This week was one of those long weeks where your child has an annoying cough that keeps them up all through the night, which ultimately means no one sleeps well! Then the other child gets the cough also and it's double whammy... so this week was full of quiet time, naps, cuddles, cartoons and stories... mixed in with fatigue, frustration, a little bit too much "us" time, and melt-downs... but this is the natural rhythm of life right :)

The weekend brought better nights and come Monday, I was actually wishing for a bit more weekend. We had some wonderful outings, getting some fresh air and exploring. We had lost most of our snow with mild weather, so the kids actually got to get out on their bicycles which was wonderful and they thoroughly enjoyed working on some snow and ice-riding skills :)

Looks like the snow is returning this week :) Have a great week, stay healthy and hug your loved ones lots!
xox
Mandy

Our son loves magnetic toys. Two of his current favs are seen here, the @magformers and the @imaginets :) They offer him so much opportunity for creativity and feed his innate interest in building and inventing. Each toy comes with booklets offering ideas, but he will often say he doesn't want to use it... "I am going to build with my imagination" he says :)
Since he was a tired little boy this week, without much appetite and interrupted nights, these toys were perfect to sit in the warm sun on my bed and hang out together.

We are so fortunate to be surrounded by so many great parks and walking trails. @shubiepark

Playtime campfires & nature sharing her love #heartrock

The beauty and wonder of nature is all around us, sometimes big, sometimes small. Take a moment to really look and be amazed by what you see :) How beautiful is this ice formation on a couple reeds. The kids found so many as they explored and my heart was happy with their excited voices... "look I found another one!"

Have a wonderful final few days of January! Looking forward to a love-filled February ahead :)

Mommy... what is that bump bump noise inside of me?
That is your heart beating because you are such a great helper and working so hard.
Oh, great, he says :)

We spent some belated Christmas family time as my parents were away for the holidays with my sister and family :) The last few Christmas pieces have been finally packed away and we enjoyed some lovely quality time with Nanny and Poppy.

These days, we are immersed in the world of Harry Potter! Once she finishes a book, we all watch the movie. Usually this involves pizza and treats! So much fun creating memories together :)

"Working hard is important, but there is something that matters even more... Believing in Yourself" ~quote from Harry Potter

We got our first real snowfall of the year... and when this would usually mean outdoor adventures exploring and some magical forest walks... this was not the case, as the second half of the week, our little guy has a bad cough, so instead much time has been filled with lots of snuggles in the warm sunlight streaming in the windows, cozied up reading books, watching cartoons, and quality quiet play. 

"he snuggled right into her heart"

In our house, art is a constant... it provides an outlet, it often brings sanity when I need it most! When the kids get wild and we aren't able to get outside, out comes the art supplies :) Both kids are now pretty independent with their art, which is amazing for so many reasons! I can work or cook a meal while they create and I get to see more of their personal style coming through in their art. To have the freedom to express freely is such an integral part of life.

Dinosaurs... they are kind of a big deal right now :)

Magic runs free in her
My sweet girl wearing her "magic gemstone"
She makes wands and creates spells... I say sweet child... always continue to run wild with the unicorns.
Love you

A super chilly hike

Outdoor Free play :) #siblinghoodlove

Family movies, warm pj's & cuddles :)