Dirty and Tuckered Out

Apparently it doesn't count as a day at daycare unless you go through two changes of clothes.

We were told that they were pretending to be "piggies." 
And then they smeared mud on their arms as if it were sunblock.  

Because that's what piggies do.

Fortunately they were hosed off a bit by the time we picked them up.

Different mountains, same line-up

Gram, Noemi, Zora, & Mike

On left Sweet Brook Farm, Williamstown, MA - Berkshires in the background.  Spring 2015 

On right post-cherry picking in northern Utah County - Wasatch Mountains in the background. Summer 2014

(photo credit Dr. Abba Evans)

Hurrah!

I raise a glass to this fine lady who handles the vicissitudes of parenthood/motherhood with such patience, care, and perseverance - even when she doesn't feel on top of her game (thank you, terrible threes).           

Happy Mother's Day to you, K.

As well as to all the other mothers in our life -family and friends- who are supports and guiding lights.

With special shout-outs to the two of them (whose photos are sprinkled around here) who we've known as moms for the longest.

And also to these two sisters and wonderful moms.

Haircuts!

We broke down and gave the girls their first haircuts. We've been talking about it off and on for a couple months now, but they (and we) were finally ready this past weekend. They were very brave and didn't mind the process, although they found it hard to keep still for very long (the uneven look is in, right?). They look more like girls to me now, rather than toddlers -- definitely growing up. But what sassy, chic girls they are! (And what a time saver in the morning!)

Brushing out those snarls one last time

Brave Noemi went first

Zora keeping Noey's spirits up

Zora and her (former) pony tail

The cutest almost-3-year-olds!

Haircuts in action the day after, making a pie

Keeping Busy in the Snow

We try to get outside to play as much as we can, but these sub-zero temperatures and multiple feet of snow on the ground make it hard to stay out very long. In addition to reading and coloring, here are a few other ways we've kept ourselves entertained on these long winter days. The girls are lucky to get out to go to school 3 days a week or else we'd really be going stir crazy!

Playing with the easel from Gram and Abba

Dressing up in costumes from Oma & Opa

Play-Doh from Alix

Baking pretzel shapes with Daddy

Happy Birthday Daddy!

We decorated some paper chefs hats the other day at a special kids' day at the Clark Art Institute in town (the girls call them their "crowns"). Noemi & Zora made a special one for Mike to wear on his birthday (Jan. 15). What a day!

Winter-ish in Williamstown

I (Mike) arrived in Williamstown, MA around Nov 1st to start my new job (at the Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives at Williams College).  (Dad and I made the drive from SLC to MA in three long days, serenaded by the lilting yarls of our traveling companions - Flash, Twyla, and Mowgli.)  I got settled in and then after Thanksgiving together in San Francisco, the girls flew back to the East Coast with me and Mom (who graciously joined the three of us for the flight).

Since then, Mom (Gram) and Dad (Aba) have been running The Gram & Aba School of Hard Knocks.  The girls have been having a blast.  And as you can see below, they've also been enjoying the snow.