Graham Crackers and Cream Cheese.

Jordan thought she'd try cream cheese on her graham crackers.  She didn't get to eat the first one though.  After she dropped it (I was sure it ended up cream cheese side down on the rug), it somehow bounced off the rug and landed on the cabinet.

Tulips.

I love Whole Foods for more than just the produce and baked goods.

No smoking.

The wall garden.

Okay, I've seen rock gardens and I've seen plants growing on a stone wall, but really?!!  How did that seed get there and then receive enough nutrients to grow?  There are several of these ferns growing on this brick wall.  Nature is amazing.

MacBook.

Playing with the Photo Booth program always provides plenty of laughter.

Lunch.

Romaine lettuce, bell peppers, avocado and black beans.  The corn & chili salsa (from Trader Joe's) mixed with sour cream makes a fabulous dressing.

The snow is finally melting.

Looks like spring might actually be right around the corner.

Uphill Skating.

Apparently roller skating up hill is a bit difficult.

Candyland.

A friend's 15th birthday party with a Candyland theme.  She knew just the shoes to wear and she knew she wanted a frilly party dress.  This is the end result.  Notice the handmade candy necklace.  I envy her confidence and sense of style.

Castle.

The best show on T.V.  I finally found the series DVD on Amazon.

The Mall.

Even on a cold evening, they couldn't avoid the water features.

A new love.

The cookies are fantastic by themselves, but add the lemon curd and this is one tasty little treat!

Poor cat.

The picture is bad, but the moment was fun.  I wish you could hear the sound coming from poor Jilly.  This cat bring so much fun to our family.

Unexpected color.

My African violets are blooming.

Peeps.

We love Peeps at every holiday.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Last ditch effort.

Jordan always wants to make a snowman whenever it snows.  She doesn't always stick with it 'till the end, though.  I usually have to get after her to finish them.  This evening she wanted to finish this one so she could take a picture of it with her new phone.  Don't you love how he turned out - she calls him Heinz in honor of Dr. Doofenshmirtz from Phineas and Ferb.

Afternoons.

I find it sweet that Maddie waits for Jordan at her bus stop every afternoon.  How do you like the high heel sandals she's wearing?

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

An early 68th birthday celebration.

Another snow day.

We woke up to a dusting of snow this morning.  As the girls ate their breakfast we noticed more snow falling and as we headed out the door there was a full blown snow storm blowing around outside.  School was finally called off after we arrived at Jordan's early ortho appointment.  Yay. 

Farewell, Sydney.

Taken as we left Sydney on Tuesday, February 9th.

Kukaburro.

at the Toronga Zoo.

Art.

This is a display outside of Sydney Town Hall.

Inside the Opera House.

Rain all day = indoor tour and shopping.  This is one of seven performance areas at the Opera House set up for tonight's Beach Boys concert.

Kangaroos and Koalas.

Last time we were in Australia, we were fortunate enough to see some kangaroos in their natural habitat - hanging out in a field near the road.  They weren't close enough to get good pictures, but it was still something I was happy I was able to experience.  That same trip we went to a state part to see if we could find some koalas.  We did, but they were so far up in the trees, they just looked like squirrel nests sitting up there. 

Today we went to a sanctuary and were able to experience both animals up close and personal.  This was amazing!  Kangaroos coming right up and eating out of our hands or just wanting to have their ears scratched.  The koalas are just like big stuffed animals - so cute and cuddly.

Luna Park.

From our harbor lunch cruise this afternoon.  I think I'll work with this one in Photoshop when I get home. It's another very cloudy, overcast day.

We finally made it.

After 35 hours of travelling we're needing clean clothes and a shower.  Since the hotel wasn't ready for us yet, we took a quick bus tour around Sydney. 

We didn't get to see Tuesday February 2nd since we crossed the International Date Line in the middle of the night on Monday and landed in Sydney early Wednesday morning, so there won't be a picture for "yesterday".

We're off.

The dreaded trip.  Almost every year there is some sort of business trip that Pete and I both have to attend.  Sometimes for a week, sometimes two.  These trips seem like a good idea when they're presented to me.  We've seen some amazing places around the world.  But the few days before we depart the girls are miserable - crying and begging me not to go.  I always wonder if the trips are worth having to see these beautiful girls so upset.  They usually get over their misery after a few days, but right now that doesn't seem possible.  Thankfully they have grandparents who understand this and desperately try to cheer them up.