Snow Shmo.

The first day of snow is magical, enchanting even.
The second day of snow is fun.
The third day of snow is annoying. It is either icy and frozen, or slushy and muddy. Today I am annoyed. I want to go down to my Honey Hut. I want to get wood from the woodpile without snow caving into my shoes. I WANT TO GO RUNNING (the only 30 minutes I have to myself all day)! I don't want to slip while I'm putting the girls in their car seats...again.
But I'm trying to think about the first day. The day I took these photos. It really was magical.

In The Wings.

Last night was Savannah's first Nutcracker rehearsal. She had been nervous all day and told me several times, "I have a tummy ache which I think is my stage fright." After a long conversation, tight hand-holding and dozens of reassuring hugs, we entered the Greenroom and awaited her call time. When she saw her friends waiting too, she was ready for her costume and makeup.

Old Friends.

Sunday night I went to "Ruthie's Ornament and Cookie Exchange Party", Leilani's Mom's annual holiday party. It was great to spend time with both Leilani and Eva and catch up on life and kids. It was a girls night out that I definitely needed.

At one point I looked across the living room and smiled at four friends of a different generation. All four of these women met while their kids were in elementary school together and have remained friends since.

Wonderland.

My favorite winter memories from my childhood are of waking to absolute still silence. This morning I feel like a child again. I can't wait to get the little girls outdoors to make snow angels and a snowman. This is GREAT snowshoeing conditions!
We nurtured a neglected Christmas tree tradition this year. Our sweet friend Rebekah, her family and ours drove down the street to hike/hunt for the best holiday trees.

Just as we were reminiscing about random discarded items one can find in the woods at Marvin Larsen's Christmas Tree Farm, we found the object which spawned such reminiscing. We all gave it test run. (I've posted my turn to avoid the possible embarrassment of other participants.)

Walk the Plank.

Savannah's new alter-ego.

Last night as I was tucking her into bed she exclaimed,
"Mommy, I'm not Savannah. I'm Pirate Princess. Arrrr Matey, lock the tank!"

Nostalgia.

Today I am craving these...


which makes me think of July 4, 2003.
Little Jewel Island, Maine.
Tom, Jen, Tim and I.


This enchanting island has been in Tom's family's name for ages.
His Mom made sure the icebox was stocked full of Whoopie Pies.


Crabbing in the morning fog.


Tom, no description needed.


Lobster fight.


In love with Little Jewel.

Zoo Day.

There is a new Giraffe Home at the Sacramento Zoo. The little girls and I couldn't be happier for our long-necked zoo buddies. We are also happy to report that there are two new orangutans too. The young orangutan was playing Peek-a-Boo with a very uninterested older orangutan which tickled Savannah to tears. I'm sure she related quite well. We met up with our sweet friends Jenni, Tate and Ian who have shared many zoo days with us in the last 5 months. Sadly it will be our last for a long time as they are moving away. I will miss our routine with them and spending quality time with a friend like Jenni and fellow Mom-in-the-trenches.




Jenni (preggers with Ian) and Tate on our first trip to the zoo.


A typical view.


Here it is again.


Baby Ian, what a snuggle-bug!