Happy St Patty's Day!

Bean has been anticipating this day for a looooooong time. She made a leprechaun house to attract leprechauns, and we left it in the mudroom overnight. It had a pot of "gold" at the end of a rainbow, a sparkly path, and some shiny coins. She also put out some shoes since leprechauns are cobblers.

This morning Bean woke bright and early excited to see what havoc awaited. The leprechauns had been busy! They rearranged furniture, turned photos, moved shoes, and left green tissue paper and ribbons EVERYWHERE. They also left hats and wigs for each of the kids.

For the rest of the day, Bean played a game of cat and mouse with the leprechauns. She left traps around the house, and went from room to room finding mischievous things they had done. We had to be careful where we left glasses of water, because they kept turning green! Even the toilet water changed to green every now and then....

Bean and Cosmo watching the trap

Mom got in on the fun too. Those who know Dad might have anticipated that this was not his favorite holiday. The constant mess and chaos was a bit much for him, but he was a trooper and played along anyway.

The afternoon was gorgeous, so the kids took a break to romp in the yard. There's nothing much better than a 50 degree Spring-like day with snow still on the ground!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

First Signs of Spring!

It's getting closer! The snow is slowly melting, and along with that comes puddles!

K getting a close look at the splash patterns

Bean dropping snow into the puddles

Of course there is plenty of snow left for playing (and shoveling!!).

Exploring the snow drifts

Cosmo says "Wooooooaaaaahhhhh!"

Last shovel of the season???

We are still spending a fair bit of time indoors...

Watching TV

Concert time! (Yes, Bean still dresses Cosmo in girl clothes)

Our homeschool field trips have begun to move outdoors, though. This week we went to Tamarak farm for maple sugaring fun.

Horse drawn sleigh ride with friends

Learning about the sugar tapping process

Sugar on snow!!!!

Visiting with the horses

And finally, What blog post would be complete with the funny sleep picture?

Happy Spring, everyone!

Bean on Snowshoes

Bean has become quite the snowbunny. She skis every week and LOVES it, and now she's had the chance to give snowshoes a try during an animal tracking class at Peabody Mill.

There were not snowshoes small enough for the boys available. We hiked along behind the older kids for a bit, but mostly just played in the snow.

K on left, Cosmo on right

Both Cosmo and K are enjoying the snow too. They don't quite get the full concept of dressing warmly, though!

Cosmo on left, Kian on right

Sometimes, it's good just to hang out by the fireplace.

K inside at Peabody Mill

This week also brought the excitement of putting together bunk beds. The boys were a tremendous help. They hammered and drilled right alongside Daddy the entire time. They even loaned Daddy their toy hammer when he needed it, and we all giggled as it made silly "bong" and "bop" noises each time he hit. When it was assembled, the kids couldn't wait to climb in!

Cosmo sitting, K standing

Cosmo

K and Bean

Daddy Play Time

I've been saying for ages I wanted to take some pictures of the nightly "wrestle time" ritual in our home. The kids just LOVE to play with Daddy! I finally snapped some shots this past week:

K taking a break to do some "work" on the kitchen set.

The boys providing Daddy with a musical interlude.

Cosmo helping Daddy hang the coat hooks in the mudroom.

 On Sunday, Grammie J came for a visit. The kids were all very excited to see her!

How high can you lift your leg, Grammie?

Bean playing a trumpet concert for Grammie.

Daddy took some time out to build the most awesome snow fort ever in the six foot snow drift next to our driveway.

Cosmo headed down the path to the fort.

K going in the bottom entrance.

K inside the fort, Grammie helping Cosmo up the stairs to the top entrance.

Enjoying a cup of hot cocoa after an intense romp in the snow!