February happenings

We had a pretty low key mid-winter around here. By some miracle neither of my children have been sick at all since Christmas--not even a runny nose. Very lucky, but I'll take it. We had lovely weather in February and March. Clear sunny skies almost every day with temps around 60 durnig the day allowed us to spend many afternoons outside on our deck and playing in our yard. It was also ideal for Sasha's first skiing experiences since she never got too cold on the mountain. I know I've lived here almost 3 years now, but I still can't get over how incredibly gorgeous the weather is out here. I think those cold, steel-grey skies of January, February and March in the midwest are still very fresh in my mind.


Phil had a birthday mid-month which we celebrated with a Black Forest cake and presents. Jack chose sweatpants for his dad (from one man to another) and Sasha chose chocolate to give him (they both are chocoholics).

We spent many evenings down in our basement where Sasha can burn off all her leftover energy for the day. The newest addition is a simple hook in the ceiling with a rope and bar suspended from it. She loves be a flying trapeze artist and spin around super fast on it before trying to walk across the room. It's pretty entertaining to watch as I'm sure Jack would agree.

We've really enjoyed our new hot tub this winter. It's the perfect way for Phil and I to unwind after the kids are tucked in at night and Sasha loves to splash around it it as well. Since the nights are always very cool here even in the summer, we anticipate using it a lot year round.

Growing up

These kids are growing up so fast! Jack is eating solids as of 4 1/2 months and sitting on his own as of 5 months. I started giving him real food in hopes that he would be able to make it longer stretches through the night without without being fed. Alas he is still up every 3 hours at night in addition to cleaning his bowl of cereal, fruits, and veggies 2-3 times a day. There isn't anything he dislikes at this point.

Jack is very fond of Burt, the cat, unlike his big sister who has been caught numerous times pushing poor Burt off the couch and speaking to him in a much less than loving tone.

One weekend on a whim we ventured up the mountains to the ski resort, rented some skis for Sasha and spent a morning on the bunny hill with her. We hadn't intended to start her on skis until next year, but she's such a daredevil and enthusiastic about any new physical sport/activity that we thought it couldn't hurt to try. She loved it--so much that it was hard to get her off the mountain. By the end of the first morning she was skiing on her own for 10-15 seconds at a time. I can't wait for a couple of years from now when we can spend many weekends each winter up there skiing together as a family.

Some Favorite Pics

Sasha washing her tea set by hand. I catch her scrubbing sinks, sweeping, and dusting frequently these days. Should I hire her?

"Hey there, Mr. Wiggly" "Look at that cutie little Jackie Boy" "Thank you for Jack" (her nightly prayer)

Annual Weekend with College Friends

Six of us good friends from Goshen College all gathered in Goshen this MLK weekend at Mandy's lovely abode for lots of talking, relaxing, reminiscing, eating, and laughing. Four of us had young baby boys along this year and one is expecting a girl in April so there was a lot of baby talk naturally including a baby shower the first morning for Amy. Above the 4 boys Samuel, Hans, Leo, and Jack...future buddies at Goshen College perhaps??

With enough families in the area we were able to arrange an adult dinner out at a tapas restaurant in Goshen one evening. So nice!

The boys in matching sleepers generouly provided by Amy.

Before flying back to NM, Jack and I paid a short visit to his Aunt Rachel and cousins Anna and Mary who fought over getting to hold him. Jack loved all the attention.