hiking, hunting, zooing

Dragon log found in Schmitz Park

 one of his nature shots. just dirt, but look at the colors and the water flowing through.

E made a kite out of a paper bag at school and it works surprisingly well

We were on time for the Easter egg hunt, which was before most everyone else, so we got recruited to hide the eggs :) 

After the Easter egg hunt, we headed up to the zoo.  B has many many terrific shots of the animals that I didn't include here.

I think these two like each other

A has some pretty great photography skills as well.  B must be rubbing off on him.

Science, Center, and Scenic overlook

 On a rainy Spring Break day, the Science center was crowded.

 a real life Ashcroft gauge!  I remember that we also found one on a CT train.

R was unsuccessful getting a refund from this teller

 the clouds are so dynamic!

E waiting for the water taxi to take us downtown

blue sky walks

my father in law is a very talented photographer.  he is a real artist with a keen eye for setting up the shots and using his equipment optimally.  he takes classes often to keep improving and learning.  he was so kind to share his photos from the trip with me so that I could use them on this blog.  i'll post a sampling of them, and follow them with a few of mine though not comparable.  thank you B!

  walk on the beach and through the neighborhood.  flowers starting to bloom, though still chilly, means Spring!

Aunt B stays limber and active!  following her example, we all move on the playground.

 e got his first fancy haircut.  totally worth it for the family shot. :)

see how nice?... he could do this professionally for business marketing.

A and E are entertained by the "shop dog" at a nearby furniture store

E still loves his swim lessons

April shenanigans

dinner with some new friends K, C, and N.  the kids played a very serious role of protecting e the leader. lots of flashlights and an elaborate pillow fort where he slept that night.

we love our new violin teacher T.

and now, presenting the T family visit!  Nana arrived a few days before the others.  We did a lot of furniture shopping, and found a mudroom bench, lamps, rugs, etc. walks on the beach and relaxing enjoying having time with her.

 showed Nana my office at the hospital.

March wrap up

yum. everyone loved falafel and tzatziki.  next is sweet potato fries.  working on plant strong and vegetable heavy food around here!

 good morning to Daddy while he is away.

 E's art class has been nice on rainy cold nights.

 We start suzuki. this is the pretty church where we meet for group lessons every other Friday eve.

 E's 1/10th violin in a case around his shoulders.  we're all excited!

 lovely, aren't they?

 E got a hankering to do a sewing project (i was mending a quilt), and we loved this stuffy dog from Aunt A.  he did the whole thing in one day.

 E and I have been taking walks after school.  we are so lucky to have Schmitz Park in our neighborhood.  We love exploring the paths and can't wait to take Aunt B and August there.

 We noticed these flowers coming up along the wet areas.  Ms. C told us they are swamp flowers. pretty in the sunlight, but will stink when they bloom.  gorgeous, voluptuous, not to be missed!

 working on posture before notes.

 dinner with S's in AH.

 showing Daddy Schmitz Preserve Park, we took a new trail and came out on top with a view.

 dinner with Greentree friends, the I's and J's.
shopping for the right dining room table.