Completion!

There is great satisfaction in completing a project!  Here Benji models the hat I made for him...

He looks like a little elf!  You know I am a sucker for all things elfin!
I also finished the sweater and hat for Maya.  It should fit her next winter...and sure she might look a bit like the Michelin man in it...but that look works for babies!  Ha!  It is snuggly and warm...and symmetrical I might add!  
I still have a few knitted projects up my sleeve and the impending spring weather makes me feel like taking my sewing machine out of hibernation!  More crafty goodness to come!

Getaway!

Vacation!  School is out this week and we are soaking up the quality family time.  We headed down to Boston on sunday.  We wanted a hotel that was kid-friendly--that means location and pool!  We hit the jackpot with the Marriot Long Wharf!  It is right next to the aquarium.  Our room had a view of the harbor and aquarium.  We headed right to the aquarium....the penquins were as cute (if not a little frisky!) as ever...we saw sharks and sea turtles and a ton of fish.  I love the aquarium because it is not overwhelming.  When we had our fishy fill, we said goodbye to Poppy, Mimi and Meme and headed back to the hotel with Auntie and Grammie for a little water fun of our own.  Inspired by the seals, Mia spent at least an hour in the pool with Daddy! I had to drag her out all pruney and purple-lipped!  Benj was not that into the pool.  He hung out with the rest of us poolside.  I did venture into the hot tub...ahhhh.

Benji makes friends with a penquin!   

After the pool, we took a cab (rainy weather) to a restaurant in the north end.  It started out rocky--Benji was a mess.  All he wanted to do was hang out at the bar and play peek-a-boo with a girl!  That was not really in the plan, so Grammie (thank god for Grammies) had her meal packed up and headed back to the hotel with the littlest barfly.  Tom, Auntie, Mia and I stayed at the restaurant and had a blast.  Mia sure can hang these days!  She entertained herself with her polar bear and lemon sorbet, while us "grownups" enjoyed our baby-free meal and the chianti!  We ended the night at Mike's Pastry, letting our favorite girl pick out anything she wanted!  She choose a pistaschio macaroon, after much (much) deliberation.  It was cute, she felt quite grownup.

The next morning, the Lynch family had breakfast on our own, while Grammie & Auntie slept in.  When we were all up and ready we headed to the Boston Children's Museum.  This place is awesome.

Mia played teacher...

Benji read some books...

Mia worked on her surfing skills (see Benji sleeping in the background!)

Overall it felt great to get away, even just to Boston.  I love going to the city, it is so invigorating.  I also love how by getting away, even for a night, I love to come home again.

Maya

Tonight we had the great pleasure of meeting Maya!  My old and dear friend Katie and her husband, Rocco, have just had their first child!  She is a beauty.  We arrived bearing chicken and rice soup, lavender bath salts and mother's milk tea.  Mia offered her singing expertise and Benji entertained their dog.  I squealed with delight at the little newborn hands and lips.  I particularly loved her hat! (I made it!)  We are looking forward to watching her grow! 

  Welcome to the world Maya!

Sleeping angel!

Mia was so gentle and loved "helping" Katie!

Of course I couldn't resist taking a turn.  It is amazing how easy a newborn fits into your arms....it just feels so natural.  Ahhhh, sigh..newborn baby love!

Eddie?

Why does my baby look like he's late for a Pearl Jam concert?

Because Daddy dressed him! Ha ha ha ha.
I might be dating myself referring to Pearl Jam and all.  Tom & I thought he looked adorable rocking the baby grunge look.  If only I had a little baby flannel shirt to tie around his waist! ha.  Thanks to Uncle Mike for the sweet "My Daddy's tattoos are cooler than yours" tee-shirt that inspired the whole ensemble.  Rock on Benji...(but not too hard!)

5

Today is a gray february day.  Cloudy and dreary.  I was looking through our iPhoto and found 5 photos of Mia & Benji that made me smile.  To brighten up your dreary day, I'll share.  They are in no particular order.

1.) Sometimes my living room really does look like this!  Lots of laundry (lots) and Benji is such a good helper! (ahem)

2.) The look of sheer joy and goofiness of Mia is priceless!  She's wearing her mermaid costume over her knit dress...Benji was dancing in the background.  I loved the banner Tom made for Mia's birthday this year.
3.) This picture is from the summer...Mia hiking.  I love it because I know it will be hot again...I love to hike...and Mia just commented the other day that she'll hike again this summer--provided we bring snacks!  That's my girl!
4.) This picture Tom calls his "three" kids....Benji, his snowboard and Mia.  I like when we get to spend the day together, and Tom gets to ride.  He loves it so much...I earn a lot of "good wife" points when he gets to go (right?).
5.) And finally, how can that not make you smile?  A baby in men's boots.  Ha! 
With love and happy thoughts to you all!

On my lap and on my needles...

Sometimes there is truly nothing more soul-satisfying than a kitten curled up on your lap, while you snuggle in a favorite chair with a handmade quilt...

and a special project on your needles!  I am making a little present for Mia.  Nothing elaborate or tricky, just a simple left-over yarn neck warmer...I love that this project is truly useful and I didn't need to buy anything to make it!  Usually, I love an excuse to buy new yarn, but it feels good (in a good new england thrifty way) to make something utilitarian out of what you already have!
It will be warm for those times when she's playing outside or skiing with Daddy.  Don't you just love seeing family members and friends wearing your creations???
Speaking of which, I finally finished the gnome hat I started in NOVEMBER for Benji.  I'll give it to him for valentine's day...it came out very cute.  I'll try to get a picture of him wearing it--because it is truly adorable.  I got the pattern out of a great book:  The Children's Year.  It is full of seasonal activities and crafts for parent and child alike.

That's all from my little corner of the world...just me enjoying the coziness of winter and the thrill of celebrating the small triumphs. 

Silkie Fun!

Oh the fun that some silk fabric in gorgeous colors can bring!  I snapped a few pictures the other night as the kiddos played....just had to share.

Benji rocks the toga!
Mia is clearly not impressed with the mama-razzi!

Candlemas

Today is Candlemas, la Chandeleur in french. I first discovered this holiday while I was living with the Kolls in paris. As with most holidays in most religions and cultures, it celebrates the light and the sun. On february second, we celebrate the return of the sun, as the days get longer and we know spring will return. Traditionally, Candlemas is celebrated with the lighting of candles and the eating of crepes (to honor the sun--because they are shaped like the sun!). So tonight, Chez Lynch, as with other years we will be feasting on crepes. We will celebrate la Chandeleur in the way that has become our family's tradition, a little bit Waldorf, a little bit French and a whole lot Lynch. Cheers!

So much snow!

I sent the kids and Tom out to play in the snow!  They had so much fun, I snapped a few pics and made a grocery list, updated the blog and puttered around.  I should have cleaned and folded laundry, but heck I wanted to blog!

Look at the snowbunnies!  Snow is so fun, I feel bad for kids that don't get to experience the magic of winter!
It wasn't good snowman snow, but they did crown Benj king of the snow pile!
Benji finally got boots and really enjoyed his first snow-play experience.

Now it is time for hot chocolate and naps!  Hooray for lazy winter sundays!