small wonders

The weather has been lovely here this week, and we are getting out in the warm sunshine as much as we can. It is not warm enough to be melting yet, but it is so lovely to be out in the sunshine, and we have been loving our daily walks. 

:: icicle sword

Our daily pattern now is to walk together until we get to the sledding hill, where the boys take a detour- often with their sleds (but lately they are able to sled right on their bottoms or bellies, it is so smooth and slick!) and I continue on to a little loop we've tramped down in the forest. I can still hear the boys hooting and whooping it up, yet that little walk through the trees is such a lovely calm moment in my day.

I've been continuing on down the driveway and onto the big road, which has melted and is nice for walking, especially now that the winter trucks are off the road and it is quiet. I can watch the little sledding boys on the hill as I walk. Today Ari walked down in his ski boots and lugged all his ski stuff on his sled. When I got back to the road I could see he had strapped on the skis and was racing around the field, over the hills and bumps, grinning and flushed. He came down to the road to chat over the fence with me, and then was off again. 

The snow is perfect for the boys right now- a crisp layer on top means they can ski or run right on the top and not sink through at all- they've been having all sorts of adventures across this frozen playground. But this pregnant mama has to stick to the paths and roads - I just sink right through when I try to follow!

Inside, Ari has started finger knitting and is loving it. There is a story and verse in the Enki craft materials that really engaged him and made the learning quite effortless for him. I think he will be ready for the "knitting sticks" in no time!

I've finally started knitting the birthday sweater I had planned to make last year for Ari. I was stuck on the fact he had asked for one just like Dori's, when I knew both of them tend not to wear pull over sweaters, and I also was a little tired of that EZ pattern after making both Dorian and Perry's sweaters using it. I talked with Ari and he agreed he would be most likely to wear a hooded sweater with a zip, but he still wanted it red and striped. Done! I am enjoying it quite a lot now that I know it will be worn!

I'm a little late for Wednesday's yarn along, but I snapped the picture with the book- I just finished it last night-a light and enjoyable read. It is the first time I've read anything by Peter Hoeg and I found his writing style quirky and totally entertaining. 

I know I post endless pictures of my kids play, but I love it so. I had a strong feeling today, while helping them clean up their toys, of how much I am going to miss this stage when it is done (not the cleaning part so much!) I adore finding these little set ups, and seeing into their imaginations. Today there was the sweetest little farm house built from blocks and castle pieces with a vegetable garden on the roof complete with goats and chickens. So sweet!

This week there has been an ongoing game that gets set up over and over. It seems to be a cross between a farm and a pirate theme, which I find quite amusing. I suppose one never knows when you might need a sword and cannon to protect your livestock!

We are really noticing the lengthening of the days this week. Now the sun is up with us when we make our morning tea, entertaining us with beautiful steam clouds dancing from the kettle and the tea cups. 

We have a busy weekend ahead of us, lots of events and activities to take part in. Have a great weekend, friends!