Worn...

Okay, really.  How does this happen.....



This is the 3rd (THIRD!) pair of pants that Henry has worn a hole in the knee in two weeks.  And he's grown two inches since September. 

At this rate, he'll have nothing left but shorts to wear to school in March.  (Come to think of it, Henry would probably love that!)

But despite having to buy a few new pairs of jeans, I am so SO grateful that Henry is still little enough to crawl into my lap. To hold my hand. To call me "mommy" sometimes. To sit on the floor and play games with me all evening. I know these moments won't last. I know what is ahead. And I'm sure what is ahead will have it's mommy perks too. But, oh how I appreciate this sweet little boy right now, ripped jeans and all.

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So I wasn't going to post any Anna pictures today. She is a blog-monopolizer! (show-off!) But darn, these were just too cute.

Bath time this morning....

Pleased to meet you...

Today, Anna's dear friend Emily came over for a playdate.  As we were getting ready to go and pick Emily up, Anna said, "Mama, Emily doesn't know Grandma Anne.  When Emily gets here, I will say 'Emily, this is Grandma Anne.  Grandma Anne, this is Emily.' How's that?"

Perfect, I said.




Anna's comment brought me back twenty years.  I distinctly (distinctly!) remember the first time I introduced one friend to another friend.  It was my freshman year of college.  Most everyone up to that point in my life was someone I had always known.  It wasn't until college that I really started meeting people outside of my family or community.

Not so for Anna.  And she is three. 

Of course, much of this is because her family lives in both Minnesota and Oregon.  But still.  It just struck me....

Regardless of the formalities, Anna and Emily had a great time. As usual. 

And Grandma Anne and Emily?  Well, they were properly introduced to one another.  (thank you very much.)



Oh those freckles...



So Grandma Anne's visit to Minnesota is going so quickly.  She's only here for 4 more days.  And the worst part is that I've barely taken a picture of her with the kids (which was my big intention for her two week stay.)  But tomorrow is my big day....

We're going BOWLING..... Oh yeah.

Somehow bowling has become our "Grandma Anne is visiting" tradition.  So, bowling shoes and greasy (but oh-so-good) food, here we come. 

And oh yes, there will be pictures. 

Sunday diversion...

After all my Saturday sadness, I wanted to fill this post with the wonder and loveliness and beauty in my life that I am so grateful for.  Everyday.

So, here is my Sunday.  No commentary necessary.  (well okay... maybe just a little.)

In short, it was a fabulous day with my beloved family.





Anna and I made whole-grain waffles with blueberries....









And Henry made Lego creations.  Lots of them!







My wild child!













Anna's favorite game (next to "chase me") is "find me." We play at least 3-4 times a day.  Lucky thing is she hides in the same place every single time.  And, in spite of the game playing out exactly the same every single time, she is thrilled to play over and over and over again. 







The Super Bowl festivities started early today.  Ray has been a long time Packer fan and Henry has inherited the green and gold gene. 

The first words out of Henry's mouth this morning were "Go Packer's."



Anna wanted me to put snow on the Super Bowl menu.  It is, after all, one of her 4 main food groups (along with sugar, all dairy products and pickles).



Henry has been planning a green and gold football menu for a week.  Broccoli was even on the list for awhile, but then he thought better of it.  "Healthy" just didn't seem very Super-Bowl-ish.  On the other hand, cupcakes with lots of sugar, food coloring and preservatives....

Mmmmm, football perfection!



Even though she was upset that snow didn't make it on the party menu, Anna relented and ate a cupcake anyway.  But, I think it was just for my sake.  I'm sure she hated every bite.



Upon arrival, Henry handed everyone a Packer hat to wear for the game.



Ray asked me to take this shot of my dad.  With that Packer hat on, the photo may be used for blackmail purposes at some point.  (Dad, you can't say I didn't warn you!)
 


Henry was so excited about the Super Bowl, that his hat kept flying off of his head.  Really.

  

Anna wasn't quite sure about all this football stuff.  But, she was totally up for a party.  For her, it never really matters why.  She is my little socialite!!

(I think this is my new favorite shot of her.  SO Anna!)



It really was a lovely day, and a welcomed diversion from the past few weeks.  For all of us.