Rub-a-dub-dub three little men in a tub

giggles from our 11 month-old

Here is a cute video of little Petey laughing at his big brother.  For all those far away who love this little boy. 

We have a new stair climber

(So we also have a new baby gate.)

Small snow but big smiles

So far this winter has been a big disappointment in the snow department.  I guess a mild winter is not really something to complain about, but we were hoping for a good snow.  This particular dusting was near the end of January- it was really crusty because it was wet when it fell and then it froze into a crust.  The kids made the most of it, as always.  And it's still February as I write this so mayyyybbeee- well, the reality is, I think Spring his here.  Just the other day I found fresh green and bloomy things, and I can't deny that makes me smile!  C'mon Spring!

Firemen

Ruthie is 7!

Ruthie turned 7 on January 15th and we celebrated by going to visit her buddy Squirt- the pony she rode back in the summer during Horse Camp.  Squirt was all shaggy for winter and really thrilled to see us, as you can tell. Ruthie has asked and asked to go back and visit him and get Daddy to meet him, so we surprised her and made the trip out to the stables.

After dinner at Ruthie's favorite Mexican restaurant we celebrated with a "Misty of Chincoteague" cake and the blowing out of 7 candles.

Then we snuggled up on the couch and watched the movie "Misty of Chincoteague" with a delighted 7 year old.  As you can see, she is not over her horse phase, but now she is reading everything she can get her hands on about horses and dreaming of the day when she can get back in the saddle.  She is growing up into such a tender-hearted and sweet young lady- full of spunk and tearing all the knees out of her pants, climbing her new favorite tree in the yard, riding her scooter and reading voraciously.  She adores her baby brother and is very attentive and loving to all of her brothers- only occasionally lamenting the lack of a sister.  She is back into ballet and really enjoying it more than last time, and with a new determination and maturity about it.  Ruthie is a darling daughter and we are so thankful for 7 wonderful years!

A couple of weeks after her actual birthday we celebrated at the American Girl Store with two of her sweet friends, Sarah and Julia.  The girls ate dinner and chatted, along with their dolls...

...and shared a pretty little cake...

...and giggled and explored the dreamy store and just had a once-in-a-lifetime celebration at a special place.  It was fun for Jay and I to get to be there with just Ruthie and her friends and actually chat with them and enjoy them without little boys taking all our time.  (An extra special thanks to the Powers for keeping the boys for us so we could do this!)  Happy, Happy Birthday, Ruthie!!!!

Dryers with Windows are cool