This past New York winter–mild, erratic, flighty–was still winter. And all that comes with that–the boots, gloves, dirt salted floors, early darkness and staying inside as much as possible–put me a little off these past few months. More than usual. As well, I was hit hard by going from full-time to part-time help for the kids and by my husband’s brutal 7-day-a-week work schedule that lasted most of this year.

But I’ve missed you guys! I have a lot of longer (you know how I go on and on…) stories to tell you but real quick I wanted to share some of the things we’ve been up to–museums, ice cream, Mardi Gras parties, hair cuts, more ice cream, ballet, traveling by airplane for the first time…

Molly the dancer

Contrary to what this picture seems to illustrate, Molly is doing really well in ballet this year. Having loved (and quit) ballet myself when I was much younger, this makes me very happy.

Winter ice cream

It’s never too cold for ice cream.

Ellie love her beads

The kids’ preschool’s Mardi Gras party is a huge hit because of the beads. And the dancing.

I had the greatest time spending an afternoon with very talented filmmakers and their amazing crew. (I will have so much more about that later on!) Toward the end of the interview, my kids came out to join me on camera–they were missing their pants had American cheese smooshed in their hair. Sigh.

Molly and the dinosaur

I took Molly to the Museum of Natural History on a rainy Friday during her school break in February because it is one of the greatest places in the world, and because I realized what a crappy mom I am for not doing anything educational during her break. Our visit was fabulous. She loved the dinosaur bones, but much preferred the animals “with skin.” Although I broke a cap on my tooth on a piece of candy within the first 15 minutes of our day (has anyone else had to make an emergency call to the dentist from the Spitzer Hall of Human Origins?), it was the kind of day I imagined having with my daughter before I even knew her.

Ellie's first haircut

Oh dear Ellie. So sweet and brave against that scary hair dryer.

March madness

It was 72 degrees here today. More ice cream. No arguments.

First airplane trip

While I will be writing more about our recent trip to Disney World, our first airplane trip with the kids went really well–both ways. Thanks to everyone who recommended portable DVD players!

Completely utterly out

This was a big family dinner our first night on vacation. There are three kids on that bench with me. Fast asleep. A successful day.