77. Rock-a-bye apple?

Bea gathered/organized another fantastic/strange creation today. I was washing dishes in the kitchen and she dragged it in to show me.

Those are apple slices, a piece of quesadilla, a purple shaker-egg, and a button.

Once I had the camera out, she wanted me to keep taking photos of her.

Here she is smiling, then frowning, for the camera.

76. Hunter/gatherer

Bea likes to play with crayons. She is a magpie, so likes any collection of trinkets. She usually approaches crayons as a collection of trinkets rather than drawing implements. She likes to peel off their paper, break them into bits, and carry them around in specifically chosen groups. She also likes to play with things she can reach in the pantry. Usually this means jars of spices. The other day I was working in the kitchen and she was playing with crayons and spices. At one point, I noticed a little still life she had composed on the edge of the kitchen table, matching one crayon with the jar of chili powder, and another with the cloves. (I moved the group to higher ground, where I photographed it, so I could save it until Dale got home from work.)

I still think it is kind of crazy. I love that not only do the colors match, but the crayons are each the same size and pointing in the same direction.

One problem with her interest in collecting trinkets is that it has encouraged an interest in climbing--onto desks, onto the kitchen table, and now onto the dining room table (which is used more as a desk and less as a place to eat). This video is from earlier today. She's trouble.

75. Happy Birthday, Grandma Mary!

What a difference a year (and hair) makes!

74. Hello Everybody

This morning Grandma Fox took Bea to music class because I am sick yet again (cough, hack). After class Bea and I sat down for a snack along with her new best friend, Turtle Fantastic, and an unnamed Beanie Baby cat. You will hear Bea singing the Music Together "Hello" song. Sort of. (I discovered later that her turtle was looking at his reflection in the side of the bowl.)

Bea would like to say:
lkkkhkhkkkllglklllclvlvlkvlvklckvvkk v, k,k , ,. . .. . . ,, , bbsxbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb
rlmkc

73. O!

72. Rocking and Sliding

Four generations (at least?) on Mommy's side of the family have played in this rocking horse:

The master climber/slider at work:

71. Happy New Year

This year Bea was a little overwhelmed by Christmas. Basically, we got her too much stuff. (And Dale and I made her a bunch of things too. I became obsessed with knitting cats and both of us made some felt toys. We could start a cottage industry.) Next year we will be more restrained--but of course, next year she will be at an age where she will want more stuff!

Some highlights from the week:

Decorating cookies!


Seeing her new slide from Grandma Mary and Papa on Christmas morning. She LOVES the slide. At the moment it resides in Grandma Fox and Grandpa Griff's foyer. When it warms up outside the slide will move to our yard. This past week Bea finally learned how to climb up the slide and get herself seated and ready to slide all by herself. I will post a movie soon.


With her new friend, "Inky" on Christmas day.


One of many dance parties.


Thoughtful about the year ahead.



With Rosemary and Big Bird on New Year's Day.