A new little obsession - Bento style snacks?

Nothing like cute or pretty presented foods, right? At least I think so!

A while back I learned a bit more about Bentos, in a more traditional manor. Then I met a gal who does this Bento style packing/preperaions of food for her kids - simply for fun! I learned more about it online -- Here are some *fun* bento links (not traditional - very american) - http://bentoanarchy.blogspot.com/ http://www.bentocorner.com/roller/page/bentoblog?catname=%2FBento http://ss-biggie.livejournal.com/

I have tracked down some supplies. Cute little boxes for traveling about our day, little ramekin styles dishes in fun animals & shapes, fun picks for foods, etc... Holly *loved* shopping with me and picking out items that caught her eye. Better yet, this was all at a dollar style store -- how great is that, find a new little thing that a dollar store can support. I am in heaven! :)

Here are some of our fun finds we will be playing with over the next few weeks as we master our packing of foods for lunches out and about town, snacks at home for fun and some to share when we attend events with our friends or family.

Just Some Fun

All dressed up and ready to go...

The Beach & The Mountains...

What a fun weekend we have had! We went over and stayed with Grandpa at Anderson Island. While we were there we went beach combing ~ although it was pretty cold, we had fun! Holly enjoyed the childhood fun of tossing rocks in the water, collecting white rocks and we even found some sea shells. While we were there she also discovered the water fountain. Here she is trying to figure it out!

We also headed up to Mt. Rainier for a fun day in the snow. It was a beautiful drive, stunning views, elk & deer. Can't beat that! When we arrived at Paradise (Mt. Rainier) we got out to play... and let me just say, it was COLD and WINDY!!! I can't even imagine what the wind chill factor was - but, it was low! We had lunch and then headed out to play - for about 45 minutes. Much too cold for a 2 year old to enjoy. Holly didn't want to leave, but didn't want the wind in her face - that is a hard goal to meet. We decided to pack up and head home. We will head up again later in the season - we have a year pass - so, we will be sure to do it again. Mt. Rainier - what a beautiful sight!

The House... What to do?

The holiday decor is all put away and we are back the bones of our home. The evergreen garland can no longer disguise the insulation that sticks out around the door ways. Little fingers can once again discover the joys of picking it out. No, not Holly -- usually an unsuspecting playmate. >cringe<

So, as the blah of missing holiday decor settles in ~ Bryan & I once again discuss our direction with the house. Should we stay? Should we go? Do we need a neighborhood for Holly? Is a big yard and all the upkeep that comes with it really worth it? Just how much do you do to a home if you're just not sure you want to stay? What kind of financial commitment is worth it without killing the prospect of retirement *with* health insurance, potential for travel and hobbies. LOL!

Now, those who now us closely are most likely beyond tired of this topic :) We understand! But, a home... well that is pretty important. It is your sanctuary, where you rest your soul at night, play with your family, entertain for fun and hope to just relax and ponder the joys of life. Sometimes that can all be hard when your task list is looming overhead. I am sure you all face this, in some sense.

We went and checked out some new homes this weekend. They are beautiful of course! But, lack any kind of reasonable space called a yard. No where for us to run & play, for Holly to stretch out as a child and explore and little space for private entertaining. I mean, you can't light a fire, roast marshmallows and drink wine with the neighbors bedroom window right there... they just might not appreciate it :)

This ending to Winter will most likely focus on house discussion for us. Our two year mark, glorious capital gains, is glimmering on the horizon... oh the temptations! But, in my heart I think we'll stay - put in a lot more blood, sweat & tears. After all, at some point you do have to stay put - right?

Sugar N' Spice and Everything Nice...

That's what little girls are made of!

Holly is a wonderfully classic little girl - she loves everything girly, pink, frilly, glittery, froofy and fluffy. I love it! I love the day we argue over mommy wanting to dress her in jeans and she is demanding a skirt & tights. I love when she must have her hair pretties in place just so. I also love it when she totes her purse around loaded with tidbits from her life & McDonalds toys. We play dress up all the time, play make up and hair and put our dollies to rest often.

So, yesterday we went through her room and organized & cleaned in detail. Everything was tucked away in it's place, pretty and very girly --- which is not hard considering most items are either pink or purple. Later that day I walk by and placed ever so neatly on the rug is the toy she played with for about 1/2 hour... her Pirate Ship! Not the girliest of toys - in fact, quiet puppy dog tail! I had to snap a photo - a pristine girls room, pink as can be, with her pirate ship out for pure enjoyment! :)

Which brings me to this... thank goodness!!! Because if you all know me - I love lots of girly aspects of life... but, I am not the girliest girl around. Poor Holly! Sure I will be able to help out with hair, makeup and even some basic clothing choices as she gets older -- and I'll do my darndest! But, if she needs information on the hottest purse choices, the best makeup or the best place to have her nails done... I am not the best resource. She is going to have the 'pirate ship' side to her in order for us to make it through together happily! I can recommend a great campsite, kayak with her all day long, get geared up for a day of outdoor play, do some crafty things together and even show her some stuff in the kitchen. Hope she'll be good with that :)

Hmm, that was my grand entry to blogging?

Wow, a few months later and finally a new entry. I am *really* good at this blogging thing, don't you think?

Anyhow, the holidays are finally filtering through and come this new year I am taking this on full course. I would love to share photos of our life, share our adventures in the upcoming year, show some crafting skills I obtain and fun stuff to post on and most of all keep in touch with folks! This might be fun!

We spent a really nice time in Leavenworth this month. This was our second year and won't be our last - we consider this a tradition for us to all three enjoy! We had a lot of fun again - rented a house this time with lots of family members, enjoyed the loads of snow (even though it was hard) and shared some nice memories! Sledding was a big attraction for Bryan, Holly & I. Here are some fun shots to enjoy! She really loved the sledding and finally built up the courage to give it a shot herself... that photo didn't turn out so great though. Oh well! Next year we might need two sleds to enjoy as I am not sure she will share with us.

The Wonder of Blogging....

Hmmm, the wonder of a blog! I have always been curious as to why one blogs... what's the point? I have finally realized that maybe the reason I haven't bothered to blog is because I am private that way. I am not comfortable putting things out there that one might find to revealing of my life. Nothing to hide of course, I guess it just seems odd that some live by blogging -when I live by being more on the private side.

Lately I have checked out some blogs of folks I know. I am surprised as to just how revealing they are. I feel like I almost don't even know the person after reading a blog... which brings me here. I am wondering if I will be able to blog and still be who I am. Not use it as a venting tool, as a journal meant for the privacy of your own home - but, a tool to reach out to family I don't see often enough. An insight to what life might be like for me and my family on a daily basis. But, most of all - to see if I will still be 'Liberty' when all is said & typed. Wish me luck!