Is it January? Really!?

I can't speak for the rest of the nation, but I for one am loving this winter.  I'm sure all of the snow loving peeps out there are just dying a little bit every day, but for those of us with little kids it has been wonderful!  (Although the kids would love a little snow play and sledding sometime this winter!)

We have enjoyed many days in the 50s and 60s this winter including last week when we took an impromptu trip to Franklin Park.  There were sooo many kids running around everywhere and lots of moms breathing sighs of relief.  After all, running around like a lunatic after school happens rain or shine, snow or sleet--and today-- in January-- we were doing it in the great outdoors instead of inside our homes!

Max is a big fan of the swings (as is Cornelia).  Here he is enjoying what he loves best!  He has been my little shadow for the last few months and at the park he just stuck to me like glue.  He really wanted to play with Ruby, but she just doesn't stop moving and he didn't feel like chasing her all over kingdom come!

Cornelia was having a ball discovering all of the hidey holes and low to the ground spots at the park.  This was one of her favorite spots-- the only problem is that 8-10 year old boys kept flying through the hole above her head almost squashing her each time!  Cornelia didn't care though, she just loves being outside.  As soon as she's had her breakfast she's ready to get dressed.  She says, "soooes" (shoes) and then " ah-side" (outside)!  The only problem is that Mommy is rarely ready to go out with her first thing in the morning!

I got Ruby to stop for half a second to take this photo-- she was pretty wound up!  Ruby has enjoyed the camp-like environment at Brevard Academy this year.  They are outside a lot and walk quite a bit just to get to the different buildings for art, music, gym, and lunch.  At first she wasn't sure about it, but I think her attitude at the end of the school day is so much better thanks in part to the extra activity.  She loves to play on the playset Jared built in the afternoons too.  I'll have to get some pictures of that up next week-- it's pretty impressive!  I hear that a zip line is being installed by the boys this weekend-- sounds like fun!!

I tried to get a group photo before we left... sadly, this was the best one!  I decided to go ahead and post it-- it represents life as it is now.  Ruby trying to be large and in charge, Cornelia not taking one bit of it, and Maxwell just being a sweet boy.  What a trio!