Speed Bump

The official story of Modern on Meadow, as told by our architects. Find it here ! (Note: the vineyard images are of Tuscany, not Napa.)

Take a big breath, let it all out. Repeat. That is how our vacation to California felt - a breath of warm air, and a bright swath of sunshine at the end of several long and cold Winter months. We were in familiar surroundings with family. Our most uncomfortable moments involved a few lines at Lego Land waiting for the Coastersaurus - a small price to pay for fun and relaxation. The kids barely came out of the pool during our stay - one more day and Charlie's hair might have fallen out from all the chlorine. Izzy braved ankle deep water in the ocean and Charlie attempted to surf atop a boogie board with his Dad and great-Uncle holding on tight. We dug in the sand and made elaborate homes for penguins. We spent time around the kitchen table with old friends and family members we see way too infrequently. We shared stories of travel, memories of loved ones, and hopes for tomorrow. We got up to paddle surf at the crack of dawn each day and my head sank heavily into my pillow e...

March is just around the corner and that means Spring weather and St. Patrick's Day! Now that we have a St. Patrick's Day birthday to celebrate every year, the day has special meaning and I really look forward to the holiday. This post on Izzy's birthday is one of the most viewed on the blog (that cake just might be my favorite of Janelle's awesome creations - check out the inside! ). It's hard to focus on much besides Izzy's beautiful rainbow birthday cake... But there were other aspects of the party that I really enjoyed as well. I loved the idea of using baby food jars to decorate for Izzy's first birthday when I saw this  post . In the interest of time and my waning energy, I decided to simplify this idea.

Isn't the snow lovely? Isn't it great when the kids and the dog can all run around outside in this Winter wonderland? There's hot chocolate to be had and a warm fire to cuddle near...love it. Except when I'm completely over Winter and its bitter cold. Winter - you've worn out your welcome. The reality this year was that it was too cold to enjoy the snow. Izzy was outside for exactly 2 minutes when I took this photo. We didn't build forts or snowmen or go sledding.  Charlie did enjoy playing in the snow - and by playing I mean shoveling. He saw our elderly neighbor out shoveling and ran over to help her. She only let him help for a few minutes and paid him $5 for his effort. She should have let him continue, he would have cleared her whole drive. The kid likes a task. In a few years, Ryan won't have to head outside to shovel at all. Do you pay your child to perform a chore that benefits the family? Now that Charlie is 5 we shoul...

Five-year-olds, five-on-five, high fives...bitty basketball was all it promised to be. I've written here about our first attempt at soccer and t-ball with mediocre to no success. But the third time was the charm and basketball was the sport for Charlie this year. Maybe it is because he is almost a full year older than when we first tried soccer (he looks so young here! ), or maybe it is because he is just much more familiar with watching and playing basketball.  Whatever the reason, our experience with basketball this winter was fun for everyone. We had 6 sessions, two nights a week for three weeks, and it went fast. The first three sessions were practices and the last three were games - and I use the word game very loosely! Check out that jump shot! I love that every time Charlie shoots he puts his entire body into it. Classic Charlie. As I said, it was fun for all of us - Izzy included. On this particular night, Wonder Girl made an appearance at the schoo...

Of course, a KU basketball game, right? Yes, but not just any KU basketball game...a women's game! Earlier this year we took the kids to their first KU basketball game at Allen Field House.  It was a men's game and it was really loud, a packed house, and very intense. Not exactly the best environment for small children that can't sit still and have a short attention span. But last week we took the kids to a KU women's basketball game and it was the most family fun we've had all winter. There are no crowds at the women's games and you can wander through all the old Jayhawk memorabilia and the KU Athletics Hall of Fame at a slow pace. There are some interactive displays where Charlie measured his vertical jump and checked his wing span against Wilt Chamberlain's. We compared the size of Izzy's red boots to the giant basketball shoes behind this glass display. We were the only ones in line to shoot some hoops! We went to the game beca...

I read somewhere yesterday that most five-year-old kids chatter non-stop and it is their way of testing out words and becoming skilled in conversation. The article said you should feel privileged to hear every thought that passes through your five-year-old's brain (!). Sometimes Ryan and I can't hear ourselves think for the constant flow of words. And did I mention that he has no inside voice? I know someday he won't tell me what is on his mind, and I will wonder and try to figure out what he is thinking and feeling. At five, he hides nothing inside, wears his heart on his sleeve, and spills his thoughts out loud. So privileged.

It's been a busy week. Snow days and a big birthday. I can't believe my baby is five years old. How is it possible? His birthday cake did not disappoint again this year. He changed his mind about what he wanted a million times. Hulk, Chick Hicks, Broncos, Batman, Missouri Tigers (?!) and Superman. Finally, a basketball with the bumblebee mascot from his biddy basketball team. Nice choice Charlie and thanks again Janelle!  We took the kids to Great Wolf Lodge for Charlie's birthday and they had a blast. That place is all about the kids - kids running around barefoot and in pajamas when they aren't slipping down water slides and jumping in pools. The sort of place Ryan and I try to avoid. Not this time. Just for you, buddy.  We made cupcakes with Charlie's class and read a few books per Charlie's request. It was Charlie's last birthday at Berkley and we will miss the open door they offer parents. We can come in anytime and plan just ...