Eclipse 2012

Despite a mostly cloudy day, the clouds parted for the partial eclipse. We took the kids to a park with a good view of the northwest sky and I showed them the sun was being eaten by the Moon.

Near the peak.

A sunset eclipse is probably a once in a lifetime experience.

The kids were do excited... to be on the swings.

A celestial alignment of the sun, moon, and Laura's hair.

The li'l Devil

The girls love to play dress up. Usually they are princesses, but occasionally they change things up. This morning, Anna found her li'l devil dress. Of course it occurs to me that maybe she didn't dress up, and just forgot to take off her real clothes.

No, they aren't Prada.

She ambushed be behind the rocking chair.

The li'l devil is sneaking off with Laura's clay thingy.

Nothing to see here daddy.

Not sure what this expression is, but it fits her. (Red-eye left in for effect)

She know's she's the cutest little devil.

Puddles & Braids

Spring is here, and so are puddles in the street (and in the basement)!

Anna was very excited to get her rain boots on and go puddle hopping.

Nothing like some ice cold puddle water to get all over your clothes. Just like the honey badger, 'Anna don't care'.

Darn cute.

Born to puddle jump.

One day, Emily gave Laura some nice tight braids in her hair.

Laura hamming it up, as always.

She looks all grown up.

Cycling!

Laura was getting too big for her old tinkerbell bike, so she got a new bike, the lil' honey.


Of course, the real reason is that Anna REALLY wanted her own big girl bike. she rides like a champ!

Spring Sprang Sprung

Spring is here, that means you get to put on some brown clothes and play in some dirt.

Laura modelling her gardening clothes.


Laura really likes my garden. She's been dutifully watering it whenever she gets a chance. She helped me plant some peas, carrots, and spinach so far. Beans, tomatoes, and cucumbers are coming later.


Spring also means Easter. Emily made the kids REAL grass in the bottom of their Easter baskets. Which is great, because I'm not picking up the fake plastic grass for 8 months.


Peeps. I'm sure they're good for you.


The Easter bunny brought more than candy... More ballerina outfits! Laura showing off some dance moves.


And a bonus ballet video.

St. Patty's Day at the Beach

It isn't uncommon for us to hit the beach on St. Patrick's day... in Florida. However, this March has been tropical and we even hit the beach on our 80 degree St. Patty's day. If I recall on our last trip to Florida in March, it never got much over 70.

Laura in her green Shamrock shirt. She's making a leprechaun trap.


The ice went out on Prior Lake on St. Patrick's day, but Anna was disappointed we wouldn't let her swim, even though she brought her swimming suit.


Anna loves her ballerina outfit. Here's she's practicing some dancing.


Third Position?


Pirouette


I think this is something, not sure what.


Recital over, time to read a book.

Laura's Room

I obviously can't only paint Anna's room. I asked what style room she wanted, and naturally she decided on Cinderella. My first idea was a bed made of old rags and to move the washing machine into her room. She doesn't appreciate my sense of humor.


Laura's bedroom with her new carriage bed and painting. (Yes, the alternating vertical bars are paint... LOTS of tape went into this project.)


Laura in her Cinderella dress modeling the room.


Laura's happy with her bed.


A great place to sleep.


She even gets to sleep under the cover of a veil. Fit for a princess.