Free as a (Muddy) Bird

If anyone knows anything about Mary, she loves mud. Gritty mud, slimy mud, brown puddles with who-knows-what inside, she just can't get enough mud. We were in the front yard and she slathered the stuff on her and ran around in circles- "Look, mom!! I a bird!" she exclaimed. Brother, on the other hand, gets rather disgusted if he has anything, even crumbs, on his hand. He has a fantastic time chasing his sister, which gets them both hysterical.

Oh, and for the record, no, I don't always allow Mary to run around like a lunatic in her underwear in the front yard. But this day was an exception (which I suppose I allow maybe too much :)

Dancing with Dad

Everytime Todd comes home, the kids get a surge of excitement and energy as they miss him sorely during the day; every evening, after a long day at work, poor Todd gets ambushed by two giddy little ones with enough energy to wear anyone out! Last night he came home and had to run out on a quick church errand, so Mary and Russell were extra bouncy when he came home for good. Thank goodness he is a wonderful father and always ALWAYS makes time for them (and me!).

P.S. Thanks, everyone, for looking, commenting, and responding. This is such a fun way to stay connected!

Sandwich on a Stick

Today for lunch I made sandwiches for the kids, but inspired by a magazine for kids I read who-knows-when, decided to make them a bit more fun. Sure enough, the kids were enthralled and all I got left from them was their wooden skewer (naturally I had cut off the sharp end). I guess presentation really does go a long way!