Homeward Bound

Traveling at night, the headlights were bright

but soon the sun came through the trees.

Around the next bend

              the flowers will send

the sweet scent of home in the breeze. ("Home," Bonnie Raitt)

We are home, and our hearts are full. So grateful for our Pittsburgh tribe. 

There's a Piano in the Kitchen and the Kids have the Flu, but It's Sure Nice Talking to You...

Anyone remember that old Harry Chapin song "Cats in the Cradle?"

 The piano in the kitchen part wasn't in the original lyrics - I added that :-).

Your eyes do not deceive you. That is indeed a piano in my kitchen. A little bit of reno is going on here in the Smith house!

It's a wee bit exciting and a whole lot annoying. It's dusty and disruptive and - holy smokes - it's loud. Those dirty old yellow floors are suddenly not nearly as offensive to me as they were before all this started. Alas, this will all be worth it in the end. Stay tuned for some spiffy "after" pics touting shiny new floors!

In other news, two of our littles were felled by the flu last week. Sigh. Poor little Chilly had it the worst. Hold me mama. I need you mama. Over and over for 36 hours. On a particularly busy day when I just really needed my hands, this is where he stayed for hours:

As it turns out, even the flu has its up side: I got my baby back for a few days. 

A Chat with Charlie

On this sunny Sunday, a few of my favorite phrases from the two year old in my life:

Mama, I want to carry you.

Translation: I want you to carry me.

In't that sad?

Translation: I am reporting a grievance to you, such as "Max hit me on the head," or "Daddy wouldn't give me any M&Ms;" after I've told you what has been done to me, I'd like you to concur with the unfairness of this situation.

I need you Mommy.
Translation: The babysitter has just arrived, and I've decided I like Mommy better.

What's it called?

Translation: I'm halfway through the ABCs and have forgotten what comes next.

You need a spank!

Translation: You are not giving me what I want.

Mama, I want to hold you.

Translation: I want you to hold me.

No, I beg yoy pardon!

Translation: I have just been reprimanded for something and I strongly disagree.



It's too dike.
Translation: It's too dark.

I just bifed.
Translation: I just threw up.

Big boys get nem nems.
Translation: When I go on the potty, I get an M&M.

Is that yoys?
Translation: Is that yours?

"The angels are stooping above your bed. 

They weary of trooping with the whimpering dead. 

God's laughing in heaven to see you so good; 

the Sailing Seven are gay with His mood.

 I sigh that kiss you, 

for I must own 

that I shall miss you 

when you have grown."

-William Butler Yeats, "A Cradle Song"

In Like a Lion

This is happening:

So this is happening: 

And this is happening:

 

And this is happening:

And this is happening:

When I am old and gray, I will miss these days. So bring on the snow, the cold, the cancellations. We are together, and that is enough for me.

So Long Cabin Fever!

We packed up the kids and the car last Friday and hit the road in search of a little adventure.

We found ourselves a cozy little condo on the side of a mountain and snuggled in for movie night!

Then the three oldest found their ski legs and impressed Greg and me with the mad skills they acquired after their first lesson last week. 

There was time for the pool...

...and the hot tub.

There was hot cocoa with marshmallows...

...and indoor races.

We made some new friends...

and pretended it was summer on the indoor playground.

Until next year, Peek 'n Peak! We had a blast and can't wait to come back!