The process, not the product

I've recently learned from the teachers at preschool that art projects are about the process, not the product.  Kevin has been very interested in writing and coloring lately.  He's begged me to buy more paint!  I had feared the mess, but it's not too bad.  We get the paint out about once a week.  Katie is currently obsessed with coloring!  She wants to color all the time.  (Most recently, she kept herself very entertained while waiting at the doctors office - she colored the entire length of paper on the examine table.  The doctor was impressed)!  I now carry a few crayons and paper with me for emergencies.

Good thing Nate was home, we put both kids directly in the tub when we were done :)

Pinterest & Houzz - you're killing me!

 With so many ideas for our house, I never seem to be able pull the trigger and make a decision.  Well, thanks to my awesome Dad & husband, we have a new backsplash in the kitchen.  Project completed!  Nate & Dad spent last weekend on the project.  It looks great, this picture does not do it justice.

If you have not heard of Pinterest ~ consider yourself less of a time waister than me.  The website is full of pictures of beautiful home decor, fashion, kids projects, cooking, crafts.  It's totally addicting and I can spend an entire evening pinning away future projects for our house.

We're close to making a decision on re-siding our house this summer (you may be tired of hearing us talk about this).  I found this front door photo on Pinterest to give us inspiration!

Dr. Kevin and other pics

A doctor came to preschool last week.  As you may have guessed, the free rubber gloves, mask and hair net were the highlights!

Yay for ice cream comes in January!

The kids were posing next to the birthday banners we made for Grandmom & PopPop's birthday party:

Nate & Great Grandpa Jimmie

A few Friday nights ago we took a ride to Nate's home town to watch a high school basketball game.  Kevin had so much fun!  Katie loved the jazz band music and the snacks.  Nate's grandpa Jimmie was honored at half time in recognition of his 1942 winning season.  Nate escorted him onto the court:

Snow, finally

Just when you think it's just the kids who get excited to play in the snow... we all enjoyed a chance to get outside on Saturday.

Ok, this was enough, it can go back to 60 degrees now, please.

Some silly pictures from the week

Dueling superheros!

Last, but not least, this one is my favorite:

(Yes, she's wearing her brother's underpants!)

A trip to the zoo in January?

YES - we put on our jackets and went to the zoo yesterday.  It was 63 degrees here yesterday, a record high for January in the midwest!  Everyone we saw yesterday was smiling and happy, thrilled to be outdoors and there were no snow shovels in sight.  Most of the animals were already indoors in anticipation of the harsh Iowa weather, but we still had fun on the playground and saw the new sea lion pool.

Here's a picture of the kids playing before dinner, Katie wants to do whatever Kevin is doing.

Have a great weekend.  Katie starts Water Babies swim lessons tomorrow.  Nate is going to take her, I am sure she'll love it.