We got to drive back to the park (and pay to park again) to go find my cup.  I was so relieved it was still there to be found.

Easter 2012

He is risen! 

We celebrated Easter at Denise's house.  We didn't get as much sunshine as I hoped we might, but it was 30 degrees when we left our house and 65 degrees at Denise's (2 1/2 hours away).  It was lovely.

Here are some pictures of digging into Easter baskets, dying eggs, hunting eggs, and generally running amok.

Mandy and Andrew were with Mandy's family, so we missed them.

Teased By Spring

I did let the kids talk me into letting them drag their bikes out of storage; it is almost certain to snow again in the coming week!

 Only in the very early spring am I likely to have such willing help when I start yard work!

Back To The Beaver Ponds

It was a beautiful, sunny day, so we took a walk down to the beaver ponds to slide on the ice, and more importantly, to make a huge mess with cat tails. Wynn has been asking for cat tails for quite a while. (The boys had brought some to the house for her a while back, and she loved them, but Michael and I believe they are more fun left outside rather than floating around the house every time the fan kicks on.) The beaver ponds are only 1/2 mile away, but it was difficult walking - one of those crunchy walks where some steps, you stay on top of the frozen snow; some steps, you sink in a few inches; and some steps, you crash through a foot or more. Worth it, though. The kids (those who chose to come) had a blast, and Wynn has certainly never been sliding on ice before!

Woohoo! We made it!

The oh-so-soft pelt of the wily cattail.

Let the fluff fly - and no one is bringing one back to the house!

Freckle farming.  (Or is it age spot farming?)  Anyway, we haven't had any good sunshine in quite a while.

Annual Try To Look Presentable Day #? (I forget)

 Michael's holiday party corresponded with the local Chinese New Year celebrations.

I did say try to look presentable.

More Christmas

We had 20 people over the weekend (and 7 dogs).  At Christmas dinner, we had 18 people.  Even our table won't seat that many!  17 of those stayed the night, and in the morning, #18 returned for breakfast with us.  It was awesome.  (I do wonder where our cats went.)  :)

Christine and Carl Carney (right) with their 4 kids:  Travis, Matthew, Denise, and Lora (me).
And that led to this:

Chris and Carl's whole family!
Carrie, Travis,
Michael, Wynn, Ariana, Lora, Matthew
Eric, Denise, Amanda, Chris (with Cameron), Carl
Andrew, Conor
Gabrian

All of the girls - Wynn agreed to join.

All Nana's girls.

Oh my word - aren't they beautiful?!
Wynn and Auntie Denise.

All of the guys - Wynn insisted.  :)