Mamas are so bossy

My passionate ones enjoyed the celebration of St. Valentine as always. The hearts went up early and often and, if you know where to look, there is still a stash of chocolate or two yet to be discovered. Ally and her friend Sophia spent their day off school creating unique valentines for all 30 members of their class + teacher helpers. That's a lot of cutting and pasting but it did pay off. After school Thursday as Ally looted her box at the kitchen table she lifted out the valentine from her "Sweet Baboo." I'm confident he doesn't know his Baboo status, but my girl's feelings grow ever stronger.

"Today Mrs. S said that we all love each other. I'm so glad she said that. He does love me! Now I know."













Liv loves to be at home in close proximity to her video game, Little Big Planet. It's a Little Big Problem. She loves being at school, at the park, at a restaurant...once she gets there. But leaving the house is a challenge, and so is getting her interested in anything but that game which shall not be named in her presence. Ally's presence helps; she always has a master plan for a new scheme or game. But when Big Sister isn't around to initiate entertainment, Little Sister feels a little lost. My company is a distant second unless I'm cooking something sweet.



Yesterday Liv's heart was nearly broken when she realized that our day trip was to the San Diego Zoo and not to New York City on a jet plane. The latter has been on her little mind for days--not sure why. She announced her intention to go there while we were driving to pick up Ally from school this week. I told her how far away it is but the idea of a plane ride just sweetens the deal for her. Turns out, I am an easy mark when NYC is proposed. I told her we could definitely go and she assumed I meant immediately. Of course she did--she's four. When it was time to get in the car yesterday she was confused and then hurt about the misunderstanding. Those big, hot tears just about broke my heart too.

But not to worry. I told her what an orangutan's butt looks like and she was totally on board. I myself never miss an opportunity to see one.

Ally's favorites are the giraffes and Liv loves the monkeys and apes. I love both of those choices; I feel a certain affinity with all gangly, long-necked creatures, but the apes really get to me.

Who's more excited about the koala?

This one.

The endangered Panda.

Oh, Blog. Fall/Winter 2012/13

Has it really been so long? I'm about to post a whole lotta pictures and ask you, Aaron Sorkin style, to walk with me.

This year's Christmas card--one iteration. 

Even in Utah we had to drive into the mountains to find snow at Thanksgiving time. Found a prime sledding spot just off the canyon road and at just the right time too! On our way out we passed lots of families just arriving. Suckas!

Winter rainstorm.

It's hard not to get a blurry picture in the house. The light isn't always so natural.

The Girls' Room

Dana and Lil' White Bunny.

Annual trip to Roscoe's Chicken 'N' Waffles on Christmas tree day. Talk about unnatural lighting. Gotta get a better camera flash.

We usually go on a frosty morning when the fire is going. This was an evening trip to accomodate Dad's weekday work schedule: we wanted to get the tree up early enough but not before Ally's birthday. How come when the photographer bends down the kids always bend down? 

Too bad about the lighting.

Boeuf's favorite winter hideaway: under the tree.

My cookie helper. "Mom, can I help you make?"