busy weekend

Recently we read through one of the National Geographic magazines we have and ran across a picture of Machu Pichu. The boys seemed fascinated by the fact that it was 'lost' for a period of time. Now, fast forward to this past weekend when we were at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. As we were going through the boys would ask me what signs said and one sign said 'Peru Indians'. Blaise immediately said 'Machu Pichu, the lost city'. He had remembered it as being in Peru from the magazine. It truly is amazing how 'sponge-like' their minds are sometimes. We enjoyed sand and water (and I venture to say we could have stayed right here the rest of the time) . . . the newest Dinosaur exhibit . . .

Also, this weekend we visited with some of our cousins: Elijah, Tobias, Margaret Rose, Henry and Maxwell. We went to East Aurora for a very special occasion - Max's 2nd Birthday!

And the boys (and Margaret Rose) had tons of fun playing, jumping, laughing, and so much more!

rountine

First thing in the morning I hear little footsteps and then thud, crash, thud, boom, etc. No need to worry it is just Blaise out of bed making himself comfortable with books in the bathroom. I'm not sure why, since we have plenty of room in the hallway, but being in the action seems to be more his style. Today after showering and getting ready I turned around to get his attention to go downstairs and this is what I saw:

family time

During Lent we've been talking about giving to others quite a bit. We've given 'birthday bags' to a food cupboard, made 2 meals for families with health situations, donated some gently used books and put change into our 'Lenten rice bowl'.

Yesterday, we spent quality family time ice skating. What a blast to see Blaise hang onto the bar and start to learn to skate. Meanwhile, I tried to keep up with Ambrose who skated circles around me. The best part for Ambrose was when the lights were turned out and just colored spotlights were on, 'mom that was so cool'.

birthday bags

As one of our Lent activities we made birthday bags and delivered them to a local food cupboard. We gathered some of our gently used books and frames. We went to the Dollar Store (or as Blaise kept calling it the Dollar Bill Store) and bought cups, plates, napkins, cake mix and frosting (chocolate cake seems to be the winner), coloring book and crayons.

The boys had a lot of fun making a card to go and putting all of the items in the bag. Ambrose kept commenting that the gentleman who took the bags (one of the workers at the food cupboard) just kept saying 'thank you' and smiling so big.

st. patrick's day parade

Overcast and cloudy didn't keep us away from the St. Paddy's Day parade this past Saturday.
I sat upon the curb with Blaise standing behind,
jumping up and down when more fire trucks were in line.
Ambrose gawking as the drums went by (did I mention he has asked for a drum set for Christmas already?) . . .



Blaise giggling and squealing with delight when the loud motorcycle came by
(did I mention that he asked me this morning 'when can I drive'? YIKES!). . .

What a delight to watch the boys . . .watch the parade!
Happy (early) St. Patrick's Day.

king cake

To celebrate Fat Tuesday we made a king cake. Blaise helped me make the filling (pushing buttons on the food processor is always fun) and put together the cake. Meanwhile, Ambrose drew a design for the center of the plate (he didn't think the 'Happy Birthday' underneath was appropriate). We hid a dried bean inside for someone to have good luck this year (as of yet, no one has gotten it . . . I have my fingers crossed).

We've decided to focus this season of Lent on how we can help others and will be doing something for each of the 40 days (praying for someone, giving to someone, etc.) We have 40 Easter Eggs filled with slips of paper . . . more during Lent on specifics.

a very good day

As Blaise and I were walking in the house after dropping Ambrose off to preschool he told me that today is 'a very good day'. When questioned what makes it so, he answered 'it is sunny'. And then proceeded to list all the other things that make it a very good day.

-playing in the snow
-eating dried pineapple for dessert for lunch
-cuddling with mommy while reading a new book (a birthday gift - The Foolish Tortoise by Eric Carle)

I'll second that, 'it is a very good day' (and we have so much more to enjoy!)

tinker toys

A classic, wonderful toy.
So many possibilities.
Airplanes, thing-a-ma-jiggers (thank you Cat in the Hat), castles, recycling trucks, tow trucks, truck and more trucks . . .
. . . build them, tear them down, knock them down, oops it fell down.
Start over, run to the next area, so many things to discover thank goodness we can come back for more!
Oh, Strong Museum how we love you so!