Santa's Helpers/Waldorf Playstand

We really hoped to keep this Christmas low impact- didn't want to end up with a mountain of toys that will be forgotten within days. And with the long, cold winter at our door we also thought it'd be wonderful to have some sort of an indoor play structure. I always loved the idea behind Waldorf Playstands for obvious reasons- they are a never ending source of fun- a pretend house, kitchen, puppet theater, shop…anything one's mind can imagine. So even though we had never built anything- we thought why not. We borrowed the tools from some friends and less than $100 of lumber later- we had the awesomest present for the kids- one that we were so proud of and that gives us and them so much pleasure to play with. We followed the directions from mainelycraftymama, with a few height adjustments. We also ended up just finish it off with a beeswax polish and I love the softness and shine it gave to the playstand. It even smelled like a Waldorf school for awhile. We love the result.

Happy Holidays

In this house we celebrate a little of everything…when I was little we celebrated only New Years, but since moving to the U.S. I have embraced a bit of the Christmas traditions, so our advent calendar houses gilt chocolate coins and winter solstice is celebrated with gusto. Happy Holidays from our Family. 

Siena insisted Reed needed a Tshirt from Santa- Santa knows us well enough to bring a NASA T-shirt

Siena really wanted a wooden microphone- really hard to find online- incredibly easy to make! 

Siena reading one of the many books she got next to the drawing she made for Reed

52/52

And so it ends…

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2013.
As always joining in with Jodi's 52 week project over at cheandfidel.blogspot.com

51/52

Can't believe this year is almost done. Everybody here is so excited for the holidays and spending loads of lazy days together. As always joining Jodi over at cheandfidel.blogspot.com and the 52 project. I have really appreciated having the incentive to take these images over this year and loved the 52 community- some incredibly talented folks.

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2013.

50/52

Siena and Reed went sledding (first time for Reed). Last image is what happens when mommy is taking pictures for project 52 rather than stoping a sled headed for the shrubbery and the woods.

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2013.

49/52

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2013.
Joining in with Jodi over at cheandfidel.blogspot.com

Not great pictures but great moments:)