Always Maintain a Sense of Humor

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings

Greta and Jack got a package in the mail from my sister, Aunt Sai Sai. What fun it is to open a box full of surprises! Sai Sai frequents the coolest shopping areas and her creative eye always spots the most unique gifts. She sent the dvd Despicable Me - awesome. She also sent board books about Sushi and Andy Warhol to teach fantastic Japanese words and colors and a little bit of art. And, also these fun plates with faces to decorate with food - just like we used to do with magnet flakes and that pen...Remember? And, also...bubble wrap. It was a super morning. Sai Sai reminds me to inspire the kids. She always wants to give them things to embrace learning with music and art. I love that... So do Greta and Jack.

pointing toes

pointing toes, originally uploaded by DerekandRebecca.

This is graceful chaos.

chipmunk

chipmunk, originally uploaded by DerekandRebecca.

Little Greta has taken to dance more than I ever could have hoped. In fact, she has to merge out of the carpool lane and create her own line for Chasse Chipmunk. Get out'mah way!

Under the Weather/ Sea

One of my favorite places to go with the kiddos is Crown Center. There are always neat things to do there - currently you can go "Under the Sea", and we did. Derek and I took the kids there on President's Day and they loved every minute. It was a room decked out in hanging seaweed, mermaid houses, Atlantis, a whale, an octopus and multitudes of other booger pickers like our own. There were places for the kids to climb and stick their faces through holes, funny mirrors and a pirate ship to steer. We let them play and then we took them to the Chocolate Factory to pick out a treat. Both little darlings wanted pretty colored M & Ms. Derek picked a chocolate covered Twinkie and I chose a chocolate covered pretzel that Jack ate half of anyway...Just because he owns me.

And, then, three days later, we became under the weather. Greta came down with a fever and spots on her throat. We paid a visit to our Dr. Hartman who ruled out strep throat, but did diagnose a virus. I made my special chicken noodle soup and we have been cuddling on the couch ever since. Besides Crown Center, this is my other favorite place to be with my kids.