Molly & Kyle on the beach...

These are some photos that I took on our trip to the coast. I was not sure if the pictures would come out with the sun coming into the camera, so I played with the settings (which once again reminds me how little I know about my camera). I was so pleased with these photos. I am hoping that they will blow up bigger well, so that they can be hung on the wall. I love the fact that they are just of Kyle and Molly. They often are holding hands walking together - she loves to hold his hand. I love the intensity of the light on the waves, plus their shadows reflected on the sand is great. Enjoy.

Pictures will give you the story...

This week is the kids' spring break. We escaped to the coast with Jason, Caroline, and the girls. We had the most AMAZING weather - not a cloud in the air. It was warm and beautiful. The following pictures a sampling of the fun we had. It was such a wonderful time to watch the kids wonder and play at the beach. Jack had no fear of the water - nor the chill of it. Rynn screamed at excitement to find things on the beach. Eleanor dutifully searched for seashells, and had quite a collection at the end of two days. Molly also loved getting in the water and the waves.

We enjoyed some good food. We tried to see some whales, but to no avail. We got a tour of the coast guard station. The kids did great going to sleep after so much excitement. The adults even indulged in a great afternoon nap the second day. It was a good escape from the routine of "normal" life, and some good memories were made. We only wish we could have had Grammy and Pops join us - maybe next year. We thought of you often, and took many of the pictures with you in mind!

Two views...

Well, I finally finished!! My mom graciously bought me some yarn over Christmas for a new blanket. She picked out the colors, with a little direction from me, and I LOVE it. This is the second blanket in this pattern for our home. After I made the other one, I got to thinking that it would be nice to have another one for people or Kyle. I did not get it done as quickly as I had hoped, but it is done now and I enjoyed last night while sleeping. (It looks great with our colorful quilt in our bedroom!) The two pictures above show the purple in different lights. The purple really is an intense purple, and the chocolate brown compliments it great. Now my next project is the same blanket pattern out of different colors for my sister-in-law! Here is to the blanket machine that I am!

A trip to the Zoo (a little late)...

We recently went up to Portland to "deliver" my mom to my brother's house, and the kids and I stayed up for the day. We had a lot of fun with the family going to the zoo. It was a slightly sunny day, so the animals were out for us to see. Here are some of the pictures I was able to capture of the kids together. When I look at these pictures, it is a really real reminder of how old they all are getting. I can't believe that the babies are gone and the children are here for a little while. I am truly enjoying this time, but it does make me a little sad to see the small tikes gone!

The last picture of Eleanor and Molly is one that made Caroline and I smile when we were there and I was able to capture it. The girls walked side by side for some time "using" the map to get somewhere - and for the life of me I can't remember the exact conversation. I loved watching as Eleanor was instructing Molly where to go, and Molly was intently listening to the instructions. It was adorable.

My two new favorite pictures...

We have had a really mild winter, and last week it was REALLY sunny and warm so we went to the park. To my amazement, both of my kids WANTED to swing. I captured these pictures and then turned them into black and white photos. I just love the expression on both faces! It was a great time outside enjoying the signs of spring, and a good time at the park - just a beginning to a long season of parks and picnic lunches.

Miracles really do happen...

Last night at dinner, I was preparing a salad for myself. I had broccoli out, and the kids asked for some with their dinner. So...I gave them some thinking to myself that they would not eat it. They have not liked it ever. Well, they ATE it all and asked for more. Of course, I did provide some dipping sauce for them - Molly had ranch dressing, and Jack had roasted red pepper dressing. I am hopeful that we have another vegetable to add to a very limited selection!