New year and no new habits yet

I enjoyed having those 2 weeks off, so I've sort of been trying to extend them as long as possible despite Henri being back in school. Playgroup is off until next week, we've kept our errands to a minimum, and I've backed out of a few events last minute with no guilt. Doesn't help that everyone, now me included, has come down with the cold that seems to linger for weeks. I've ingested so much honey I think I should be buzzing soon...
The weeks have been pretty repetitive, so nothing new to see:

Henri has moved on to sewing pillows for everyone.

The knight costume is getting daily use

They've started putting on plays for us. The first was pretty funny. The second was "eh", the third the audience finally walked out on because the plot just wasn't going anywhere.

Here was a particularly disturbing scene in which the queen gave birth and hovered near death for 18 years as a result until her son was old enough to go on a quest for that which would save her....turned out to be ice cream. I legit spit out my coffee. Also, pretty sure she's never seen a birth scene, maybe she's been going through my textbooks at naptime???

Sigh. It's January, so that means a return to hardcore veganism. Actually, that part isn't hard at all, it's the no sugar that's a beast. Way easier this time (because I'm not giving up coffee, so there's still something to live for), and we're both treating this as a sustainable lifestyle change (for example, friends are having us over tomorrow night, we'll eat what they provide. But otherwise we stick strictly to the plan). Anyway, most of my phone at the moment is accountability meal shots.

Siena gave the kids astronaut ice cream for Christmas. It was a hit.

New corner lamp, just need to replace the bulb as it's too dim.

Some fun tile work at Hudson's school

First day of (pre)school! It's just one day a week for 2 hours, and he's just gone 3 times, but so far he's loving it. And I'm loving having 2 hours a week. I drop him off, go get a coffee, walk the trails, sit and read or knit, catch up on emails. Fantastic

With the diet comes the need for quick snacks and meals that are approved. Thank goodness for Larabars and Amazon! The kids are obsessed with them as well so the mini bars are supposed to be for them. They usually sneak the apple pie ones though. 

Still working hard on color and letter recognition. And yes, he uses his middle finger to point to everything. A lady in the parking lot thought he was flipping her off and pulled over to tell him what she thought of that. Not-so-proud parenting moment right there. 

Big kids in the house! Hen didn't like dinner so she made her own sandwich while Hudson set the table for me. 

Waiting for gym class to start

There's a hand there, but last class Hudson finally mastered the back somersault by himself (down a ramp). Still can't do a forward one.

Can you tell he's not a Vermonter at all?

Getting beautiful

Hen stayed home sick last week so that meant I didn't get my Wednesday off after all. She walked the trails with me and then sat while I knit in the sun. 

It's a very small goal, but every day I have to knit 2 rows on my sweater. I'm trying to finish it up before I start anything else. 

Park play. There was a girl there the same age so they had a blast together. 

Waiting for Mr. Marco 

The "after". He was pretty pleased with his look

Went to VT for the long weekend. Gram gave Hen a knitty-knotty and she worked on it the whole time. (fashion by Anna).

Unfortunately the three of them developed nasty colds and coughed the entire time so sleep was had by none.

Got a little snow

It looks normal now with the snow disguising everything, but will be very strange come this summer to not have the pool anymore. It was a good decision to fill in, but lots of wonderful memories are in that spot!

Gram has a cheerful porch

Meg and Nate came up and played with us

Steve got in on the knitting action too

I am very aware I grew up in a special spot. Our current front view certainly can't compare.

...or our southern view....

Another food pict, sorry. But if you have a TJ's near you, run and get some of this. Super oily, but sooooooo sooooo good. I'd imagine it'd be especially tasty on chicken, but it's been pretty wonderful on my grain bowl and tofu.

The kids are in love with the bath bombs we made, so while at Whole Foods stocking up on cold care essentials I snagged a few of these. About 1/3 the package made plenty of bubbles and the scent was great. Put Hudson to sleep in minutes of being laid down. And yea, those are swim goggles on the tub. He uses them when he gets his hair washed.

I also have the Asian one of these which I adore, but this one is pretty good too. Made the veggie stew with dumplings last night and the flavor was amazing. Also, the recipes really do only take about 30 minutes total to make. 

Found a bouncy ball thingy at the thrift today and if we ever get housebound by the weather it's going to be a great thing.

An unusually social weekend is coming up, so I'm continuing to dose myself with all the garlic, ginger, citrus, honey, and cider vinegar I can handle in an attempt to stave off the worsening of this cold. Hope you're all enjoying a relaxed start to the year!