A Big Birthday, February Vacation, 18 Year Wedding Anniversary...and Lots of Bunny Snuggles!

 As I write, the wind is violently blowing and the thermometer reads 10 degrees.  A disappointing day considering we had a few last week that nearly hit 60!  I am betting for at least one more real snow storm before true spring can set in.

     Since the holidays we have entertained Auntie and Ellie for the week of February break, celebrated Ethan's 14th birthday and been on a few mandatory family hikes (M.F.H.) (and for those of you with out teenagers...that is a hike on a beautiful day that IS NOT OPTIONAL.)  My sister had a virtual conference to attend the entire week she was here, so she was hold up in the guest room each day.  This wasn't too bad.  At least she could join me for breakfast in the mornings and all of us could eat dinner together.  While Ellie was here, Scott and I took the kids sledding at a tubing park.  It sure is lovely when you don't have to climb the hill each time you go down!  At the end of the week we had a birthday party for Ethan.  Gammy and Gampy came over and we had a full house!

Much of last week had mild temperatures.  I know this because at night I was able to walk the dog with just one coat on and one layer of pants.  These temperatures also made it perfect for taking Violet the bunny out for some sun.  She is a great excuse to get outside.

Meagan's Birthday Party at my parents.

Master Gary in attendance.

M.F.H.

He's smiling in his sunny spot!

Now he's pissed at me for taking him out in the cold.

Ethan won and Gold Key and a Silver Key!

Fiona and I treated ourselves to a foot soak.

Waffles to match my hair!

New bat!

Yup.  This guy is going for a swim.  MAINE!

Tubing gang.

A little gambling at Ethan's party.

We each ordered our own pizza!

I got the girls some Nutella as a party favor.

Fiona painted this for her brother.

Prism fun.

This guy is just outside our window in my window box, I filled with seed.

This picture says something...not sure what.

Mom and dad took us out for our anniversary.

Here is Violet.  Soaking up love and sunshine.

If you've never swaddled a bunny, I suggest you try it!

Holidays...all Wrapped up!

 I know it has been such a strange, and at times lonely, year...but I am so thankful that we have managed to see my parents and sister's family through out the whole thing.  Thanksgiving was special because it was the first time we have ever hosted my parents!!!  With all the traditional fixings, we stuffed ourselves and enjoyed some very competitive rounds of "Banana grams".  There was an extremely significant snow storm between Thanksgiving and Christmas that made for an adventurous walk in the woods with the kids.  I so enjoyed watching them play like when they were little pups.  As is the tradition, Meagan and I brought our kids to my parents house the first weekend in December to help with their decorating.  Usually this coincides with the annual Merrimac Christmas parade, but like most things...it was canceled.  Christmas was peaceful and calm.  I think all were satisfied with their gifts.  I was the one with the only return...and made out pretty well trading in a pair of slippers at Reny's that were too big for a perfect pair and a new walking stick to boot!  

Fiona worked hard with her mentor Pamela on an art instillation in downtown Portland.  The hours really paid off...literally and figuratively.  The show was an interactive experience, and it was well received.

A few days before the new year Meagan and I dropped the kids at my parents for another annual tradition.  Kids have been ringing in the New Year at my parents house for at least the last 5 or 6 years.  They went on plenty of long walks, ate Gampy's delicious food and stayed out of our hair for three glorious nights.  Scott and I enjoyed peace and quiet, and exploring some new local trails.

Games first.  Meal second.

Ethan created a "Car Show" cake.

Scott has a great idea!  Climb a dead tree!

Here are some details of a denim house Fiona was working on as a part of the art show installation.

Can you find Fiona?

The show was interactive.

This guy started hanging around again after Thanksgiving.

With a few cuss words, and some serious lecturing, Scott and Ethan managed to sort out the lights.

This is what 30 inches of snow looks like.

These ladies keep turning up around the house.

Helping Gammy and Gampy decorate their tree.

Gary was a lazy supervisor.

COUSINS!!!

Story:  I look down and see a ladybug with one of Theo's feathers stuck to its back.  What are the chances??

Winter walk with my son.

Christmas Eve.  Such a magical time.

Christmas morning!!!

Fiona's gift to Ethan.

Our walk while the kids were in Merrimac at "Gammy/Gampy Camp".

So many different shapes to the ice!

Checking out the sunset on a walk with gammy.