Kitty Kat.

While we were away, Grandma took the kids to the Earth School Fall Fair and Lulu turned into a kitty kat. (Or is that little stinker a skunk?) Apparently the face painter's beautiful work was sullied shortly after this photo was taken when Lu got her hands on some ice cream and popcorn. Sounds like fun! xx

Vacay 2.0

Last year, Grandma was crazy, I mean, nice enough to come stay with the kids so we could get away for a few days. Imagine our surprise when she agreed to do it all over again this year! A quick, direct and shockingly inexpensive flight (and a twisting, turning, roller coaster of a car ride) landed us in most amazing spot on the island of St. Lucia situated in between the majestic Pitons mountains.  The view from our cottage in the cliffs was of the Petit Piton on the right and the Gros Piton on the left with a lush carpet of jungle rolling down to the Caribbean Sea below.

We were surrounded by all manner of green and colorful flowers including almond trees, starfruit trees, palms, bananas and countless other beauties. It rained a bit which didn't trouble us at all. In fact, a particularly voluminous downpour produced three gorgeous waterfalls sliding down the Petit Piton and one incredible rainbow.

Although we're pretty content to plunk down on a lounge chair by the water and while the hours away with a good book, there is so much more to do on the island. Snorkeling, hiking, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and horseback riding are just a few of the things that you can do in between sipping refreshing Watermelon Coolers and a lunching on curried fish roti. Here's Greg setting off to get a new perspective of the Pitons (and a nice view of some spectacular hilltop homes) by Hobie Cat.

We were happy to have a few days just to ourselves but we also knew right away this was a place the kids would love. So it might be so long St. Lucia for now, but we're coming back with the brood for Spring Break 2104! Can't wait to see you again. xx

Gettin' up there.

First of all, a massive thanks is owed to Grandma for braving a few days flying solo with the kids while we were away. THANK YOU!! Second of all, the 11 year old is, in fact, NOT standing on a stool. He really IS that tall. Grandma isn't a short lady and look how close he is to being just as tall. It won't be long before she's looking up at him! (Grandpa Tom requested photographic proof so here it is!) xx

Story of the Week.

Each week in Lulu's Pre-K class a child has the chance to write a story to share with the other students.  Last week it was our dainty and delicate Lulu's turn.  We were alarmed amazed by her ferocity creativity and we congratulated her on crafting a tale we're sure Timothy Leary would approve of.  Ahhhh, the remarkable mind of a child. And in addition to learning about her gift for spinning a yarn, we also gleaned insight into her lofty career ambitions when reading her author biography.

You go girl! xx

BB and BG (Big brother and the birthday girl.)

Since Lulu's big gymnastics party isn't happening until a week after her birthday, she decided that on the actual day she wanted to make pizzas at home. Daddy was assigned the task of figuring out how to cook them on The Big Green Egg while the kids got to work eating candy and making a giant mess in the kitchen. Lulu was delighted that her tongue turned purple after eating a handful of jelly bellies.  (Thanks for sharing Lu.) And happy 4th birthday to our baby girl!