Spring Challenge: tidying the entryway

Mystie is hosting a Spring Challenge. I liked having Simple Mom suggest tasks during Project : Simplify (I did them all even though I haven't posted them!) and this is a nice way to continue the momentum. My procrastinated task for the entryway was to glue the felt that I had cut some time ago (years, eek) to protect the shelves from being scratched by the baskets. It makes the whole shelf look neater. I am also working on a better system for the contents of the baskets and drawers. I got rid of more magazines that were there and was able to move some of the drawing supplies to an empty basket which should make them easier to access.
I was hoping my sister would be here to help with the beautifying part of the challenge but she isn't so I changed the tray I had there and cut a spray of lilac from our yard. I'd like to add more art to the wall.I also spent about 15 minutes outside sweeping off the front porch and relocating rocks the children had displayed there. Since we come in from the garage the front door doesn't get as much attention as it used to. Thanks, Mystie, for providing the nudge to get something done!

Henry's Birthday

First thing he opened his presents from Grandma. The box had been sitting in the hall for two days and he could not wait to see what was inside. The jeep he found was much appreciated. Nora drew him a poster this week. She had a hard time waiting to give it to Henry. For breakfast we had cornmeal waffles with peaches and whipped cream as well as bacon.
For lunch he asked for pickles, olives, and chips. Done. With bread, salami, cheese, and pineapple for dessert.
More presents to open after lunch. The matchbox track is very popular. And we have many different cars that need to have their performance evaluated. The weather was beautiful and the kids spent the afternoon outside playing with their new garden tools.
Mimmu and Iso joined us for dinner. They brought a few more presents. Henry's dinner menu was roasted root vegetable soup, bread, crackers, and green beans. A train cake and salted caramel ice cream were dessert. Mark gave him a sword and shield . 'Nelope liked brandishing the sword. It was quite the day.

Train cake : the sequel

For Henry's third birthday I made a train cake. He requested another one this year. If anything, I think my frosting skills have deteriorated. I am still too impatient to wait for the crumb coat to dry completely. But gel dyes in bright colors compensate for a lot. And it tasted fine. Henry was a little worried that the cars were too small but not a single child was able to finish their piece of cake.

Crawling!

Penelope has decided to go the traditional route for mobility and started crawling today. She has been meandering around by shifting her weight from hands to knees or pushing herself backwards for a few weeks, but today she conquered intentional forward motion. Life will be different now.

Excited

to be wearing her mother's pajamas.

Triceratops

A quick trip : Tacoma

We headed out after breakfast on Saturday and arrived in Tacoma at lunch time. We picked up food at Metropolitan Market and got desserts at Jubilee Cupcakes. We ate at Anja and Liisa's house. Then we visited the Conservatory in Wright Park. We did a little shopping at Trader Joe's and then the kids and I checked in to the hotel before a lovely dinner at Maxwell's Restaurant.
On Sunday we went for a walk on the waterfront. We had lunch at the Rosewood Cafe. We all enjoyed the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and stayed dry for most of the afternoon. It was a little cool. After seeing all the animals we rode the carousel three times and warmed up. We rode the light rail downtown for dinner. This was Henry's favorite part of the weekend. We made a quick detour to see the bridge of glass. After we ate we went to El Gaucho for table side flambe bananas foster. They didn't have a table for a group our size so they put us in one of their private dining rooms.
Monday morning we made a quick visit to the Business Costco on our way to Seattle. We met Maryann at the Seattle Aquarium and checked out the fish and animals. They have a huge tank near the entrance where volunteer divers talk about the fish. We saw them feed the fur seals and sea otters. After lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants we headed home. It was a fun and busy visit!