Our First Kitchen "Remodel"

Jonas got a belated hanukkah gift this morning of his very own kitchen.  Even more special is that Michael made it for him on a budget out of Ikea parts (the base is a nightstand and the other pieces bathroom and kitchen fixtures) and a few pieces from HomeDepot.  The idea was not ours but instead from a blog called Ohdeedoh for hip parents.  Of course it required an extra trip to Ikea and a more hours than we anticipated, but the finished project is a nice sturdy addition to the play area.

Seconds after completing his first dish (a cake) and frying an egg for breakfast he started asking for changes: more storage space and a cutting board.  I, of course, can relate.

It's Still Snowing!

True Pittsburghers assure us that this much snow so early in the winter is not typical.  And not only lots of snow and often but it's super cold.  Today it didn't get over 20 degrees so the boys and I never left home except for one small adventure by Jonas on our porch.  It's this tiny space, basically for barbecuing, but perfect for him to "experience" the snow while the rest of us stay in our balmy 71 degree home.

Chef Jonas

Jonas' interest in cooking has intensified over the past few weeks.  He regularly quotes Ina Garten and asks what the ingredients are in things.

When we were in Seattle Grandma Kimmy patiently worked with him on an orange cake and let him use about 10 different spatulas.

First Snowday in Pittsburgh

Sleepless in Seattle

Okay, okay it wasn't too bad.  After the first 4:30 am morning the kids eventually went on a decent schedule waking up around 6:00 am and going to bed about 7:00 pm.

We had a wonderful week spending a few days in Magnolia (Northwest Seattle) with Kimmy and Nick.  Marcus and Summer live around the corner and popped by for a few visits; we also saw their darling new house.  Then we descended on Dana adding two to her brood of three, plus Clyde the new bunny.  Of course Jonas loved visiting both his cousins and their toys never wanting to leave.  He also mentioned that Dana has "much better food than we have at home mommy."

On Friday night Kimmy hosted a wonderful Hanukkah celebration including homemade latkes, designer jelly doughnuts, jonas' homemade menorah and dredel.  (Grandma Dinny in the photo above is a gorgeous 87.)

Grandpop Andy Comes to Town

It's been a busy few weeks and I'm running behind!  After a wonderful thanksgiving in Philadelphia we returned to Pittsburgh for a fun visit from Grandpop Andy.  He started Hanukkah season early hitting up three toy stores and Borders for the boys...

Sun Bathers

Today our first snow flurries in Pittsburgh are falling so I'm inspired to post photos celebrating sunshine.  Only two weeks ago our home was so warm the boys hung out in their underwear/diapers and

worked on their tans- in our laundry basket.  Jonas sang "rub a dub dub, two boys in a tub..."