Re-cap.

After my last post, we became quite busy getting into the swing of a new semester again, but have some pictures from February and March to share. 

 Michael keeps asking when the sun is coming out so we can go to the beach, and often makes a tent "on the beach" and takes off his clothes to swim.

Dominic likes to pretend he is going somewhere and tells me, "Bye."

 Michael likes to line himself and Dominic up and say, "We are soldiers!" So here, Papa was teaching them how to salute.

 An unexpected snowfall in the middle of February!

Snowmen built by ITI students in the courtyard.

 And...I turned 31. Sweet sister Elizabeth surprised me with a cake, gift and flowers, and I received sweet cards from the boys. 

 Michael loves blowing out candles.

The first weekend in March, Papa left us for a St. Thomas Aquinas colloquium in Oxford. He had a wonderful time absorbing knowledge and exploring the city! He was fortunate to be in contact with a priest who placed him in a special scholars' group, and all his meals and housing were paid for - what a blessing!

 While Papa was gone, Auntie Elizabeth and I took the boys to the Vienna Zoo.

  Love the stately design of this oldest zoo in the world!

The new polar bear exhibit was open!

At the playground, all Michael could focus on was operating the diggers that are set up for the kids. It is a very popular area, so we worked on our virtue of patience a bit here.

 Michael turned 3 on March 9th! As it was a school day, we took little breaks throughout the day to celebrate and distribute a few gifts. He was very happy with the harmonica from Auntie Elizabeth.

 

 

And a floor puzzle I had picked up at a flohmarkt last year!

 And some new books in English from Papa's trip to Oxford!

 Enjoying another of Auntie's gifts - a little tent - so perfect for these two!

He was very happy that we had birthday hats to wear and had been very emphatic all week about having a BIG cake! I made a zucchini chocolate cake.

 

 Another unique gift from Auntie Elizabeth who knows we are trying to encourage facilitation of Michael's #2 on the toilet...perfect for him because he pretends to go fishing all the time. We'll keep you updated on its success.

 

 Mom's birthday present for Michael came a few days later - the most BEAUTIFUL birthday gift for a little boy! He has long liked playing Mass, and to receive this handmade Mass kit and vestment from his Nana was so very special and memorable. He sets it up every day.

He especially loves the thurible which Nana ingeniously made from a whiffle ball, gold chain, and bells! Nana, this gift will be cherished by us all for many years to come! (I hope to get some less blurry pictures down the road; he was so excited about it, he didn't stand still!)

 We got some nice sunny days in the middle of March!

 They like to have coffee and tea parties.

Becoming best buds.

 Michael always asks if he can help me cook and work in the kitchen.

This precious boy is growing too fast out of babyhood. Sigh.
That's all for now folks! You are in our prayers, especially for a blessed and joyous Easter season!