Winter is Waning

After a few months of amazing snow at the cabin, we have had a few warmer days of rain. The sledding hill that looked like this earlier in February....

 Now looks like this. The seasonal creek behind the cabin swelled up with rainwater and snow melt last weekend. The water was backing up in our yard while it waited for patiently melt away the snow dams in its path. No damage or anything, we just leave this part of yard natural, but it was pretty impressive to witness. The brown is from all of the rich soil and leaves that is being carried along with the water.

 The cabin can still be fun on a rainy day - as long as home made cookies are part of the afternoon! Lucky for me, I have two great helpers (Edison was skiing with dad).

Reed at School

Reed has moved into the "Early Preschool" room at LFP Montessori. His new teacher is Ms. Lori but many of his friends from last year's class are also in this room, including his best friend, Mia. Ms. Lori does an amazing job of snapping photos of the kids at work and play during they day and then sends them out to us parents during nap time. It really is such a joyful experience to open my email and find photos like the ones below.

 This is from Reed's first field trip. The gymnastics center was awesome, but I think Reed enjoyed the bus ride just as much. Who doesn't love jumping into the foam pit?! Look at that giant smile!

Charlotte at Cheer Camp - Kindergarten

Cabin Life and a Day with Kim and Dave

We are now on Midwinter Break! Skiing, playing in the snow, playing games, reading, and enjoying the wood stove at the cabin.

 

 

 

 Eben took Charlotte skiing Sunday morning by herself. She did a great job focusing on using her new, longer skis that no longer have a cord clipping them together.

 We also had a nice visit with Kim, Dave, Lily, Tavis and baby Elias. It was fun to play in the snow with them even though it was sprinkling rain.

FEBRUARY - Super Bowl! Cheer Camp! Seattle Children's Theater!

Eben and I were bummed that neither the Seahawks nor the Patriots survived the playoffs and made it to Super Bowl XL. But we did get so share the big game with the Adams Family and real Broncos fans: Olivia and Eric. Payton Manning's victory should serve as a fitting end to a fine career.

 Dress up with Margaret!

Charlotte had a blast at Shorecrest Cheer Camp with Keely. They did a two-hour class and then showed off a few of their dances at the basketball halftime. It was really fun to watch her shine!

 With Jasmin!

 Charlotte made a beautiful Valentine's Day card for her morning room teacher, Ms. Danielle.

 We also went to see "Where the Wild Things Are" at the Seattle Children's Theater Super Bowl weekend. The play was fun and interactive. We always like walking the grounds of the Seattle Center when we come for plays. The flowers in this picture were made using old political signs.

Reed and Joseph Dancing

Colby's Birthday and a Weekend at the Cabin

Charlotte and Margaret at Colby's 4th birthday party.

They were in beast mode during the three-legged race.

  

The birthday boy!

 This past weekend, we had Eric, Olivia, Margaret and Joseph plus Erin and Mason out at the cabin. Saturday was a big ski day for us at Stevens.

 Saturday afternoon Olivia took a walk with the kids into town. We bribed them with the promise of picking out a penny candy at the grocery store. The kids decided to turn it into an adventure by climbing over the snowdrifts the whole way.

 

 The late afternoon was filled with the squeals and laughter of children on sleds. It hasn't snowed in a few days and the snow was fast for sledding.

 Reed and Joseph were thick as thieves. They got into trouble and giggled together repeatedly. Their best moment was their dance to "Jack and Diane." Definitely look at the next post for the video!

 

We had an Eighties Theme Night on Saturday. Eric and Livy went all out! All in all, a fantastic weekend with our new friends!