Stairmaster

We have a stair-climber... And a stair-climber's helper too. Goose is getting into the big-sis role with the mouse, and both are enjoying it.

This morning the mouse pulled up to standing for the first time. Look out world! (And mom...)

St Patty's Day

We have one leprechaun-focused little boy at our house! Wow. Monkey has been making traps like it was his job. Here's exhibit A (his first attempt):

I wrote more about St Patrick and ways to counter the leprechaun obsession with some actual history/faith comments at Introducing the Real St Patrick (to our kids). Part of that input stemmed from the fact that this week was my week to lead Roo's little preschool co-op, "Little Saints," so I taught six 4-year-olds about the topic. It was fun. We even made potato print shamrocks! As displayed:

This weekend I'm headed off to a (church) moms' retreat in Pismo Beach while HF holds down the fort with the kiddos. It's supposed to rain all weekend, but I'm excited for the girls' time away nonetheless! Monkey is concerned that I will miss the trapping of the leprechaun... I of course assured him that dad could take a picture to show it to me.

Balleroo

Roo had her final class today for ballet (round 3 of the 8-week-long "pre-ballet" sessions that she takes with Teacher Pam through the town.). The moms are allowed to sit in on the final class, so today was observation day for me. She's improved a lot since she started the classes last summer, and she really enjoys them! [And the ballet outfits....]

She had a ball, as you can see...

Working girl

Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in a short but dynamic program design meeting at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. It was the first time I'd flown for work in five years, and it went off very well. I'm amazed at the simplicity of solo airline travel, something I clearly under-appreicated before four little people joined our family!

We had a fantastic local babysitter supervising the kids during the 30 hrs that I was away, which was a gift.

Working on table manners...

Here's a starting list we brainstormed and Monkey captured on paper:

Pretty cute.

Roseola and rain barrel

The mouse has roseola, sweet thing. Just figured it out yesterday, day four of her fever, when the rash came out. Little trooper! She's handled it really well. Hopefully we'll be on the other side within a day or two. Kid #4 and our first experience with this particular virus.

In other news, HF got a water barrel to (catch rain and store water) for earthquake/emergency readiness. We got it Tuesday from a friend/colleague of his who dropped it off; so far it has gotten as far as the front hallway. Nice look, eh?