It’s been a busy winter! We have had uncharacteristically dry, warm weather, with hardly any wind! Which means that we’ve seen more of Stefan this winter than any other since he became a lineman. It’s been a real treat to not only have Stefan around, but Grandma and Grandpa too. Fun, fun fun!!!
Soleil officially became a Spark. She’s been waiting for this day since she was 2!
We have all soaked up Grandma and Grampa’s love. And had lots of fun with them too!
Shelvy loves to play ‘store’ with Grampa. He likes to shop a her store, and apparently he’s a very good customer 
We have celebrated lots of birthdays this winter! Grampa turned 69 1/2, Shelvy turned 3 1/2, Soleil turned 5 1/2, Charley turned 8 1/2 and Carlos turned 9. He was treated to a very wonderful cake the girls made of wet and dry cat food. Shelvy even tried to lick the candle. Thankfully I noticed before she did.
We went to the Christmas dance at the school. The girls were thrilled to wear their special outfits that Romi Masi sent from Russia!
Soleil has been loving Kindergarten. Her greatest desire is to catch up to Charley. She’s doing a great job!
We’ve had a great time in the garden. We’ve had kale, chard, carrots and even some beets all winter! (and catnip too).
Shelvy put Stefan down for a nap. Why is this news? Because it almost never happens. Actually, getting a photo of him sitting down is news too!
We’ve enjoyed having our regular bird visitors this winter. The Anna’s hummingbirds spent the winter at our house again. I love how they arrive at the window in early winter, reminding me to put out their feeder. And they don’t hesitate to let me know when it’s empty.
And we’ve seen this gorgeous guy (gal?) a bunch of times in our Broadleaf Maple. It’s a Barred Owl and I think it’s helping the cats keep on top of our local mouse population. We love watching him/her fly- it is spectacular.
We had an amazing visit from Uncle Jimbo. We love having him here and we’re looking forward to having him, Stephanie and Cameron visit us again soon!
This is a picture Soleil drew of Uncle Jimmy and I fighting when we were kids. Apparently we were pretty tough
Have I mentioned how much I love our easel? One of the best investments ever! (as an aside, do you notice how Shelvy has adopted Soleil’s queen-face? Hee hee).
There has been a whole lot of trampoline jumping.
And lots of cuteness……
And sister lovin’.
New Years campfire (in the rain this year, but the marshmallows were still yummy!).
Soleil was thrilled to get her Girl Guides camp blanket for Christmas, and she proudly showed it off to her classmates.
We’ve had snow twice this winter. It wasn’t much and it didn’t last long, but the girls enjoyed it. Well, Charley and Soleil enjoyed it. Shelvy is truly a west-coast gal who hates snow
The most pitiful snowman, made with snow salvaged around the yard and on the trampoline.
The girls were thrilled when it snowed again so they could make improvements to their little Frosty.
We took a trip off-island to the skating rink and all had a blast. I think we’ll have to try it again soon with the whole family!
And now we’re walking into spring, and hoping that winter doesn’t hit us late this year! While we have loved being together this winter, we are excited for summer to arrive, for a number of very exciting reasons Stay tuned!!!
