Iphone Photojournal of our last few weeks

After months of watching Charlie paint and wanting in on the action, Kate finally got her own paintbrush. After about 20 minutes of absolute heaven Kate had finished her first piece of artwork, painted most of her face and had a little sampling of what blue paint tastes like:

She is a quick study and after licking her paintbrush she asked for a popsicle instead, great for teething. This is my lastest and greatest trick: Make fruit pops with kids in the am (throw in some avocado or broccoli or peas), and then give it to them at some point in the day when you really need to unload dishes or make a meal without "help". I actually have set Charlie up with a pop at the table and then put Kate down for a nap.

We have been learning more about Waldorf families and have been sticking to a daily/weekly rhythm. It works so well for all of us. Part of that rhythm everyday is so spend time in our backyard. Charlie climbs the tree, gardens, plays baseball, tennis, and basketball. Kate, well she...eats snails, sucks on rocks, puts dirt on her head, and picks flowers....

Those of you that have seen Charlie in the past few weeks know that he really needs a haircut. He says, "No Mommy! I like wild hair!" Yesterday while Maria was here he asked me, "Mommy, does Maria have wild hair too?" I am glad she didn't hear.

Kate's famous downward dog:

It is hard work making messes and this kid is nothing but energy from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Adam and I often find ourselves cracking up at his dances, races around the house and silly ways. We should probably be better about being firm and all, but damn this kid is so cute and funny.

And there is Kate too. She is more trouble than her brother, and poor gal we have been trying to get her to take one nap the same time as Charlie for months now. every so often I find her so tired laying down still playing. the other day, no joke, I knew it was time to leave the park because she was lying down in the sandbox with her eyes closed, don't think she was asleep, but you never know.

Part of our weekly rhythm is baking. Here we are making carrot cookies. This is common. Charlie is at the wonderful age where he can measure and stir and really focus, Kate...she likes to reach in and grab the goods....what a team!

We have also been doing some montessori projects around our house. Kate always throws a fit when Charlie starts in on one, so while Charlie was taking the longest nap in history I set Kate up with her own little transferring water project. She LOVED it, and I highly recommend you parents out there with extra time and energy (ya right!) learn about these types of projects. A few minutes and ordinary household items can occupy your tot for up to 30 minutes.

I know I am subjective but believe me this kid is super coordinated. He learned how to bike super fast, and during a park visit he co-opted another kid's scooter and within minutes he was racing all around. I bet he will want to motorcycle before he is 10.

Had to throw this in there for Adam. He still can't believe I paid 60 bucks for 12 silk scarves but they are the most creative and favorite toy around our house.

Thursday is our nature adeventure day. Yesterday we took a two hour bike ride/walk. THe first half was amazing and as I took deep breaths of cool coastal air, I felt wonderfully energetic and thankful to be a full-time mom. The second half was a bit more trying. A good ways away from our home Charlie decided he wanted to walk and I was left pushing a sleeping kate in a stroller and carrying a heavy bike and making sure Charlie didn't "fall into the ocean" or get hit by a truck. Then just when I thought it couldn't get worse, Charlie decided he was too tired to even walk, and that I, being the super mom that I am, should push Kate, hold Charlie and carry the bike. I put my foot down. Charlie look...I am strong, probably stronger than your dad at this point but physically it is impossible to carry the bike, push the stroller and carry you. And I told him I can carry you but we will have to leave your bike here and most likely someone will take it. Not an idol threat. Two hours into this walk, where I had to speed walk to keep up with him, I was fully prepared to leave his 200 dollar bike behind, Sorry adam, but true. Needless to say he jumped right back on and headed home. Only a few stalls and falls from there to home sweet home.

Opening and closing jars project. Easy and cool!

This little girl is insane. She signs and talks so much, and is super silly and quite possibly the cutest thing ever. really. come hang out with her and you will see how wonderful she really is.

Workerman. Nonnie help make this construction vest.

Not a baby at all anymore, she loves to play cars, trucks, balls, kitchen anything and everything her brother does she does too.

Using his bike as a snack chair...

Bad Goat. After 20 minutes of making the goats chase her around (she was teasing them with food) Kate got trampled by a goat. I had a choice: make sure Charlie didn't go swimming with the goats, or make sure Kate survived her being run over by a goat. Call me crazy I chose Charlie and the water. When I turned back around several nice moms where picking up and comforting my daughters..looking at me like where the hell were you. Listen ladies when you have two kids too damn close together  you stretched thin...My son was falling in the water and despite swim lessons he really can't swim..and Kate is a second child. She is tough!

Is it any surprise why I named the baby after this wonderful woman. Look at her in native plant nursery and hot jeans. So cute! We love you Kate!

What a cutie!

Beautiful weather = Beach time

We often find Kate in her basket reading, and it reminds me of Charlie doing the same thing.

Walks to the park used to be a quick 10 minutes, now you may find us doing something like this for half an hour. Watching a bigger kid play bb.

This little girl LOVES her daddy, and throughout the day she stares out the window yelling daddeeee...every truck we sees she thinks it is daddy. But can you blame her? Look how cute he is, he works hard for us, plays hard with us, and is growing the best garden I have ever had!

Charlie has been out of diapers for about a month, with only 1 accident. Come to hmb and you might find Charlie peeing on a tree, in the backyard, in parking lot, or down a street drain. True. And I am proud of it!

I walked into the room and food this:

I know Charlie wasn't drinking out of a cup and using a fork and spoon to eat at this age....

I can't count how many hours I spend preparing food, making granola bars and muffins and just feeding these kids. I think they eat more than me.

Nothing but trouble, this girl

And this boy is so helpful, I think I am going love 3 (years not kids!)

Abby our neighbor, who Charlie spends  two mornings a week playing with. Infact, that is why I am able to sit here and spend an hour blogging, because the kids are next door playing :)

Last pic I promise. This is how it works with our kiddie pool. Kate brings things in, Charlie tosses them out. They really are a great team.