Snow Day

Our one and only real snow fall this year happened a couple of weeks ago in early February.

This is Lewis's first real experience playing in snow.  He highly approved!

 Tess has been dreaming of playing in the snow all winter.  She even woke on Christmas day certain that there would be snow outside.  (There was none, much to her disappointment.)

It's hit and miss whether we'll get any snow during an English winter.  Last year we didn't get any snow, while other years we've gotten a good handful of snow storms. 

Cold fingers!

Tess stayed out and played long after Lewis got too cold and gave up and went inside.

Busy Hands

The busy hands of a two year old!  Lately these little hands have insisted on doing everything on their own (and they have usually been quite successful at most things they attempt to do on their own!)  Persistence and patience usually pay off.

Baking

This is one of their favorite activities.  We call it pretend baking.  I give them each a bowl of flour, then I fill a cupcake tin with different spices and baking ingredients.  I try to use spices and ingredients that are fragrant and different textures (cocoa, oatmeal, poppy seeds, cloves, dry rice, dry noodles, herbs, etc).  They love using their little scoops to choose their spices and mix them into their bowls of flour.  If I'm really feeling brave about a mess I let them add water to their mixtures. 

Patches of Light

I had just bought her this new swimsuit, so of course she had to wear it (with her socks, and winter gloves!)  She's like her mama and prefers spending time in warm patches of light.  

Quiet Time

Brother & sis playing their froggy game on the tablet.  They would do this all day if I let them (and it's tempting - I get a lot done).  They are pretty good at navigating their way around that little screen.  These 21st Century kids.  

The mattress is sitting on the floor as we are in the process of getting a new bed, but we kind of love how cozy it makes our room feel.

Snowdrops

Snowdrops from our garden.  These little flowers are so lovely and delicate and grow in unexpected places - and in the middle of the winter.  It gives me hope that winter will one day be over.

Helping

Big sister is helping little brother put his shoes on.  It feels like they fight a lot, as children do at their age.  They are the best of friends though, and I'm grateful that moments like this are more common than the arguments.