An extraordinary ordinary evening

Last night was perfect. It was an evening I wish I could bottle up and open when things en la famille aren't so rosy (every day).We had crepes for dinner (with Nutella and strawberries and bananas and whipped cream and peanut butter and cinnamon sugar and butter and powdered sugar and crispy hashbrowns and bacon and juice). Then we piled in the van for a Sunday evening drive. I was transported back to my childhood, taking Sunday drives out Saltese Rd. into the country, or up towards Mica and beyond. We drove by the McKenzie River, with its oxbows by the hazelnut farms. We briefly contemplated buying a log house with 19.5 acres, stopped to "mooooo" at some new baby calves (#91 was the sweetest), and screamed when Kyle drove too, too fast.

The moment of perfect happiness came when Jillian and Hayden were rearranging the best bits of Guy on a buffalo into a very entertaining little song. When we returned home, we made homemade popcorn with real butter, cut up some veggies, and played Racko. Kara and I won twice, heartily yelling "RACKO" together to celebrate. After the littles were in bed, and Hayden and I played a rousing game of balloon volleyball, Kyle and I played Yahtzee with the big kids. I, of course, got a Yahtzee, so all was right with the world, even though Kyle won. 

Have I told you that I love my family? Now that we're complete, the six of us, I feel excited for many more perfect days together.

The girls

Photog with a fancy camera

In January Dr. Kyle went out and bought a fancy camera. It was on sale and we had some credit card rebate money. We are quickly learning that having a fancy camera does not make you a good photographer. I have a lot to learn! We had so many foggy and cloudy days in January that I didn't get to use it outside much, and the indoor light in our house is TERRIBLE, so we're not getting great indoor shots either. I am excited to learn to take better shots, and then edit them. I think editing can make a huge difference.

Here are a few shots from our new camera!

 Yes, Miss Kate is currently potty training! She's had four accidents in 11 days. Not bad, not bad.

I am excited to be done with the diaper stage of parenting. That's about $35/month that can go to something else - like clothes and food to feed my growing children.

 Hayden does his piano theory work. Hearing kids practice piano is one of my favorite things.

 Waiting for the school bus on a rainy day.  Rainy days have actually been rare this winter - we're already about 7 or 8 inches behind in rainfall for the year.

 We have a dance party every day. I was trying to get some action shots of Kate. 

 She was doing this funny pointing hip-shaking thing. Very Toddlers and Tiaras.

Kara got in the action with some spinning. I love her braids.

 Gangnam Style!

 Best buds.

 I started teaching Kara piano. She's taking to it very well. We enjoy our mini lessons together. We do 5 or 10 minutes one or two times a week, and then she practices on her own. This low-key way to start learning piano really works for us

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 My birthday! The presents and cards and lunch dates keep coming. I am a very lucky girl. This is the original photo.

And this photo is my edit on a free website. Hmm, like I said, this is going to take some work.

I am totally slammed this week. So much to do. Get I'd better get doing it! What's the best thing on your 'to do' list this week? I am looking forward to book club on Friday and lunch with a friend tomorrow.