Some Dar for Solstice

Best holiday song ever!

Happy Solstice!

Today we woke up to a layer of ice over even more snow that fell in the night. I snapped a couple quick photos first thing.

And then our "ice tester" went out.
It was crazy! I have never seen anything like it. The ground was making these loud cracking sounds under her feet, and she was NOT happy about it! And she had a blast yesterday, so her malamute part is quite intact. Poor doggah could not even find a place to piddle. :(

Close up of the cracks.
Heading back after giving up. She ended up going right next to the house!
So what do you do when you can't go out? Make brownies! I think Orion must have been inspired by the couple cooking shows I have shown him lately made by local kids because he wanted to take pictures of every step of the process!


Weird idea because I don't like nuts in brownies and the batter looked not even close to being enough to fill up the pan. I had these on hand so thought I would give it a try!



Yes, Orion took all those pictures! And there still wasn't enough batter, but they came out OK. The blueberries didn't soften up and lost all their flavor, so I don't recommend that, but it was worth a try!

Even Akasha got in on the act!
I cannot believe how lighting fast she is getting at grabbing things! She reached over and swooshed her hand through the bowl before I could catch her. So mom had to come to the rescue and lick her hands off LOL.

Solstice Dinner!
Turkey Meatloaf with Sundried Tomatoes
Zucchini Solar Circles with Saffron
Candied Sweet Potatoes

We did a very small ritual consisting of blowing out the candle and talking about it being the longest night. Then Orion, my son who shows almost no interest in music to my dismay, suggested singing a song to call back the sun! He even made up a short little chant that went:

Come back
Sun please

Then we relit the candles and talked about our year.

Now that's some snow!

Wow! I think it snowed all night. This is the most snow we have seen since moving here! I had to take some pics first things in case in started melting off like the other day.

The balls are covered now.... And snow dog prints.
The front yard and lack of visible street.
Orion is unimpressed. I made peanut butter play dough in a ploy to get more protein in him. I was totally bummed he didn't like it, but I thought it was yummo. I think he took a couple nibbles, and he did play with it, so it wasn't a total loss.
So when we went for the tree, we had Orion in a couple layers of clothing, and he had no interest in being outside whatsoever. He also had some issues with the way the layers felt. So I thought this great snow was going to come and go with him not even getting to check it out. Then I remembered we still have a size 3T snowsuit I was saving. Ah, the benefits of having a skinny boy! He fit right in. It was just a little short in the legs, but I figured his tall rain boots would make up for it. Well, he did about 5 minutes of frolicking before snow started soaking through the gloves and was getting onto his wrists and legs. It was fun for a few minutes at least! We took some video I will add here when Ron gets it digitized.

Here is Kona saying, "Hey, where are you going? Play with me some more!"
"Fine, I will go frolic by myself then!"
OK, Take Two. My night owl decides he wants to go back outside, and my husband remembers how to they ghetto fabulousized their snow gear when he was a lad. Duct tape baby! Here is use number 304:


Into the Night....
Not only does it help keep the snow out - it's slightly reflective as well!
Ahhh, a victim!
The scoop...
... and the score!
Oh no, you are not coming in the house like that dog!

And then the snow eating began!



I can't believe how much snow he ate. It was hilarious. Of course this was amazing soft fluffy snow. Ron said it was the best snow he had ever seen!


Oh, and before I forget, Akasha's third tooth broke through. Second bottom incisor on the right. Little Three Toof she is right now. No sign of the fourth, so she is lopsided at the moment. :)

Mario Songs

Who knew video games could be so sweet?! And this guy's voice is so beautiful!



This guy's "reply" is just as good.



I think the reason these are so touching to me is because I have always disliked video games so much in the past. Through being part of the unschooling community, I have met people who let their children follow their passions, even if they are media related. I have heard so many stories about what these passions can inspire if kids are not limited or made to feel like their interests are unworthy. And gee, look at this - beautiful and thoughtful lyrics and music inspired by video games. Who knew? Not me a few years ago, but I do now.

More Holiday blah blah

Akasha in the morning. This is the same thing that was over the birthing tub when she was born, and she loves to stare up at it every morning.
The snow has continued coming down off and on. It's coming along nicely. :)
There is much discussion about if or when the balls will get totally covered as we can see them right out the slider.
Our lovely rustic tree, sparsely decorated since it is lacking some of my favorites this year so they don't go missing...!
Some of my Christmas crap. Why yes, that is an entire shelf of Santa lap photos. And yes, the hutch is quite top heavy this year.
Stockings for everybody, including Kona. :)

Of Sandwiches and Smoothies

Couple other funny things from today....

We made a smoothie today that was quite yummy! I think Orion was was even more into it because he has seen a similar one on Handy Manny LOL. Banana, peanut butter, agave, cinnamon, rice milk and hemp powder. Yummmm!

And then Orion out of the blue asked for something really odd - an agave and cucumber sandwich! We made it and he ate it and asked for another one.... Whatever works to get the veggies in eh?

Dinner with Santa!

A local cafe had a neat little event this year - dinner with Santa for no extra charge except buying dinner. They set up an area for a Santa seat and you bring the camera. Great idea!

The spot, ready and waiting.
Waiting baby.
Yeah, I suck. It didn't even dawn on me to put any cute clothes on them.
Here he comes!
Santa is looking sorta thin. Guess the economy is hitting the North Pole as well!

This was Ron's favorite picture because he thought it looked like Orion was interviewing Santa hahahaha.
Is it just me, or is this Santa looking a little bit creepy?
He was a "young Santa". It was a weird discrepancy to be honest between his look and his voice. And he was not doing very well with the kids.... So many of the little ones cried. :( I mean, I know alot of kids at Santa anyway, but just wondering if the really young ones thought what the heck is this thing? Not mine though. Big goofy grin as usual.

"Hey, watcha doin with my sister?"
"Make room for me too!"
"I have a secret to tell you...".
"And I want... and... and... and...".
"Pay no attention to those other children waiting to talk to you."