If I were asked what Stuart's favorite toy is, I think I would have to say it is a blanket. He definitely has a preference for two or three particular ones, but in a pinch, any blanket will do. He turns them into boats by piling them up around him on the floor, into caves by draping them over a table, and most often of all, turns himself into a mythological creature that he invented named, "Tiki Tiki." Here is what Tiki Tiki looks like. Pretty cute creature, I think!

The snow fell a couple of times this winter. The first storm was just a dusting, but the boys were so excited to try out their new snow shovels. I hope they are this willing to help when they are teenagers!


At the end of January we got a lot of snow! It was enough for shoveling, sledding, and even digging out a snow fort complete with a secret hole in which to stow emergency rations--graham crackers, gum, and a fruit leather. Here are all the boys during a break from a tiring morning of clearing the driveway.

Simon insisted that we leave one whole carrot for each of Santa's reindeer.

Daniel cooperated by wearing the baby Christmas outfit that my mom has had since we were babies.

Simon is trying out multiple Christmas gifts at once.