Olivia Turns Three

Here is Olivia, dreaming about her birthday. . .

And here she is awake, thanks to Emme, who gave her a loving birthday face-crawl-over:

 Birthday room balloons. . .

After the opening of presents, Emme stayed behind to work over the haul,
while the others headed downstairs for birthday breakfast smoothies.

 Just enough Dad to go around at reading time.

Then off to the park to send up some balloons with love notes for grandpa. 

 

Later, Olivia waits patiently for her cake. . .

 Finally (hastily) finished . . .

  Olivia watches the lighting of the candles with great anticipation, contemplates her wish, and huffs and puffs and blows her candles down. Nicely done, little one.

 Sweetest of little girls, we love you so much. We adore your tender little kisses in the morning, your requests for book after book after book after book after book. . . we love how you never want anyone to get left behind, how you ask to be snuggled to sleep the moment you're tired, your abundant "I love yous," your love for being outside, even your mischievous moments. You melt our hearts little deary. Happy birthday.

Teaser

Olivia turned 3 today, be still my heart.

Tonight we're packing for Utah, so more from her day coming soon. . .

Off to the Big Rodeo in the Sky

We lost Caleb's dad today. Our hearts are tender.

Watching "Lonesome Dove" tonight, Dad, laughing at all the spots where you would have laughed.

Take care up there. We love you.

Memphis House Hunt

Oh beautiful early 1900's bungalos/craftsmans within our budget, how I wish you had even semi-decent school districts to go with you. I would make you mine.

 Instead, you taunt me with your abundant porches, your grand staircases, your 5-panel doors, your built-ins.

 But I guess it's important that my kids not get shivved.

Garage-for-house suburbia, here we come.

Easter 2012

We tried our hand at making our own dyes for Easter eggs this year, and loved it.

We used blueberries, beets, paprika, and yellow apple peels.

 I loved the subtle hues and interesting imperfections. Sorry Paas, we're never going back.

Here are the little bunnies (plus Caleb.)

On an Easter theme, here are Olivia's thoughts the other day at the funeral of our sweet elderly friend (very loudly, on Olivia's part, which prompted lots of smiles from listeners-in):

Olivia: Irene's sleeping. That's her bed.
Me: Yes, it looks like she's resting.
Olivia: No, she's not resting. Where's Irene?
Me: Well, she's in Heaven now.
Olivia: But where's Jesus?
Me: He's in Heaven too, with Irene.
Olivia: But who's Jesus?
Me: Oh, you know who Jesus is.
Olivia: Yeah. He's a good boy.

Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed.