In our own backyard

We went out yesterday in search of a good background for a family picture and discovered that downtown Tacoma has some very beautiful surroundings and buildings....right in our own backyard. We all had a great time and the kids were very excited by the awesome bridges, art, waterfront and of course trains. It was cold as you can tell, but well worth the discovery. Behind us is the top of the Tacoma Glass Museum. I went there once with my cousin Celeste and it was very interesting how they process glass. I had no idea the technique it takes.

Statue display leading to the Glass Museum.

And another display of glass...

Boston following every move her big brother made. I was totally nervous letting her run around on this bridge. I think my own fear of heights played into it and the fact that she has no fears and is totally unpredictable.

Malachi playing peek-a-boo.

Malachi playing at that bottom entry of the Tacoma Art Museum.

This is a stair case that sits between Union Station (obviously) and the Art Museum.

One day we'll have to go for a train ride. Chi would love that.

She would too.

This is in front of the UW campus of Tacoma. When I was in labor with Boston we came for a walk down here to get things moving faster. We hadn't been back since. It was nice being there pain free.

First snow

We didn't get very much snow today, but it's a sign of what I hope is coming. What I can't believe is that my mom, who only lives an hour north of here, said that she had sunshine all day and didn't get any. We made the most of it anyways and it gave me an idea of what we still need to make sure the kids are fully equipped for this kind of weather. The queen sitting on her throne.

A sled is definitly on the list. His scooter just wasn't cuttin it tonight. The only problem is that that means I'll probably end up pulling it around since we don't have any hills in our neighborhood.

Glad of heart

I've heard that a good burp and a good nap are signs of a good meal. I'm gonna take that for all that it's worth and say I did a good job this year with Thanksgiving. It was our first at this house and I was a little nervous (mostly about doing the turkey right, plus my family is pretty critical when it comes to food), but it all turned out pretty dang good. My only complaint for having it at my house this year would be all the food that was left over. I mean I'm one for thanksgiving leftovers, but our fridge was full for days after. It got a little sickening. We had a smaller group this year, which is unusual for my family and so I guess I'm just used to cooking for a crowd. There are few recipes I will have to cut in half if we ever do it again.
This year I would just like to say that I am most grateful for my husband (mushy i know). Johnson has to be one of the most hard working men I know. He is constantly aspiring for greater within himself and for his family. I love him dearly for every extra hour he puts in at work with his regular job and with teaching, rarely complaining. He's a loving, kind, patient, humble, enduring, spiritual man and he is at the top of my gratitude list this year. Next would of course be my kids.

She couldn't believe her uncle Levi/1st crush, would smoosh whip cream in her face. You think she would love the mess, but she "no can like this."

Papa was one of the first out.

Actually Malachi was the first out, before dinner even started, then Boston, Grandma and then papa.

Uncle Levi was next to go. He is about the only person I know that will pick the floor over a bed. Hope he enjoys that young body while it lasts.

Uncle Justin was next to go. Malachi was little confused bc it wasn't nap time anymore. It was a great day, but long. After everyone left Johnson and I were out at 8 o'clock sharp. I'm very grateful that my mom took the kids for the night...i was beat!

Good ole' playdough

Once again simplicity was the name of the game today. I took some good ole' playdough, rollers, and cookie cutters and the kids were entertained for at least a good hour (well Chi was...Bos was done after about 15 minutes...not messy enough for her I guess). Chi was especially intrigued when he discovered that we could make letters out of playdough.
A special shout out goes to my gal pal Jaime for hooking me up with this GREAT recipe for the best playdough. It's so much better than the stuff you can buy in the store. It doesn't crumble and get everywhere and it's nice and soft for the kids. I didn't even feel I had to lay towels down around Boston today.

Playdough

1 cup flour

1 Tbl. oil

1 cup water

1/2 cup salt

2 tsp. cream of tartar

Food coloring or tempera paint

Glitter for extra sparkle

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir until a ball forms, cool, and play.

Note: the process happens faster than I thought I would. It probably took me 5 minutes to make it. I let the kids add the glitter, they had a lot of fun sprinking it on and it cleaned up really well because you can just roll the dough right over it for quick pick up.

Mad hatters!

I hesitate to post these picture of myself (I look really beat), but Chi and I ("that rhymes mommy") had a lot of fun posing one day in my hat. I'm always amazed when simple things entertain my kids for long periods of time. I should of started with a picture of him, because he started the whole thing and chose the hat position for each picture.

Picasso

My little picasso. This was Boston's first experience painting with anything other than water colors. If you know Boston very well you know why I've waited so long to let her have this type of experience. She is my messy girl. Almost everything she touches turns into a mess. I've recently discussed with my friend Jaime potty training and while I talked with her I decided I'm in no rush with this one, because she'll be the one to play in the potty every time...i'm sure of it. Needless to say with a little precaution on my part (towels all around her) she had a blast and every extra drop that didn't make it on her canvas washed away easily. It was well worth the excitement she had.

Markers, pens and now paints. I think this one will be tempted to get a tatoo some day.

Took her a while to figure out that her hands were much more fun than the brushes, but once she got it she was hands on.

No worries this washed away, luckily I caught her before she made it to any other furniture.

This was the fastest and easiest way to clean her biggest art piece (herself).