No, that's not a real drill Elijah is sucking on. That's Jon Leiner on the right, Marc's cousin who stopped by for the night.

It was great having Jon here. Of course he had to learn how to play Steal the Bundle, Elijah's fav card game- especially when he gets to steal a big bundle!

Elijah is learning how to cook, under Mama's watchful eye.

He wants to be able to cook with his eyes closed.

Sweet sibling hugs.

Mama and the kiddos!

This is how Boodles rides on Mama's shoulders. She likes an eye or a nose to hang onto.

I just don't know a sweeter little girl than this cute-ul Boodle.

Mama and Boodles

Get that, up there, Mama! Up, up!

Brynny in a box. Singing a Boodle song.

More of Her Cuteness in a Box

And now for a bottle and a boodle in a box.

At Jerusalem Mill Village, near Bel Air, MD

It was a beautiful day for a hike, if a bit muddy on the trails. A certain earthy smell was in the air reminding one of spring (a long way off, of course).

Beautiful, soft, rolling hills. A quiet, peaceful scene. And in the time it took us to walk from the top of the hill somewhere in those trees to this spot, I counted Elijah asking me 62 questions.

Now THIS picture was taken about 3 minutes before Elijah's head made contact with one of these wooden columns. Don't worry, at least he had climbed down off of that wheel first so there wasn't as much velocity as there could have been.

You might be interested to know that when we were coat shopping I steered Elijah toward this one because it would make him nice and easy to spot. Isn't he?

Nutty in her famous cat harness, going for a walk with Elijah. A boy and his cat. You will not be seeing any pictures of Nutty in this harness again. If she ever goes out again on a leash it will be hooked up to a full body catsuit that she can't wriggle out of.

Of course Elijah must make one of his interesting faces. Still, it's nice to see Daddy with his kiddos, isn't it?

The whole clan! Enjoying Kirstie's Boeuf Bourginon, which I will happily make again if you agree to come babysitt while I do it. It was delicious- but the best part was us all being together.

I think I will put these safety goggles on this foot!

Cousins!

The boys certainly enjoy playing together.

Jenny and Dave

Hannah and Bill

Elijah, Kirstie and Marc

Brynny was asleep in a corner at the restaurant.

Clementine- the restaurant where the last few pics were taken- has a wonderful play corner for kids.