Mischevious Monkeys

One of Nico's favorite stories at the moment is Caps for Sale, a story of a peddler and some mischevious monkeys. It came as no surprise then that Nico chose this book for Great Aunt Grace to read during her recent visit to our house with Great Uncle Paul. Nico was mesmerized by the way she told the tale, acting out the parts where the peddler shakes his hands and stamps his feet in anger. Nico was disappointed that Grace could not extend her California vacation to read the story again to him the next day. He will have to wait until this summer when we visit Wisconsin for a repeat performance.

The Fort

For many weeks now, the boys have been looking forward to Grandma and Grandpa's visit. One of the many reasons for their excitement is due to the fun games that Grandma and Grandpa play. For instance, one afternoon shortly after the grandparents arrival, I returned home from running errands to find our living room transformed. The house dark save for a flashlight shining from underneath a comforter. A telltale giggle directed me to this fort where Nico was busy grilling beef and shrimp kabobs while Spencer roasted marshmellows. Camping has never been so fun!

Be Mine Valentine!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Making Valentines

Spencer made his own valentines this year, everything from tracing the template, cutting out each heart and writing his name (forty-five times!). I'm glad I wasn't responsible for writing all those valentines.



The best part was delivering the valentines to his classmates. Spencer made sure to put one in each bag. Way to go!

Superbowl 2011

The Green Bay Packers were in the Superbowl. Food, friends, and fun all around. AND......a bouncy house!



Spencer and Zach ruled the bouncy house while Nico and Brandon tried to keep up and hang tough with their older friends.





Back inside Dan and Lauren's, all of the Wisconsin ex-pats in California (and friends) danced, high-fived, bit nails, and then danced again as the Green Bay Packers were Superbowl Champions.

Basket of Boys

Two brothers in a basket, as cute as can be.

Sliding with George

Curious George is Nico's best buddy these days. Nico only recently starting going down the slide on his own. Naturally, he wanted to share his new skill with his friend. Good thing Curious George doesn't mind a good boom now and then!

Year of the Rabbit

Today at Spencer's preschool, the children celebrated the Lunar New Year. All the children were encouraged to wear red, the color of happiness and good fortune. The children listened to a story in Chinese, danced in the dragon and played musical instruments to scare away evil spirits. Then we all shared a meal of dumplings, rice, noodles and vegetables. Happy Year of the Rabbit!

Broom Ball

Once a week, Nico takes a class entitled, "Balls, Balls, Balls!" The name really says it all. He particularly delights in broom ball, alternately sweeping and kicking to move the ball across the room. Golf is also a favorite as is rolling bouncy balls down a long tube.

The funniest part, for me at least, is watching Nico kick the football, puzzling as it rolls end over end. Not as fun is playing "catch" which involves Nico throwing the ball away from me and then announcing, "Go get it, Mommy." He seems to think catch is synonymous with fetch. Not so, my child, not so.

Haikus and Bicycles

With baseball cards and
clothespins, we make our bikes sound
like motorcycles.

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys
Written by Bob Raczka, Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Spencer, inspired by this poem, spent the morning searching for a way to transform one of the balance bikes into a motorbike. His preschool teacher helped him find a solution that involved cutting a piece of card stock and attaching it to the bike's spokes with tape. Motocross here we come!