A little spring yoga on the deck

A "little" being the operative word. All attempts to exercise, re-focus, de-stress or center ones' chakras are ultimately interrupted by some squabble over a hot wheel (why when there are so many damn cars must the argue over the same one?) or accident (you don't need THAT much toilet paper!) or a request ("May I have some water....what?"--will Please ever come out unprompted?)

But here we were at least peaceful for a few minutes:



And only because the hair is so awesome here in this action shot coming out of the pose...one more:

March in like a lion

I know exactly what day these photos were taken because it seems that the passage of time these days is not marked in Levi's developmental milestones, or Micah's progress in school or the simplicity of shared time together. Rather it is the next deadline at work, the next paper or proposal submission or experiment to run. I was on the phone minutes before these photos were taken negotiating details of a proposal budget. I was that mom on the phone--distracted. Serious.

I'm glad I finished the call and just lived the moment. Enjoyed my kids. De-stressed for 15 minutes before the tide came in and soaked Levi and my next duty called...

Before there was Spring...

Before the pea shoots climbed and the lettuce ballooned there was snow in them thar hills above Ventura.


Zack took the boys to Rose Valley for a snow day with the Jennings family:

BC because

British Columbia because of friends:
Snowy views from our cabin!
Snow gear!
Skiing!
(Yes, that is Levi in there)

(Zack conveniently let Steve have his turn dragging Levi up the mountain)

Sledding!
Ski school!
(Micah had enthusiasm and never ending commitment in his favor, while the actual skills may have been in need of development)

(which conveniently buys time away together snowboarding on the mountain!)

And of course family:
Watch the 85 year old great grandmother go sledding down the hill:

Baby in boots, a diaper and on pink pony

Just because. The kids in usual form:
Noah looks on in dismay as Levi usurps his pink pony.

"Do I look like a musical robot?"

Forwards or backwards? How about both!

These are the people in our neighborhood

And with whom we must rely--especially when one parent is traveling. Like back in February when I was at a conference in Addis Ababa. Thanks to the Rice, Jennings, Burts and Schweitzer fams for being such good friends.