January 30th, 2019

When the phrase “Hoth-cold” enters the household vernacular- while less gusty than yesterday, it’s still biting-cold in the morning

Test flights in the living room (yes, dad read safety articles on how to properly fly indoors) proceed

After a drone landing, Des and Ella sprint to the scene for the post-flight review

Eleanor’s demeanor radically shifts as she is no longer having this seemingly-autonomic flying robot’s campaign of terror

With Ella’s opinion of drones doing a 180° in mere seconds, dad quickly lands to soothe her worries

Nothing a bowl of mom’s divine tomato soup and grilled cheese can’t cure (nice form, Ella!)

January 29th, 2019

When the windchill is near -30°F at daycare pick-up, it’s stop- double scarf time

Clearly enthused by dad’s survival tactics

Dad’s birthday drone arrives unexpectedly early!

Just like the starfish educational exhibit at the aquarium, we use a one-finger touch when petting the drone

Dad managed to get the drone to fly, briefly.

January 28th, 2019

Tonight’s felt masterpiece- Mountain Campsite at the Bottom of the Sea (Desmond, 2019)

January 27th, 2019

Eleanor is shocked to find out there’s another trip to the water park after breakfast.

After seemingly panning splash pads this past summer, she spent a surprising amount of time here- flittering from one to the next to wash her hands, and those of whoever else is near

Des is just tall enough to grab a firm pull on the lever…

…wonder if the first time he knew what it’d do?

Sister gets in on the big splash action too

Wash all the hands

Team llama looking (surprisingly) in the same general direction

Then someone was merciful and offered to take a picture

Des for one last trip down the big slide (which is apparently constructed in such a manner that it is mathematically impossible for kids to careen down and arrive in a jumble of no fewer than two)

Well-rested after a long nap, making the most of the opportunity to gather for one last pizza dinner. Ella and grandma in the mermaid blanket-

Story time with grandma, for a repeat reading of Car’s “Tractor Trouble”

Looks like Eleanor had fun at the water park

The boys construct a fairly ambitious car track, though a few actually made it all the way

January 26th, 2019

Waking up to fresh powder

Eleanor learning fifth position in her first dance class

Lunch with (great-)(aunt) Molly at Lalibela Ethiopian

Napping with all of her friends- Margaret, Blue Bear, assorted animals and, clutched guardedly in hand- beloved monkey.

Now officially a tradition: dad’s birthday weekend celebrated with an overnight hotel stay, swim and pizza party. Des is just as excited as dad-

Eleanor wastes no time finding the nearest slide, dashing down with only mild hesitation

Desmond fearlessly conquering the two-story waterslide

All washed up after the pool, the pizza arrives! The pixar gods shone down on everyone with a quick find on the cable (re-explaining that concept to Des for the fourth time) with Finding Dory

Ella snacking with some of aunt Molly’s candied pecans (so yum!)

Snuggles and Nemo- the best birthday present

While Eleanor takes quite some time to fall asleep, Des and dad build a fort in the corner with a laptop viewing of The Empire Strikes Back (or with all the pause-and-explain-the-plot-details breaks, up until meeting Yoda on Dagobah)

January 25th, 2019

Ella just kicking back with grandma for dad’s birthday dinner

Great-aunt Molly (!) imparts some of her famously skillful coloring wisdom with Des

Possibly Ella’s favorite dish- mom made dal!

Opening Ella’s masterfully-signed birthday card to dad

Everyone four-and-under is excited about dad’s vinyl gift of a unknown Omaha songwriter covered by an even less known Omaha guitarist (woohoo!)

Cousin hugs are the best hugs

The first birthday dad has spent with the entire family in years, let alone with great-aunt Molly was truly, and tearfully, a special night.

January 23rd, 2019

Sometimes they just do the most random, cutest things…

Apparently you have to hold hands when requesting a picture with the most recent lego creation

The treats tonight were very, berry good-

Ella getting in on the water tube action

January 21st, 2019

With preschool/daycare closed for President’s Day, it’s a good day for lunch near dad’s work. Des and Ella patiently await cooled-down, cliche grilled cheese and french fries

Dreaming of cupcakes

Sitting in dad’s spot while mom has a work event, Des is doubly excited for his leftover mac & cheese