Stop to Smell the Roses (by the Rununculus)

Last Saturday, my parents and I took the boys to the flower fields in beautiful Carlsbad, California. Open from March through Mother's Day, the flower fields are acres and acres of brightly colored rununculus planted in wide bands of color. On one side of the field they even planted them to look like the American flag. While we were there, Vance took advantage of our walk through their little rose garden to literally "stop and smell the roses." A great blues band performed, and there was an arts and crafts festival. One of my favorite activities from last year and this year was our walk through the sweet pea maze. The walls of the maze are made entirely of sweet pea plants, and the fragrance was divine! The boys loved the tractor ride, of course, and playing in "Santa's playground." I love Carlsbad! It would be nice to live there some day.

Christmas in April

Every Christmas season, we have a tradition of making a gingerbread house or gingerbread cookies. This year, my sweet visiting teacher, Betsy, gave us a gingerbread train kit. Even though we were very excited to receive it, time just slipped past us last December, and I didn't follow through with our gingerbread tradition. Well, since the experation date for the train is marked for the end of this month, it was now or never. The boys and I had a lot of fun putting it together, and it was so much easier not having to make anything from scratch! Thank you, Betsy, for this fun gift!

I don't know why this picture won't turn.

Mr. Independent

Vance has never been one to let others help him with anything. He wants to do everything by himself, and the result is usually a big mess. But, Vance, I applaud you for your efforts. Last night, he helped himself to a snack, unbeknownst to the rest of us. Maybe I should have been mad, but it was just too funny, and I was proud of him for taking initiative.