Park play

Grandma Sue

Grandma Sue came for a visit this week. Her and Oliver got a lot of quality time together. We kept her busy with trips to the park, a bike ride along the river, painting, hours of truck play and walks outside. They bonded. It was really good for both of them to get to know each other. Now when he sees an airplane he says grandma. In his mind she's flying the friendly skies until they see each other again.

Grandma's cruiser

Playing a little ball in the backyard

We sewed aprons together for Oliver and myself

When life gives you limes, eat them.

Oliver picked up a lime from the kitchen counter and started eating it. Unprovoked, not encouraged, just unadulterated eating. His face was priceless and despite the utter disgust he just kept eating. I blame Uncle Kristjan for this unusual behavior.

Portland, our home away from home

We had to get out of Richland this weekend, ok it was really me who had to get out. Been feeling a little house bound and cooped up lately. Is winter almost over? We celebrated Mardi Gras AND Valentine's Day with our friends and a lot of kids. Beads were thrown, but not for the reasons that you're thinking, and we ate Cajun food. Kelly even made a Kings Cake with plastic babies baked in it that we tried to find. This tradition was new to me and a little odd, but as you probably know I like odd. We also had a cookie decorating party for the kids, which was messy, fun and hilarious. We met our friends' new baby girl, Ione, who is just two weeks old. So sweet. Children and babies were every where! When did this happen?

The weather was pretty cooperative and the sun showed her face on Sunday. Spring is on its way, I know it, or at least I'm hopeful and optimistic. I for one could use some more Vitamin D.Oliver and Olivia LeClerc, they're buddies

Oliver is ready for spring planting too!

Ruby Crawford Rippetoe

Cookie decorating for Valentine's Day with Oscar, Nathaniel, Ruby and Oliver
Note: the beer on the kid's table did not belong to one of the children. Put the phone down, CPS does not need to be notified.

Cindy Jones and Ione (2 weeks) with Tom Rippetoe and Henry (4 mos)

Art and Nascar

Today Oliver wasn't feeling well so I kept him home from daycare. He was actually a little bummed about not be going - a good sign that he likes it I think. So we did some new things around the house. I grabbed the masking tape and made a race track on the carpet. I saw a friend do this a few years ago at a party where there were kids. I filed the idea away for a day like today.

I also pulled out the finger paints, some new markers and water color paints. The finger paints were a huge hit. Of course, I was a little apprehensive since I know how far he can throw a truck if I turn my head for a second. But he was very civilized and didn't once put the paint in his mouth. At least while I was looking he didn't.This post is a perfect example of how a trashy kid can still be a sophisticated artist with a little coaching. Next up: kick the can and topiary.

Its winter, what else are we going to do?

Here are some examples of how Oliver and I have been spending our days as of late.

I had a giant piece of paper and asked Oliver to lie down so that I could trace him. He looked at me like I had asked him to jump off of a bridge. But he did it. Then he colored it. I think its rather nice so its hanging on our wall. We're too cheap to buy better art anyway.


What boy doesn't like to build a fort, turn on the flashlights and have a snack?


Is he trying to tell me something? He chose to show me the word "patient" in the book he was reading.