We made it

We made it through the first, and second days of school. I should say I made it. The kids are beyond thrilled- with their teachers, friends, studies. I'm getting used to a much quieter house with just the two little one's at home. It was so strange today to have the house absolutely quiet for about an hour while the baby was napping, and Lucian, resting in bed [aka- pretending to be a robot in his room, and making a mess. A quiet mess though and this mama couldn't ask for anything more!] I love him in the lat picture. His face says it all "NOOOOooooooo, don't go guys!!"

Tomorrow marks the end of the first week. So far, it's gone by so much smoother, less stressful and anxiety filled than last year. While I do really miss the kids all day, everyone seems happy, and that makes me happiest of all!

happy easter

Happy Easter! I've never welcomed spring like this year. It's been a long, tough winter for us here and any hint at warmer weather...and a healthier family, is welcomed with open arms. The kids were up, had found all the baskets and eggs by 6:47! Yes, prior to 7am [gulp]. I am so not a morning person, but it was a wonderful happy [albeit early] morning for all!

Indoor picnic

We had big plans for a fun picnic day earlier this week. Rain clouds and mud decided that our plans were best for another day. A few sad faced children, and we were all prepared for an indoor picnic! Corn on the cobb, apple mash, colorful peppers and some noodles=perfect & fun.

You won't stop us rain! If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Enjoy the day!

The Ohio State Fair

We spent the weekend at the Ohio State Fair. Going to the fair is one of my favorite summer activities. I look forward to it every spring, in eager anticipation. I loved the fair before I had kids, dragged along hubby[who was only boyfriend at the time] several times each year. Now that we have kids, I have a few more people, chanting with me, YAY the fair! While Daddy rolls his eyes and groans. Just like my little brother hates the zoo, Daddy hates going to the fair. He quotes the same reasons, the heat, the walking... I just don't understand! Who hates these thing? Every year we win and go 1-3 times, despite his protest for just ONCE this year. Look at all the fun we had! How could you not want to go back, say today? Hmmm, Dad?

A friendly 7 day old cow wanting to play! He was so cute!

Feeding Goats and a yak [yay] at the petting zoo. Look, they are both smiling!

The happiest baby is the world!

The kids--we fill out the whole board this year with the kids only.


Yellow submarine...nothing to do with the "fair" but so fun!

Baby Unicorn hanging out in the Moby wrap with mama-he slept most of the trip. This year marks his first year at the fair. [and yes, I may enjoy feeding the animals more than my kids-haha]

Yum

We've been on a baking kick for the past few days. Lots of tasty treats being made! Today I'm planning to make & freeze a few batches of baby food for the winter. I made most of Little {L}'s baby food, and I'm hoping to do the same for baby unicorn. It's actually super quick & easy, with the added benefit of avoiding some processed food, and the cost that accompanies them.

We picked up some yummy zucchini's, squash and eggplant at the market last Saturday. Last night, we received our CSA bag from Whole Foods. At first, I wasn't sure how we'd like having this. I'm really picky and wasn't sure how they whole "surprise" aspect would be. With a family full of vegetarians, I thought it couldn't hurt to try, and so far, we are loving it! Lots of fresh, healthy veggies from local Ohio farmers. I think this will actually force us to find new recipes and uses for some of the things in the CSA bags. [which is a good thing]

I'm excited to take advantage of all the seasonal fruit & vegetables. We will have a freezer full of goodies for the baby when he's ready to start eating food this winter!

Caught you!

Finally caught a pic of that amazing smile! Even though I know I will see a million smiles from him over the years, these first one's are extra special to me. Every time I get a big grin, my heart melts! A little bit of magic in that face!

Fairies Everywhere

{D} and {M} are completely infatuated with fairies right now. They spend hours at the park and in the yard scouting for them. Nights are used to dream about fairies and the day, they may actually meet one. {D} ponders why someone could actually not believe in them..or worse, not even care.

On a recent trip to the park the kids saw a REAL fairy. They had a magical experience that they will never forget [their words-lol]. While looking for fairies, birds or the spare monster running around in the woods waiting to gobble them up, they came across a little floating, glowing speck. I was quickly hushed and told I was in the presence of a live fairy.

After a quick look, I realized I had no idea what they were looking at. It had a faint white glow and was drifting as if on the wind, but there was none. I looked closer trying to see what kind of bug it was, but that failed too. It wasn't fuzz either, which was my second guess.

In the end, I never figured out what it was. The kids have talked about it ever since. They say wasn't it cool, they day we saw that fairy! {M} says it was magical. While I have no idea whether it was a bug, fuzz, or fairy. I will always remember the day "we" saw the fairy. The magic in my kids eyes, the wonder crossing over to even me.

The kids decided this was the entrance to the fair wild-the land if the fairies.

Here's a quick shot I took of the "fairy". Not the best shot, as it appears only as a speck, but the day is fresh and glowing in my memory.