No longer babies, well beyond toddlers, and entering their last several months of preschool... Autumn and Evan are full-blown 5 year old kids! Where did the time go? (click on photos for bigger versions)It's a whole new era of childhood, and the kiddos had fun marking it by going to Pump Up The Fun, a 10,000 sq.ft. dreamland of inflatable slides, moonjumpers, etc. About 15 of their friends (neighbors, preschool-mates, etc.) joined them for cake and fun on Sunday. 
Having just been through wave after wave of Christmas presents, a final tidal wave of birthday presents was just what they needed... or maybe not! :)
Having just been through wave after wave of Christmas presents, a final tidal wave of birthday presents was just what they needed... or maybe not! :)Now, of course, it was Marisa's birthday, too. So for her to have at least a few special hours of her own, Mark surprised her with a baby-sitter! We had a great vegetarian dinner at the Bluegrass Kitchen downtown last night.
Here are all of them on the big day, with the backdrop of Marisa's cousin Julia's watercolor painting of the twins in-utero.
Here are all of them on the big day, with the backdrop of Marisa's cousin Julia's watercolor painting of the twins in-utero.
Now the party was actually the day before the official birthday. On the actual day, we took a winter hike at Putnam County Park in Eleanor. It is quite striking how much different these woods look in the winter versus the summer... without leaves, a very exposed view of the surrounding terrain... and no bugs, of course! Also, the simple joys of animal tracks (raccoon, rabbit, deer, etc.). The kids tuckered out during the last leg of the journey back to the car, but we kept egging them on by challenging them "So, WHO is going to be the trailblazer? Who is going to lead the way?" As you can see, upon hearing this, Evan charges up the hill after Autumn.
Speaking of a new era: the other big event of the week - we are so excited for the hope and possibility that today, Inauguration Day 2009, brings with our new president. We have great dreams for a wonderful world for all of our children, and for all that follow. Hearing the international headlines on NPR today in all different languages, with the only recognizable words being "Barack Obama" made me so proud. I never thought such an amazing day would come. Love, hope, and peace to all! Thanks to everyone for the warm birthday wishes!
