Baked

These Are Not Low Fat

In a fit of Betty Crocker and skinned knee memories, and with the assistance of my oh-so-helpful two-year-old, I baked almost 200 chocolate and butterscotch chip cookies today.

One of my most vivid memories from our old home in Howard's Grove is one of trekking to our nearest neighbor's house (up the road, past the cornfield) to leave a May basket on their doorstep. I had probably recently learned about May Day, and was determined to leave my basket anonymously according to tradition. I recall setting down the basket of goodies, ringing the doorbell, then turning and bolting so fast that I tripped and mangled my knee on their gravel driveway. I still have a scar. Wounded, but bound not to be identified, I limped home as quickly as I could. And I'm sure that someone dressed my bashed up knee for me as soon as I got there.

As it turned out, our neighbors were out of town and didn't see our basket until they came home at the end of the weekend.

Tomorrow, we'll drag the Radio Flyer loaded with cookies around the neighborhood. Maybe we'll meet some kids that have been in hibernation all winter like us. We'll try to stay on our feet.

Clickety Clack

Noah had an awesome time at the Twin Cities Model Railway Museum yesterday.

I think it's safe to say that this was his favorite part.

All Aboard

More thrilling model train pics here.

Somewhere Over

As if to say, Don't worry, it can't possibly continue to snow forever.

Be My Echo

First Word
Uploaded by houseofhanson

Greta is going through a rough phase of not sleeping at night, wanting only to be held and hugged 24/7. She makes up for these less-than-adorable times by providing great snack time conversation.

My mood when waking up to snow and wind! Ugh!

Three By Two

First:  Shakin' Shakey's (or, Foiled By the Piper).

He played with two other two-year-olds (et al) and received one extremely cool blue guitar, which he brings to bed with him and tucks in under the covers.  "Night, Night, Guitar.  See you in the morning."

Next:  God Bless Giraffes, Monkeys and Banana Splits.

The actual birthday.  He was so excited to go to the zoo that he included the lions, monkeys and giraffes in his bedtime prayers the night before his birthday.  It was a little chilly, but we put on our jackets to see the bison.  Then lounged in the Tropical Garden sauna.  Just before bedtime, we had two bites of banana split with a candle.  Three and he would have vibrated around the house for hours.

Last:  Paranoid Party.

The punk rock star of the party, by far, was Isabella.  She fully rocked to Ryan on guitar.  I love how she's looking at Greta in this video like, "Dude, why aren't you dancing?"

Paranoid Party
Uploaded by houseofhanson

PS Thank you to Kesava and Ryan for tuning the above extremely cool blue guitar.  It is already hopelessly out of tune again.

Blinked

I wasn't paying attention, and Noah turned two. He can even tell you he's two years old, and show you two fingers. This is excruciating for me. One was much-anticipated chocolate cake all over a still baby face. One and a half was eclipsed by the arrival of a new baby face. There is almost nothing baby left about two. No bottles, no pacifiers, no shirts that snap at the bottom. He doesn't even need me to help him climb the stairs anymore. There are still the diapers. And the occasional snuggle.

Cheers to the boy!

I will try not to cry into your cake.

Motorhead

When Noah was a newborn and couldn't get to sleep, other parents suggested the time-tested Drive Him Around the Block A Couple of Times strategy.  This was insane, of course, because our kid had the ability to spend four hours of a five hour road trip from the Cities to Milwaukee screeching.

Things have changed.

Her Name Is Yoshimi

As soon as she can stand, she'll kick your butt.

Martial Artist

Book Club Is a Contact Sport

Noah reads one of his favorite books to Greta.

Aww...

I See a Yellow Duck Looking At Me

...then he body slams her.

(but she looks strangely not upset about it)

The Way Boys Show Love