Let it Snow

We took the young-in's to the snow for the first time. We lucked out and the weather was nice and sunny. They sled, skied and tobogganed. This morning the kid's and I watched the Olympic downhill racing that I taped. The boy told me that the female racers were "fast skiers, almost as fast and as good as skiing as I am". No self confidence issues here.

Chess Lessons

The Girl is taking chess lessons. She has been playing chess with her Dad and her brother has felt left out. I was making dinner when the Girl decided to teach the Boy how to play chess. It was very cute!

Happy Ground Hogs Day

Ok, so we are a little late on our dates. The boy made this groundhog complete with a shadow in school. He told me that since the groundhog saw its shadow, there would be 6 more weeks until sprinkletime. For anyone that doesn't have preschool aged children, sprinkletime is known to adults as springtime. Personally, I like sprinkletime.

Crazy Kids

Whose kids are these? They are the craziest little creatures.

Now...That's a Fire!

I am probably the only person that remembers that line. It is still raining. Week four of the rain, not that I am counting or anything. We might as well live in Portland! On Saturday, we had a family movie night. The kids got in their jammies and slept on the floor in their sleeping bags. The fire and popcorn completed the night. They were sound asleep by 9:00. Mom and Dad were not far behind. I know, we are the wild ones.

Strawberry Kisses Anyone?

It is raining...again and the kids are going stir crazy. We have played Mouse Trap and several other board games. And we are bored with them. So, the girl decided to make perfume. She had a perfume kit. You mix the perfume base with the essential oils to create different fragrances. She made Strawberry Kiss and Bakery Sweet (and sweet smelling it is). It was fairly easy.

Whoo's That?

So, I was looking out the bedroom window as I was putting away the laundry. I see a pretty bird on the back fence. I ran and took a picture of it. Unfortunately, the camera is set to low resolution for blog pics. That'll learn me! At first I thought it was a falcon. There are several peregrines nesting in the city. Any guesses as to what this is? Drum roll please...

It is a Northern Pygmy Owl. I am including a picture of one from the website where I found out what it is. It is very tiny, under 7 inches. I actually went out side and got closer to it. I was about to snap a clearer picture, when a big ol' crow started cawing and flew overhead. Mr. Owl took off so fast, I could't get the shot. Who needs country living when there is a wildlife preserve in the old suburbs.