A Favorite Toy

Lee's spelling book today asked her to "write about your favorite toy."

Lee wrote:

"I have a sister, and she is fun to play with."

Things You Think You'll Never Say

Today I actually said to Lee "Stop reading, and put the book down."

It's just like talking. You can't wait for them to talk, and then once they do suddenly you find yourself in a situation when you wish they would just stop talking!

That's a Big Pile of Snow

Who needs sleds or skis to enjoy winter? The kids have been having a ball just playing in the huge piles of snow around the neighborhood.

I'm Queen of the Pile!

No, I Am!

Ok, We Can Share It


Actually, It's Big Enough for Everyone

First Pun

Lee is truly a Smith. She made her first pun today. We were at lunch at the 99 (our lunch stop after the Stonewall Farm programs), and I was debating whether to make a run to Target (not because I needed anything but because were so just so close!).

Lee turned to me, and said "Mommy, Target is not my target. Home is my target."

Contraptions

They say the simplest toys are the ones kids play with the most over the long haul. For Christmas, we bought the girls Contraptions, which is essentially a collection of hundreds of thin pieces of wood (like mini-planks) all cut to the identical size. You can build all sorts of cool stuff with them. Here are a few Clara and Bridges did together.

A Clara Lego Creation

I can't really describe this so I'll just post a photo and leave it at that.

Poor Child

I guess she's about outgrown her box. We're going to have to break down and buy her a bed pretty soon.

San Antonio

Bridges took the kids to visit his grandfather, who is now 101. LLS went as well, and his cousin McCandlish drove up from Austin with her two kids, Ethan and Deirdre. I gather the second cousins had a ball together.

I got to stay home and finally paint the girls' bedroom. I had a great weekend until I threw out my back.

Peanut Butter Cup 5K

Bridges placed in a 5K, coming in second in his age category with a time of 20:09. He has been training hard, and was thrilled to do so well. Elisha ran as well, while I hung out with the kids.

Nubi Winter Concert

On New Year's Day we hosted the 2nd Annual Nubi Winter Concert.

I played viola with Molly, Bonnie, and Jim Sharrock (on oboe) for a Bach conerto for oboe and violin. I also sang "How Can I Keep From Singing" with Carol accompanying me. Unfortunately the arrangement was a bit too high for me, and I was nervous, but I think it went ok.



Lee sang "O Tannenbaum" with the other Junior Mint members.




She also played piano. She was adorable. She got up and introduced each song very clearly. She said "I am going to play The Eensy Weensy Spider with an accompaniment by my other hand." That got some chuckles. Here are her feet just peeking out from under the piano.