Happy (Belated) Birthday, Dad!

Since last year's birthday post for my Dad was such a hit, we figured we'd give it another go.  And since I like to test my patience limits in all things possible, I thought it'd be fun to include the dogs as well.  No? Ahhhh, well.  Lesson learned.  

(Although it should be noted that my Dad's birthday was a few weeks ago.  We did manage to get these pictures taken and sent to a local-to-them Walgreens for printing on his birthday.  Hooray!)

Surprisingly, everyone was very cooperative.  I'm still baffled as to how the whole thing was pulled together so smoothly.  

Ok, everybody!

Let's get ready to sing!

And now for the group shot...

Isaac's happy!  Heidi's looking! (Although you can't see beyond her furry eyebrows.)  But what are Rowdy and Leah looking at? 

Leah's looking!  (Albeit holding her sign funny...)  But we lost Isaac.  Drats. 

Heidi is my star pupil here-- what a good pup.  But this is where it all starts to break down... (was it ever really together?).  I blame it on that darn sticker that Isaac found. 

A sticker?  I shall put it on my cheek.  

And suddenly the sticker is no longer fun.  Insert the whine.  Moooommmmmyyyyy, dere's a dit-ter on na deek.   Funny, I wonder how that got there? 

Happy Birthday, Dad!  Now just wait until next year.  I've left myself no choice but to involve the cats and potential outside woodland creatures. 

A Snowy Day

Since it's snowing outside, I'm finally in the mood to post these photos from our "Big Snow!"  we had a few weeks ago.  (And by "Big Snow!", I mean 3ish inches.  But the biggest we've had thus far this year.)   

Once we realized it was snowing outside, we quickly bundled up and scampered out.  There wasn't much there at first, but we did the best we could to build a wee snowman.  

 See?  Leah is oohing over its fine craftmanship. 

 Meanwhile, Isaac is all Mark Davenport about the snow... "Waaaahhhhh, it's so cold.  Wahhhhh, snow is the worst!"  This *may* have been due to the fact that at this point, it started (freezing) raining on us.  

 Our second attempt to go out later on was much more successful.  Does anyone know how long it takes to get two small children geared up and ready to play in the snow?  Because it feels like FOREVER.  And then inevitably, there's a need to go potty.  How come nobody invented snowsuits with zipper up butt flaps? 

 Most enjoyed snow activity?  Why eating it, of course!  I tried to explain that this would just make them feel colder, but oddly enough, logic is lost on (almost) 2 and 3 year olds. 

 The freezing rain put an ice layer on everything, giving the whole backdrop a nice Winter Wonderland look.  

 See?  Now that's just pretty. 

 The overall consensus was that our pond is obviously not quite ready for skating.  

 Nom, nom, nom. 

 Now, it's not so much that I really love winter, but more so that I love living in a place that gives us the opportunity to experience the beauty and uniqueness of each season.  

And back inside for some backyard bird watching.  Leah's got all the regulars down, so she was tutoring Isaac.  Thus far, he can identify doves, blue jays, cardinals, and chickadees.  I'd say Leah's a pretty good teacher.