Sweet Home Days: 2010

the new year

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. May it be a beginning of something wonderful.

I know we're talking about a lot of new changes around here and striving to make our lives simpler, creative and living in the now.

It was such an awesome first snowfall of the winter.

Now we are looking forward to a week of lots of snow play.

A week of snuggling by the fire and being home, pondering what the new year is going to bring.

blizzard

We are officially having a blizzard today until tomorrow. Its been a day of relaxing and cozying byt he fire, with anticipation of how much snow we will get to romp through in the A.M.

Until then.....

in the house

I tell my boys every day that we must go outside and play. Yep. I the mean mom who makes their kids have fun outdoors rather than being cooped up inside. (William actually tried to argue this point once.)

Anyways, today was a surprise. We stayed inside all day, in our pajamas no less. It wasn't cold. We aren't sick. We just got busy and never changed or felt it necessary to go outside. Well, I went out a few times to get wood- but still in my pajamas.

What were we doing?

Making a quick last minute gift for our neighbors.

I love these, they are recycled jelly jars filled with collected Florida acorns and a small votive.

Creating a hotel for the animals.

Gingerbread houses- we made the dough from scratch and used a cookie cutter kit I had bought. They came out awesome. So much easier to put together than last years. The homemade icing was just like glue.

I have been a bit sporadic lately with my postings. Not intentionally, but I guess I just needed a break from blogging. Hoping that it will change and I will get back into the swing of things once the holdidays are over. Wishing everyone a happy weekend!

our tree

This past weekend proved to be rather beautiful and wondrous for picking out a tree. We had sunny skies and a huge hill to chose from. It was actually one of the easiest years we have had all agreeing on a tree. And Eric was pleased it was not down the hill so he did not have to haul it up the hill.

It fills up our living room quite nicely.

The day after choosing the tree it rained all day so it was perfect for decorating and snuggling inside by the fire. Only wish it had been snow.

M.I.A.

Hello, yes I am still here. I just took a week off. Wasn't really intending to. It just sorta happened.

It was a rather busy week and I just wanted to relax at night and couldn't really think of much to say. So I'll fill you in on what it's been like.

First, we returned home last Saturday from Florida after two wonderful weeks with my in-laws. They really make it so pleasant for us(especially me- they get all the attention from the boys, and I get lots of time to read and knit).

The drive went well, boys slept or listened to books on CD mostly. We took the scenic route this time and it was much more peaceful of a drive. Eric was still exhausted though, as he does most of the driving.

Sunday we all slept until 9:30-- a first ever! Then the day was spent unpacking, organizing and shopping for food.

Monday we were out of the house making up a pottery class we missed and playing with friends.

Tuesday was a home day crafting gifts for friends.

Wednesday was out again- first at a classical music concert at Yale, which was very nice. The boys loved the huge organ. Then off to our last pottery class. Home for a bit and then back out for William's Rain Gutter Regatta for boy scouts. He was extremely proud of his boat this year. He even won a few races.

Thursday was home in the morning and then out to our monthly art class. This is one of their favorite classes. I love the location. They really enjoy all the activities they do and always come home with some beautiful paintings. After a quiet drive home we had a quick bite to eat and then had to go out again for soccer. Whew...

Friday came and we had nothing to do. I slept late. They played and snuggled together. T.V. was watched. Bread, granola, and muffins were made. We just relaxed and tried to clean up a bit. Things are getting a bit cluttered around here.

And today I once again got to sleep in, thanks to my sweet, sweet husband. I've been feeling rather tired lately. Not sure if my body is trying to get used to the cold. Going from 80* to 25* is a drastic change. Or it could be that I feel like I have all these things to do. Chores, cooking and such. Two weeks off might have done me in.

But once I was up and moving we spent a nice family day. Went and chopped down our tree, ate lunch out at our new favorite place, rested, played games, went to see The Fantasy of Lights and ate some pretty yummy cannolis to top it all off.

I am looking forward to some time where we can just hang out, bake, craft and play.

Sunday Smiles

dog tired

Nature Center

This day we headed to a nature center for a hike, visiting animals and a planetarium show. Plus we got to see the sun through a special telescope.

Imaginarium Museum

We enjoyed doing a few day trips while here in Florida. This day we went to Imaginarium which was a fun hands on children's museum. It had a little bit of everything.

build your own roller coaster

working construction

fossil digs

puzzles

Even Grampy had a little fun for himself.

go carts and bmx

I have boys. Boys that crave adventure and are becoming more daring every day. We love our days at home just chillin' and creating, but then there are days when we just want to have fun, fun, fun!

Therefore, we provide opportunities to experience new things.

horseback riding

While in Florida, Eric and I decided to take the boys horseback riding. They both have been on small horses before just for a short ride around the ring. This was much different. We were heading onto a trail and they had to manage their own horse. William was thrilled, while Landon was a bit nervous. We decided it best if he was led by the guide.