The beginnings of empathy...

This morning C had to get a "poke", and H became quite upset.  A couple of weeks ago she also had some shots herself at the pediatrician's office, and they must have been fresh in her mind.  As she realized what was happening, syringe appearing, alcohol swabs, she pleaded with us to not poke C, because "he doesn't like it, hurts him!"  She was crying and even tried to move in our way and take the shot from us to protect him.  We explained that it does hurt him and he doesn't like it, but he does need it to feel better.  We also told her how proud we were of her to think of C and to want to protect her little brother.  It was a heart warming moment.  :)

all the little people

H. has this strange habit of placing things into neat little rows.  She especially likes to line up her little people...

Father and son...

Today's walk...

We went along the trail behind our road today to enjoy more of this fine weather we've had...

 Crossing the stream...

 carrying C...

 G'pa sees bowls, walking sticks, and all manner of items just waiting to be worked from the trees...  :)

We also saw evidence of busy beavers at work...

 H and the Grands...

 Our aged cherry tree, G'pa has designs on this one too, sees quite a few bowls in this old beauty...

Walks outside as the weather warms...

We've also had some really nice weather lately, and have enjoyed some good fresh air and time outside, a nice break from the recent snow, cold and wind storms...

 The first spring flowers, we've only seen these in our yard so far, a special treat for H... 

 Return of the Cat Hat...

 H and G'pa...

 and G'ma...

and the traveling hat...

 :)

Enjoying meals with family...

We've had the Grands here for a spell and have enjoyed quite a few good meals together, here are some pics from this last week...

A couple of dishes made with the Roasted Garlic & Red Pepper and the Memphis rubs from Gypsy Hill Foods in Vienna (VA).  The carnivores thought these were quite tasty, and we all agreed they make for attractive Valentine's presentations...

 The Grands...

C enjoys a bagel and cream cheese...

and a banana, salad and seasoned rice...

and...  Nutella with Saltines?...

Yep, the messier, the better in C's opinion...  :)

3 Generations in Solidarity...

Little C has now definitely lost most of his fine blond halo, and seeing this prompted Daddy to shave his own head bald so that C wouldn't feel like the odd man out.  Well, the Grands have been staying for awhile to help out recently, and seeing his son and grandson's new looks inspired Grandpa to copy the same, so now we present 3 generations of our proud handsomely bald gents, sharing a moment in solidarity with the youngest of them.  :)

Yummy end to this home visit...

We've been quiet here lately, lots up in the air, not many pictures.  But had to snap a shot of this, a yummy dinner provided by friends, a current co-worker of B's (thanks Crookers for the delicious lasagna) and past co-worker of mine (thanks Crawfords for the amazing fruit dessert) both provided these this weekend.  Perfect timing, as the Grands rolled in from up north to help out this week while C and I are back in the hospital.  Lots of hungry mouths to feed and happy round tummies by the end.  :)  Thanks folks!