happy spring!

we're ready!

little explorers.

The beach was perfect for exploring today. There was no wind, the temperature was cool, the bugs were somewhere else and the tide was low. Rowan and Henry were so excited! We collected a bunch of shells and left the crabs and horseshoe crabs alone, but it really felt like a special place and a special day. Our own little piece of shore to discover. The iphone pictures really can't do it justice.

Hope you enjoyed the beautiful day, too!

little campers.

Time flies when you're having fun -- or when you have two weeks with two kids out of the house in the mornings! Only three days left! Waaaaahhhh! Here's the little cuties on their first day of camp.

Say CAMP!

They've been having a lot of fun. So sorry to see it end!

friday. phew.

My sleeping babes.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! xoxo

artistic style.

It's really interesting to watch how differently the boys approach things, especially the creative process. Andy, much like I was as a kid, only likes to create if he can replicate something that he already knows that he likes. He never wants to invest his energy in doing something and have it come out not looking the way he wants it to. That's why when we paint rocks, or make collages, or do anything, really, he needs to know "what am I making?". And if there is a picture on the box, he needs to see it, study it and try his best to recreate it.

He's structured, thoughtful, sometimes too hard on himself, and likes to please. He's also quick to quit. Andy tends to get disappointed if he fails to meet the standard he has in his head and will give up in frustration. I have to encourage him to keep at it when the picture is going outside of the lines.

On the other hand, Rowan just dives right in. Sometimes he knows what he is making ahead of time. Other times he makes, and then determines what it is. And because of that, he's always happy with the results. 

He's daring, not worried about meeting any particular standard, and flexible with the outcome. He also sometimes is too eager and ends up knocking the paint over, he's messy, and he refuses guidance or advice.

Vincent Van Ro

Isn't it interesting to see how this little process is reflective of their overall personalities and what's important to them? And isn't it amazing how different they are!

Too plugged in.

These pictures pretty much sum up a lot of what's been going on around here lately -- especially this past weekend. We've had too much wet, cold weather, too much tech, and too much tv. So we are unplugging this week. No tv at all during the daytime. No truck videos on the computer. And with daddy at work, there's no iphone and no ipad to play with. So far it hasn't been easy, but I'm blaming that one on the full moon. . .

Happy Birthday, America!

i know, i know. . .

you thought I abandoned you! and the truth is -- I almost did. To put it bluntly, I've been too pooped to post! But I am back, with lots of things to share. Especially now that my camera is cooperating again. I'm going to ease into things with just two cute pictures of the boys fresh and clean from their baths.

 I know. It was wrong of me to keep this cuteness all to myself. I'll do my best not to let it happen again.

the hunt.

I never posted pictures from this easter. The bunny made it to our house by the hair of his chinny chin chin. Phew.

some spring in our step.

Sorry for the long absence. We've been busy -- adjusting to our new routine as a family of five -- as well as busy outside, enjoying the beautiful weather. Here are some shots of what spring looks like around here. Seriously, isn't this season the best?