Easter

Easter is my favourite. Because of the Chocolate, and the certain romantic feeling in the air. We get to celebrate the resurrection of our Saviour, and reflect on our own re-birth. Easter is like getting a fresh start. All sinners love Easter best. Well this sinner does.

I adopted the yarn tradition from my friend L. Miller. Soon Isabella will be old enough for some really artistic webs. Can you guess what I learned for next year?

Still can't guess?

And here is my masterpiece. Seven dozen sparkle eggs. An idea I got from Hamilton's Easter Dinner last year.

Thanks E. Hamilton, A. Gordon and A. Martinsen for the inspiration.

I started blowing the eggs on boxing day. I think the chil'ns had fun colouring (not dying, there was some trauma over the meaning of dye) the eggs. Well maybe Luke was a little bored dunking his two eggs in plain water. But he did enjoy smashing them. We made a huge mess of the Gibb's backyard. Sorry and thank you SCES Gibb.

2010 Kite Festival

We went again. This year we brought a kite. Here's me trying to take a picture, guard our stroller, stay within shouting distance of two children, and fly a kite. ahh, I promise that kite was up! Obviously getting a picture of the pretty cherry blossoms was beyond my generation x abilites.

Isabella. The Pixie.

(sorry G- I know it was never funny, and now it's annoying, but I can't stop. )

Saturday Morning

One thing that touches my sentimental heart is how happy my children are when Willy is around. Here they are waking him up. He's a great father. A perfect husband. A good man. I know it's unimaginative, but this happy family thing is what I've always wanted. Thank you Willy.

Doesn't Buggy look like a pixie?

The First Day of Spring

I think next year we'll just do popsicles (like Willy's cousins). Not that there's anything wrong with green tulip sugar cookies. What a classic touch the red sprinkles add. Never say nauseating. Okay, alright- they tasted just fine and if it looked like we severed an artery... well that's another matter. Doesn't Buggy look like a pixie?

The Warriors

I almost forgot to mention what we did last Wednesday, because I didn't take any pictures. The kids and I waited 3 and a half hours in line (Willy came for the last 1h) for free tickets to see the Terra Cotta Warriors at the National Geographic Museum. We were all going crazy near the end. The plan was for Luke to nap while Buggy and I played quietly, only Luke wasn't agreeable so we went with plan B. Isabella handled the change in plans with surprising maturity - she simply demanded the undivided attention of our neighbours. Which left me free to juggle Luke. Ha! No, I'm that ill mannered. Needless to say it was a little awkward until I pulled out the DVD player. When we finally got inside, Isabella had to go to the bathroom. Really! I love my girl, she keeps life so enchanting.

Overall our family enjoyed viewing the warriors and learning a little about the First Emperor of China. Willy was super enthusiastic about attending. He was the impetus behind the whole adventure. I wish I had done some reading in advance so I could appreciate the exhibit more. But that's easily remedied with a little post-museum study. It was worth the wait. This was our second try for the free Wednesday tickets. And after surviving this I'm convinced I can tackle anything with two babies in tow.
I've attached images of the postcards I bought. [HintHint: I collect postcards]

Wild Turkey Chase

After Stake Conference we went to Theodore Roosevelt Island for a family walk. It was great. Well, 'actually' it was sort of ugly and smelly out there on the Potomac. However points in favour of this adventure are:

• Not getting very lost trying to navigate Rosslyn and the Memorial Pkwy.
• Real live Cranes standing in the mud
• The fountains being still turned off, and everyone staying dry
• No viable poison ivy to accidentally stumble upon
• The wild turkey rumour (we didn't see any turkey. a joke on us maybe?)
• Plenty of Rocks to throw in the water, or collect
• A really excellent boardwalk, perfect for racing on

Right about now you're asking yourself: What happened to that beautiful girl and all her golden hair? This week she was attacked with a pair of scissors. And I'll probably do it again, until she gets wise and insists on having a professional take care of her beauty needs. Luke fared a little better, with some intervention from dad.

Willy started referring to Luke as Gandolf. And I admit he's pretty cute, in a wizened old man sort of way... only I don't think Gandolf held his staff with his pinky lengthened so daintily. No, by the way he was barking at all the dogs today I think he was channeling Cesar.


And a parting shot.

TTABC: Baklava

So far this year we've made: chocolate cake, pecan rugelach, and donuts

Willy says I don't clean as I go, and here's proof. Still it's a lie. I do clean the kitchen while I work, just not on Thursday baking nights. And for his impertinence I'm going to get another baking stone. Some clumsy person let my other two kiss the floor*. Oh - What heart break.

* I only dropped one. The other went from hot to cold rather quick.