Feb 21: I love

having a family of book worms!  When you love something you really hope that your kids will love it too and it has been such a pleasure to see how our kids have developed a love of reading.  Zosia is now likely to be found actually reading aloud to her siblings, Lily is often found "reading aloud" to her siblings, and Hugo just loves to look through books.  Reading to the kids never seems to get old!  

(Zosia just read this as her first chapter book the other night, and we are generally big fans of the Little Golden Books, although don't get me started on children's books, because we are sort of passionate about them around here.  Maybe I'll share some more favorites in a separate post sometime).

What have you and your kids been reading lately?

Feb 19: I love

the silly ways these three little ones help out around the house.  Here's Zosia combing my hair.  She's really good at it, and I must admit, it feels sooooo relaxing.

On a whim, Ben asked Zosia and Lily to put a diaper on Hugo (not really thinking anything would come of it).  A minute later, he walked out to see Zosia lying on the floor next to Hugo, showing him what he was to do, and Lily actually putting a diaper on him.  I am speechless.  A thousand possibilities are running through my mind right now.

And here's Hugo washing the chalkboard.  The first one is a progress picture, the second one is a picture of his completed project.  Wipe, wipe, point, and done.  You've got to start somewhere, right?

Feb 14: I love

a good excuse to get crafty with the kids.  After an afternoon of assembly line style production, we had a box full of Valentines for each girl to take to school.  I think my favorite part was Zosia taking such care to pick the perfect valentine for each friend, selecting both the perfect animal and perfect sentiment for each.  I mean, you don't want to mess that sort of thing up.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Feb 11: I love

bluegrass music.  I saw these guys on Friday night with some friends and they are spectacular musicians, and so much fun.  Ahoy!

Feb 10: I love

donuts on Sunday morning.  Usually we just get them on our way out of the door at church, but this place is pretty amazing (old fashioned sour cream all the way for the adults... but if you're a little girl who can pass up strawberry sprinkle?).  Coffee and donuts are so perfect together.

February 23: I love

the best frozen custard in town. It really is so so good. You won't convince me there's anything better out there.
Ben: vanilla with reeses pieces
Zosia: vanilla
Lily: vanilla
me (pre bangs!): chocolate, or taro, if that happens to be the flavor of the day
Hugo: a plain waffle cone, which he ate in its entirety.

It's all about the simple pleasures, don't you think?

February 22: I love

going into the city. I suppose I am a city girl at heart. I love it out here in the suburbs: all the green, the parks, the neighbors, and the safety. Quite the perfect place to raise a little family. But I love going into the city every now and then and walking around and, just for a few hours, pretending like I live there. They sell things right on the street! There are museums on every corner (I guess that's just our city)! There are so many interesting people to watch! Ooh, it's such a treat.

February 21: I love

a long weekend! Long weekends are the best. You have time to do everything you need to, plus sit around in your pajamas all day, plus celebrate a beloved Omi's birthday, plus take a daytrip, plus make raisin bread. Above: cuteness we couldn't resist, coloring away a weekend morning, reading with pops, and receiving a geography lesson from cousin Carissa, whom we all adore (and isn't it cute that her and Ben have matchy glasses? I think good taste runs in their family. Whew, I chose the right family to marry into, I tell you!).

February 15: I love

going into Ben's office for lunch! Can you spy Ben and a baby next to the lunch truck (which serves amazing sandwiches, by the way. Who ever knew egg was such a wonderful topping?)? Ben works with an extremely sweet group of young men who seem to take genuine joy in having our kids come and run around their office, or spin around office chairs, or color on their whiteboard. They're sort of kids at heart themselves, so there always seem to be toys and games around anyway. And they seem to be especially forgiving if we bring cookies, which I think is a fair deal.

February 14: I love

old videos. Here's a little Valentine's day song for you from four years ago, when Zosia was just a tiny one.

We're just getting ready to go by Ben's work with some cookies, and then it's back home to make Ben's favorite for dinner: lasagne. I am training the girls as waitresses, and they are quite excited to serve us at dinner. Perhaps a romantic dinner at home is just what cupid ordered on this chilly day.

I hope you're having a wonderful Valentine's day!

February 12: I love

having a reason to get a little festive on the coldest weekend of the year. With our balmy winter, I had forgotten what real winter feels like, but oh my oh my, it feels cold, especially on bare legs when you're going out on a date with your husband. I suppose tights are merited in the middle of winter. Settling in for an afternoon of valentine making is much more weather-appropriate, and after gathering a bit of Valentine's day inspiration, we gathered our supplies and got to work! If you're still looking for some cute printable valentines, check these out! We found some mini magnifying glasses at the local party store (six to a pack as party favors! Quite the deal), and couldn't resist our little nose glasses. You know, we have a special fondness for glasses given that they're sort of our Ben's trademark in the family. Who doesn't love glasses?

(photo of Hugo at a playground last week unrelated, but doesn't he look proud of standing up all by himself? This boy has raced into the realm of mobility at breakneck speed).

We're playing along with I love again this year... head on over to check it out and join in.

February 10: I love

a lunch date with Ben! It feels so silly and thrilling to be out with no kids. And of course we had to try out the new burger place across the street from his office. Because we seem to be on the quest for the perfect burger in Norther Virginia here's the verdict: excellent burger, toppings and sides, but we weren't so much fans of the brioche bun (too much bread!). And the company? 5 stars.