Tess Uses a Fork

While her siblings fight, will Tess eat with a fork for the first time ever?

Macaroni and Cheese

It's the end of an era.

From day one in California, Rosemary -- perhaps seeking consistency in a new land -- ate macaroni and cheese for lunch.  Every single day.

Her other meals were healthy and varied, and we figured she would eventually move on, so we accommodated her.  "Yellow cheese or white cheese today?"

Eight months and about 104 boxes later, we realized we had to do something.

After many failed arguments, this is what worked:

"Bread and Jam for Frances," by Russell and Lillian Hoban.

Tess and Grandparents

The Grandparents Keithley came down to San Mateo for a short visit.

They spent time with all the kids, of course, but Tess was especially thrilled to have them around.

Tess only has about twenty words, but one of them is now "Grandpa!"

More pictures are here.

Santa Cruz

We drove to the Santa Cruz boardwalk over spring break.

Silas was pleased to meet the height restriction on certain rides.

Rosemary -- not so pleased.

But Rosemary did love riding the carousel with Meredith.

The water was cold, but all three kids hit the beach.

Easter

Grandpa Ray and Grandma Charlotte hosted us for Easter dinner and a pre-dinner egg hunt.

More photos are here.

School Days

Spring break is this week. 

With Silas and Rosemary missing their classrooms, it seemed like a good time to post some recent school photos.

At left: Singing "And the Green Grass Grows All Around."  (Rosemary was the Nest.)

 

Rosemary loves "The Fig" (Transfiguration Nursery). 

We appreciate the preschool's focus on play time.   Good to see Rosemary here putting out fires rather than fanning the flames.

The head teacher told us that Rosemary is hilarious, has a big personality the other kids love, and doesn't think the rules are for her. 

We said: Yup, sounds like we're talking about the same person.

Here is Silas reading his story for the class "publishing party." 

Sweetly, he wrote about a visit from Grandpa and Grandma Keithley.

Having grown up in a rainy place, I still can't get over the school's outdoor cafeteria.

Spring Flowers

Back in mid-December, Grandpa Ray and Grandma Charlotte helped the kids plant flowers along the side of our house.

Those flowers are blooming now, thanks in part to Tess' watering efforts.

The Barn

Grandpa Ray and Grandma Charlotte took Silas and Rosemary out to the barn recently.

The kids had fun feeding the horses, though both declined to sit in the saddle.

Ye shall find the kid wrapped in Superman-themed clothes, sitting in a manger.

Or something like that.

Spring on the Early Side

After freezing in New York, we returned to glorious spring weather in San Mateo: flowers blooming, trees blossoming, and breezy days perfect for kites.