piano.

Oliver loves the piano. Pounding the keys can keep him busy for a long time. We started putting him in his high chair in front of the piano while we make dinner. Although he prefers to be on the bench so he can play with his knees too. And I'm pretty sure he knows how to read music (see video below).

After talking about it for the last two years, I finally started giving Amelia piano lessons. She doesn't usually respond very well to anything we try and teach her (with the exception of riding a bike) so I kept putting off the piano lessons. I know we'll eventually have to pay for a different teacher, but I thought I could at least start her out. Our first lesson went more terribly than I had imagined (tears, frustration, etc). She has a hard time accepting that she can't do something perfectly the first time. But I didn't give up. With some helpful advice from my mom (my first piano teacher), our second lesson went much better. She is really excited about playing the piano now and stops to play through the songs she's learning almost every time she walks by the piano.

Elsa requests a short piano lesson after Amelia each week.

the freeze dance.

I came across this song several months ago and introduced it to the kids. It quickly became a favorite around our house. Even Oliver is starting to learn the actions. We introduced it to our Music Makers class and it has become a regular in the rotation there as well.

(The song is called The Freeze Dance by Dr. Cool and Pride. You can find it on iTunes.)

monsters.

The most requested activity for family night on Monday is the classic silly monster game. (Draw 1/3 of a silly creature, fold it under, then pass it to the next person until the grand unveiling of the completed monster.)

A few of our monster creations from last week:

saturday afternoon bowling.

My favorite part? Elsa's bowling dance (as seen below).

hair.

I think I'm finally getting used to Oliver's short hair. He was almost unrecognizable at first. I didn't realize how much of his identity was in his hair. I gave him a bad haircut a few months ago. Partly because he wouldn't sit still. And mostly because I don't know how to cut hair. And then when it started growing out, it was looking even worse. So on a whim one night last week we decided to cut it and Ben just ended up taking the clippers to it.

His new hairdo must have given him the inspiration he needed to start walking. He took his first steps a few days later. Like with most other things, he insisted on learning completely on his own. In the past we have attempted to hold his hands and help him walk, but he would immediately plop himself down and get upset. This kid is going to learn things his way and in his own time. When we're not looking, he likes to practice walking in the kitchen.

Something to note in the photos below: Oliver's awesome legwarmer socks. My sister made them for him (by sewing together baby socks and women's knee high socks) and they are brilliant! No matter how hard he tries, Oliver can't pull these socks off. And they keep his legs extra warm under pants when we go out.

Something else to note: Ben's semi-annual beard. Which will probably disappear soon.

screen printing: scarves

I love the handmade gifts I get from my siblings. This Christmas I received a beautiful bracelet, an alphabet book a year in the making, and the coolest snowman kit ever. And of course the fairy house. I try to come up with a handmade gift each year. Sometimes I do (muffin tin advents and pendant necklaces). Sometimes I don't. This year I decided to screen print something.

My dear friend (and master screen printer) Kristilyn printed a fantastic scarf for me a few years ago and I wear it all the time. I decided to try and print some myself. I used the American Apparel jersey scarves which are super comfy. Although next time I think I'll attempt to buy fabric and cut my own.

There are always a few goofs along the way, but generally they turned out okay. I printed a few totes for the girls too.

pajama day at preschool.

My camera is filled with photos (including photos of Oliver sans hair). But I've maxed out our computer's hard drive and our external hard drive. My photo obsession has forced us to move into the world of terabytes. So until my new external hard drive arrives later today, enjoy these iphone pictures of pajama day at Elsa's preschool.

oxon hill farm

We have been enjoying some sporadic warm weather this month. A few Saturdays ago it was in the 60s so we headed across the river to Oxon Hill Farm. It was such a beautiful afternoon. We wandered farther down the path than we usually do and were rewarded with spectacular views of the Potomac River, Old Town, and D.C. We stopped at a park on the way home so we could enjoy every last minute of that beautiful weather.