Tine and Topher

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Another Hanson?!?

The rumors are true! Another Hanson baby is in the works...

Pop quiz: Who's the mama?

(Our baby is due August 8th!)

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Toddler and Coconut Gymnastics

Dear friends, Jeff and Rachel, sent us a Florida coconut in its dried brown husk. We saved it for a dinner party with our Floridian and Australian friends. It turned out that even with the folks with 'island skills' we were hosting, it took 4 people and ALL the tools shown in this photo to open the darned thing. (We threw a little hairy husk onto our shoulders for dramatic effect.)

About 40 minutes later, the water was slurped up and the meat extracted. Deeeelicious!

Avery and I have a weekly date at Arizmendi cafe for hot cocoa before gymnastics. We always take a book with us to read while we sip.

And then Avery burns off the sugar doing heroic tricks that take all his concentration and physical prowess.

(His version of opening a coconut.)

Sunrise Hike

Last Sunday, we woke up early headed to the east-facing hills (a spot called Inspiration Point) for some breakfast of soft-boiled eggs, scones, and tea.

It was 36 degrees (quite cold for us) but the manzanitas shielded us nicely from the wind.

Avery rode in a hiking pack for the first time. We realized later that the maximum weight reads 22 pounds. He's about 32. That explained some of our technical difficulty.

Avery Turns 2

The little man turned two. He had a great birthday week.

Complete with a birthday party:

7 friends (and their parents) joined him for scarf dancing and cupcakes

And an electric guitar from Christine's godparents arrived in the mail (for Avery).

He counts off his songs, "1, 2, 1, 2, 3."

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Winter Break, Baby Cakes

'Twas the season of giving!

We gave the DC family a week-long visit for Christmas and celebrated Lauren and Tommy's engagement!

We gave our annual gingerbread house a 26th try!

We gave Uncle Peter a set of matching jammies.

We gave Avery the studio space he needed for his recent watercolor hobby.

(He takes after his grandmother and great-grandmother.)

We gave Avery a reason to be courageous.

Sledding with co-pilot, Lois, in Tahoe

And Avery gave skiing a try!

(This skiing business was harder than we had expected.

Next year promises stronger legs and more success.)

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Crafty Ideas for Rainy Days

Okay, so this is not a toddler post. But it's filled with things you can do while your toddler is napping. And for those of you here to see Avery, there is one picture at the very end to keep you reading.

Wreaths! They are the perfect holiday gift and can easily be made with floral wire and rosemary (which we have a lot of here in the Bay Area). This first one is made out of Dusty Miller. I added dried and fresh flowers.

Add some (air) plants to your home to add some freshness for winter.

And paper white bulbs smell so lovely.

We went with a short Christmas tree this year and just put it on a table. This was already much easier to set up and will be baby-proof-ish. I found an old skirt of mine to use as the tree skirt.

After observing in Avery's Montessori classroom last week, we were inspired. I made this little table with wooden treasures I had collected and added a stool.

Nearby, we put a shelf with his activities on it to promote the independent playing we saw him do at school. He loves taking his 'work' off the shelf, using it at the table, then returning it when finished. It's pretty amazing to watch.

And if your mom has ever gifted you a felt animal kit, this month is the time to do it. This is a kangaroo with removable joey. Pretty darn cute.

And you know those old Museum Replicas Catalogs you received for years at your old apartment? Well, I hope you saved them because they make the best holiday cards!

Chris and Avery have their own crafty project: the gazebo roof and railing! Finally, this year-long project will soon be done. When it is, detailed pictures will be posted.