Some firsts and other things

I don't really have a cohesive theme for this post, just a few odds and ends - some of these things are "firsts" for us, others just seem important for me to remember.

I've been working on making my own version of an iced caramel macchiato brewing extra-strong pour-over

Henry adding jewels to his treasure box

Setting up the rocket Henry got last week

Getting ready to blast off - it is reusable with baking soda & vinegar!

Starting seeds indoors for the first time with my little makeshift "greenhouse"

With Henry's hoodie complete, it's time to start a new project!

Winding the yarn for Felix's new sweater, using this pattern (thanks Beth!)

Our first visit to Irvine Nature Center. They have an amazing outdoor play area that the boys loved. We played outside for 2 hours with friends despite the chilly weather Friday afternoon!

Henry has really embraced springtime!

Palm Sunday artwork

And one more. I think I am going to frame these and hang them every year for Holy Week. Seriously, I know I'm his mom and therefore biased, but this kid's talent is amazing.

And finally, the first (and hopefully last!) snow in springtime!

Spring Equinox & Henry's Rainbow Hoodie

One of the reasons I've chosen homeschooling is to allow us more time to be aware of and observe the changing of the seasons. We had a wonderful, simple "celebration" today.

Probably the most exciting part of today was that I finally finished Henry's rainbow hoodie that was promised to him first at Christmas, then his birthday...but now it's done, just in time for spring!

In the end, today wasn't all that different from any other - we went to the chiropractor, then gymnastics, back home for quiet time, and then played outside until dinner - except in our mindfulness and awareness that this marks the first day of a new season. Henry was so excited and made cards for everyone.

Henry posing with Felix & his newly completed hoodie

I felt rather like the mother bunny in Goodnight Moon, whispering "hush" and knitting in Henry's room last night as he went to sleep

Henry helps Jude open the card he made for him

Playing with a neighbor friend this afternoon

After our friend from across the street went inside, Henry made a "path" that I think was part of a map or secret something-or-other. Everyone watched hm with great fascination.

 And then...the moment we'd all been waiting for! We planted our flower seeds. (We picked up the seed packet yesterday at our local hardware store, just a traditional flower mix.)  I've heard you can start seeds in egg cartons, so I decided to give it a try. We'll see how it goes!

I just had to include these pictures of Felix...after dinner, when his brothers were running around, he was meticulously coloring in all the eyes, noses, and mouths of the people in these pictures. It was amazing how long he sat there - at least 20 minutes, to be sure.

Room reassignments: Henry's Room

The view from the doorway

The craft table (we share it!)

Felix often asks Henry to draw lollipops for him, which he then colors in.

A couple of upcoming projects

 Ok, I realize the following is going to be total overkill but I just can't stand the adorable cuteness...there are many others I didn't include, so be grateful for that, at least.