Valentine's

Etta & I worked together this year to make her Valentine's for her class. She was pretty pleased. And I finally learned that if I did just a little bit at a time it wasn't too much work and I didn't get overwhelmed. We wrapped blue tissue paper around some pencils that I had on hand, and according to Teacher Angel, they were a hit! Apparently Etta initially struggled with the fact that kids were unwrapping them and wanting to use them. I didn't really talk to her about that. But as soon as Teacher explained to her that that was the point, she was okay.

Etta drew all the smiles on the fish and wrote the kids names and her own name. And she picked out the colors for each student and all three teachers.

Grandpa's Extended Visit

Ten days with one picture? Sounds about like me. Grandpa Eddy was able to come and spend the last ten days with us. Bob and Erik headed to Portland on Valentine's Day at 6:00 a.m. for the All-Northwest music educator's conference. Dad came along for the ride and to help this very pregnant momma out. And to await Wicks Baby #3's arrival. Unfortunately for all of us, that part did not pan out. Grandpa left at 1:00 this afternoon and baby is still comfy in his current location. But the girls were very blessed to have Grandpa here for ten days of fun. And so was I! Don't know how I am going to handle having to get Mae in and out of the car by myself until baby comes. Or take her everywhere with me again instead of leaving her home. And have I mentioned that there are NO TEARS when Grandpa brushes hair? Yeah, I'm going to miss that too. And as sad as I am that he won't be at the hospital with us when baby arrives I am so happy that he was here - and will be able to come back.

The sun is in our eyes!! (Apparently 1:00 p.m. is not the best time of day for porch pics.)

Happy kids before Grandpa left. Not so happy after he drove away.

Oh, to be big

As much as Mae is her own woman (well, boy if you ask her) she wants to be just like Etta. Having Etta at school all morning, every morning, five days a week this year has been truly a blessing for Mae and I. Unfortunately I didn't realize quite how much until this last week - just before Baby #3 is going to bless us with his presence. Live and learn.

Enjoying "Etta's" toys while sister is at school. No one yelling, pushing or bossing to get her way! (You can insert Etta OR Mae for "no one".)

The other day Mae said, "When I four I go to school. And ETTA stay home!" Not quite sister.

We Be Jammin'

Nothing like a little music to pass the afternoon.

Take II

When Etta was 2 years, 4 months old she set up this. When Mae was 2 years 5 months old she set up what you see below. Kind of amazing/crazy. But fun! Bert & Ernie often drive the fire truck. They actually fit inside the cab. (Two more gifts from Grandma Cathy. Just like the bus was!)

Juxtaposition

On January 17th Bob and Steve took the girls sledding at Deary. As you can see, fun was had by all.

In the middle of everything the zipper on one side of Mae's snow suit disintegrated. Bob was handy with the duct tape. As you can see below, it took two tries.

Enjoying snuggles and granola bars on the way home.

And yesterday, February 11th, we were enjoying this weather. Bikes rule!!

Mae was "helping" Etta ride.

Or chasing her down the side walk.

Snow

In mid-January we got a bit of snow. It is looking like it will be our only substantial snow for the winter.

This is the same snow suit that Etta wore last winter. It still just fits.

Getting into position to take a fall.

Snow angel - with green grass peeking through.

Bliss for a 4-year old.

Snow - Take II. Etta got to play outside while Mae was napping. So of course I felt it was only "fair" that when Bob got home he take Mae out also. He needed to shovel anyway.

Etta is a big help with a broom.

Mae (still) wasn't quite sure of the snow. And when she initially got her mittens on her thumbs weren't "in the thumb holes". Bob rectified the situation and she became much happier after that. (Don't they look alike in the face with only that much showing?)

Popcorn & a Movie

Just  couple of their favorite things.

Public Art

Much to the chagrin of many residents in Lewiston, our city is actually spending money on - *GASP* - ART! On New Year's Day we took a little tour down town to check out new things.

One of the new benches.

What will be a fountain outside of the NEW library,

New art on a walking bridge that leads to the dyke/levee system. Fish found in the Snake and Clearwater rivers (I'm assuming).

It's different, but bright and creative.

And a snake!

Much detail.

Checking out a "guy" across the street from the Lewiston Tribune building. This is some "old" art. The girls weren't super sure and didn't really want to get too close.

New benches.

Moose!

One local citizen wrote a letter to the editor complaining that this pair isn't "true to life" as "bull moose are never seen in the presence of calf moose". Um, let it go man. Just because you're angry that we're getting art...

The kids loved them. Bigger than life to them.

Trying to get a picture of the three of them was nearly impossible. Note: in the background is the future home of our new Lewiston Library!! That is a whole other controversy. We are very excited. Etta has been waiting a long time for the doors to open. Should happen around her birthday. *fingers crossed!*

After checking out the walking bridge. They are walking back toward the car. Even four weeks ago this pregnant momma wasn't keeping up. This was using some major zoom on my camera. I love the shots of them walking together!