[ we'll take eighty-one ]

Today the mercury crept up to eighty-one degrees. We've been begging for Spring, and when Summer gave us a preview today we played along and didn't complain. Busted out the toddler rompers, bare feet, and sidewalk chalk. After being cooped up in the house with the nasty flu this weekend, some fresh outside air was just what I needed. And I'm sure BR was glad to breath in some germ-free air. 

Breck was happy as ever with his cup-full-o-ice and spoon. 

I just can't get enough of his little feet and how his middle toe sits up just above the other piggies. 

Makes me want to nibble them. 

While Breck was napping, BrettRyan and I soaked up some sun, I read a little of my book, while he would get my opinion on baby names that were worthy of discussion as he came upon them in his book. When we were if-y on a spelling, we would write it on side walk chalk on the deck to see how it looked and what it felt like to write it. Cuz sometimes you just need to see it in your own handwriting before you oust a name possibility for your future child. 

Can't wait for Spring or Summer... whichever choses to show up first. 

-A

[ nice and quiet ]

No big plans. All low-key. No deadlines, just being together. That's what this weekend was... and it was splendid. Love it when the Honey is spontaneous and suggests things like randomly going to ice carving festivals. We headed out to Rockford to see some ice sculptures. It was pretty stinkin' cool to see the dam frozen over too. I still need to see Lake Michigan in it's solid state... now, that would be a sight. I hear the crests of the waves freeze in place. Yes, that's what we Northerners do when the white falls. That's the beauty of the seasons here... we soak up every one of them. 

Ice Carving Festival 2011, Rockford, MI

Joe was his name. 

We came upon the Twisted Vine at just about the time we realized our fingers, toes, and tips of our noses were froze. We hopped inside to warm up with some of their soup of the day: Cherry Peach Pumpkin Chili. (Check out the recipe: HERE.) If you think that sounds unappetizing, you've been mistaken.  It was heaven... a little sweet, a little spice, a little tart. The deli was precious. It was the kind where every little nook had samples of their own private label of dips, jellies, and preservatives for customers to try. Breck may have sampled a few himself. :)

Love these candids Daddy captured after our lunch. 

That soup may have been heavenly... but these pictures, I have to say, are even more delicious to me. 

Later that evening, we jammied up and headed out to relax among friends. Love it that they are the kind of friends we can show up at their front door clad in the jam-jams, and they greet us at the top of their stairs wearing the same comfy things.  

And look who's standing like a champ! J-baby, good job!!!  

[...................................................................]

This picture was from this past Friday, but I wanted to make sure I included it in a post. He is sharing like crazy lately... and I caught him nonchalantly dropping string cheese pieces to his buddy. 

Buddy is no exaggeration.

Here's to a relaxing weekend! 

This week we're gearing up for birthday party week and out of town family! Whoohoo! 

[ can't get enough ]

Lucky for Momma... Daddy snapped this while we were out at the Rockford Ice Carving Festival yesterday. And I just can't get enough of it! It's frame material because it's so typical Breck and Mommy. We made him laugh and he was so overwhelmed with bashful giggles he burried himself into my chest and I lost it in laughter. Love it.