One determined kid...

In case you haven't noticed, or heard, it's cold here. Cold, and snowy and icy. And for all of you who live south of me and are complaining about the "freezing" 50 degree winters, I have just one thing to say, "Whaaaaa!" Seriously. (And, to all of you who live where it's far colder than here- I know, I know, I shouldn't complain.)

Nevertheless, we're here, the chickens are scratching out grassy spots in the snow, Cooper's trying to build a snowman in 1/4 inch of snow, I've learned to park the van on the street anytime anyone mentions the word snow, and Ian, well, Ian's learning to milk it. He's banging on the door as soon as he's awake to go out, push his bike to the top of the driveway, and careen back down. Without insistence from his parents, he would do this in his pajamas, or even a t-shirt and jeans. I finally made the declaration that his clothing had to include at least a hat and coat. Sheesh.
Here are two videos that kept me laughing.

Fast Friends

Fun to see how much these kids change year to year...

It's coming into birthday season around here- Chris turns 46 this weekend, and Cooper will be 6 two weeks later. Late February/Early March brings a run of birthdays in our family/friend group that fills almost every day for three weeks. Crazy.

MLK Day- Happy Valley School Garden Project

 A fabulous start to Cooper's school garden. I so enjoyed watching Cooper jump right in and work. He stayed focused on the project really the whole time- moving cardboard, digging & dumping dirt. One of the his favorite kids in class was there, which was awesome. A highly successful "day on!"

 

My New Year's Resolution

I went to make our annual picture album this past December, and realized how much I use this blog as a reference. So, I'm thinking months between entries isn't such a hot idea. Hence, my resolution: Sunday night picture upload, and quick entry. Bug me if I fall of the wagon, please...


Woke up to snow this morning- just the perfect amount: enough to build snowmen, throw snowballs, and to keep my skis moving. The truth is that cross country skiing ranks right up there with sailing for me (and for anyone who knows me, that's saying a lot.) But opportunities are few and far between here in Bellingham.

I was spoiled by my six winter months in Wolverine, Michigan 15 years ago. I worked at an outdoor camp there, teaching inner city Detroit kids about snowshoeing, skiing, and how to build a fire in the snow. The camp backed up on 200 acres of state forest land, and every weekend once we'd cleared the remnants of the hundred or so kids from the week, we'd put on skis and head out into the forest. The snow was fabulous, the deciduous forest bright and silent-full of birds, porcupines, even a couple of ermine who kept watch on our movements. Trees bent over with the weight of snow.

Nevertheless, this morning was the kind I dream of and Ian and I made the best of it- skiing through town to the Firehouse Cafe for a cookie-and-a-coffee date. A perfect morning.
Cooper asked for a turn, but I'm thinking we wouldn't have made it far with him in the backpack- apparently he needs his own skis. Below is a picture from his first ski trip.

Wiggles!!

Many of you know how well-loved the Wiggles are in our house. Cooper's been a fan for a good long time- running to get his pirate costume on when Captan Feathersword appears; singing along with all the songs; and lots and lots of pretending to wake Jeff up. SO, when we saw that they were coming to Everett, we had to go. Chris and I were a little nervous, because Cooper has a history of flipping out at big loud events. BUT, it was a total success- he smiled the whole time. We'll definitely be going again.

Fall Fun

We're settling in to the school year- lots and lots of changes for our family this year, and I have to say all of them have been great. It's the first year in a long time where I feel like things are actually easier than last year. Cooper's loving school, and volunteering once a week has really helped me feel like I know how things are going for him & how he fits into the classroom. I had a very sweet phone call Friday night from the mom of a girl in his class. They'd been talking about Cooper, and a potential playdate next week. The little girl says to her mom, "You know what's special about Cooper, Mom? He's always smiling. Even when people are upset or grumpy, Cooper's still smiling." Made my heart so happy to hear that!

Cooper's joined the band at the annual Buddy Walk

One last fall party (chasing chickens was a highlight!)

...notice that Ian couldn't be bothered with the cooking part.

My first friend in college, Jordan, who lives in Anchorage showed up w/his wife for a quick visit- first time in 15 years I've seen him.

Fun in the hammock!

First Day of Kindergarten

Cooper was thrilled to start school today-not that I'm surprised. He walked in like he's been there forever, knew just where to put his lunchbox, and spent his free time working a puzzle.

I loved being able to walk, getting to meet the other parents, and (of course) seeing Cooper be so comfortable there. Ian, however,was pretty sure he ought to be staying....

Here are some shots from the morning.

Practicing his lunchroom routine last night (and mighty proud of his tower).

Working a puzzle with the instructional assistant who will be there to help in the mornings.

Ready to listen.