These Days

We are moving so swiftly through these days here in the new year, at times it seems hard to catch a breath.  I find that more than ever I am struggling with finding a solid rhythm that allows ample time for school, work, blog, housework and the like.  We are happy in all of this and it feels as though things are slowly starting to fall into place.
That sweet hubs of mine got me a new camera, it's so amazing and I have been spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to use it!  I've found some great tutorials on line and hopefully before long I'll feel confident with my shots.  Here are some that I've been taking these days:

cheering on her brother at a basketball game

begging me to stop taking pictures

Corey loves having his dad coach

some papa snuggle time

capturing the action during a basketball game has proved to be quite tough

snowshoeing during a January thaw

figuring out the macro lens

I really want to get better at catching the action when the kids are at their various sporting/dancing/singing/who-knows-what-else events which of course seems to be the most challenging.

We are watching out the window as the snow falls here on this chilly afternoon, thank goodness because this boy of mine was pretty sad with all the melting of snow lately.  I'm hoping for some more snow shoeing and generally enjoying some time outside with my sweet family this weekend.

a field trip

We took a little trip yesterday with our favorite little friends. A field trip to the Museum of Science in Boston to see the Mammoth exhibit...none left disappointed.

Well, honestly when you are a 12 year old girl, posing in front of the saber tooth with a bunch of boys isn't the most exciting thing...right?

Everyone jumped into a design challenge!  What a fun activity for these kiddos to do.  We didn't even hit the entire museum (a return trip is in the making)before everyone was ready to have lunch and continue on our journey.

After lunch there was a stop at the Lego store to use up some holiday gift cards, and of course a bit of shopping for my girl (the biggest reason she wanted to come).  These boys were quite patient while she browsed and tried on clothes.  Sitting and reading every Lego package, every detail, and planning the building that would follow. 

It was a great day all around, tired kiddos and two mamas that got to have some quality time together.  What more can we ask for?

Have you been on any field trips lately?

This Moment

joining Soulemama for {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Happy New Year

It seems hard to believe that we are spending our last day in 2012!  So much has happened, and so much is yet to come...We are off to Dragonfly Farm for some festivities in the snow, but to all of you from all of us Have the Happiest of New Years and we'll see you in 2013!

btw: amazing photo above taken by Erin of A Love Supreme Photography and Bluebirdbaby.
Everything about this woman is amazing! 

The Weekend

This past weekend was a fun one around our house, busy as it may be sometimes:

 We got our holiday tree.  Something I truly love about this season, it's in the stand, getting used to the environment, but we had to throw some sweet beads in to get it started.

 This may be my favoritest tree ever!  I love this curve half way up its trunk.  Of course no matter what we do it looks crooked somehow, but I love it.

An early birthday present for this sweet boy of mine.  He turns 11 tomorrow!  But since the gift was the Star Wars Lego advent calender it only felt right to give it to him on the 1st.  Nothing beats seeing his smile in the morning when he opens up a new tiny Lego to build.  This is the second year with one of these and it's been great so far.

Extra gymnastics practice as we near meet season.
There was also a very girly sleepover involving make-overs and many giggles throughout the night.
There was a first basketball game of the season won!
A viewing of Elf with the kiddos...this movie makes me laugh out loud every time I watch it!
I snuck in some knitting, Greg had a gig and here we are Monday morning ready for another week.

How was your weekend?

This Moment

Once again joining Soulemama for {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

The Finger Puppets Started It

That's right, the finger puppets started it all.  Last week the boy and I started discussing what to make for friends and loved ones this holiday season.  There are several little cousins now and we thought that a set of finger puppets would be a perfect gift; I quickly hit pinterest for some tutorials and of course was not let down.

All by himself that sweet boy whipped up these 3 finger puppets along w/ a little pouch to store them in complete with an embroidered heart.  I found the owl here and the frog and elephant here.  He used the basic owl body on all three to make things simpler, as well as googly eyes...seriously can you stand the cuteness.
So next he informs me that we need more wool felt, apparently the stock is low.  Well being that I am trying to use materials that are already overflowing the craffice I dug up the bin of felted wool sweaters and before long and idea was born:

All these sleeves, perfect base for a hand puppet!

 

As often happens around here, when one person starts making, it's not long before others join in!  So these two spent a good portion of the afternoon yesterday making puppets,  I'm thinking a pattern and tutorial is in order, cuz these cuties are oh so easy and fun!  So far there is a monkey, frog and unicorn.  A giraffe is almost finished and I'm sure there will be more today.  I have no doubt that these gifts will be loved by all who receive them.

What are you working on for holiday crafts?