We came, we saw, we dug big holes in the sand! Our Destin trip went really well, despite the water being so cold that I think Chance got all of three toes wet. Since the kids were still happy to play and play for hours, it all worked out well. Seph took many photos (forthcoming), and Rone and Cotton both collected everything they could.

Nanna and Papa made sure the kids got to the candy store, which was a nicer thing for me than for them, because being at the candy store with kids trying to choose which treat will bother me most gives me the willies. Note: very worst is that baby bottle thing with the sugar powder for dipping.

Papa took us all fishing, which is something I've always wanted to do. The kids loved it, until we'd been going against the tide for about 45 minutes, when the bouncing got the better of their stomachs. Rone sensibly lay down on the bottom of the boat, Cotton threw up some very festive St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charms, and Seph positioned herself as best she could to avoid all viewing of fish guts. It's nice to know that without any specific training they've learned how to deal with nausea in their own ways.

We would up with a couple dozen fish, and all had a fish dinner and plenty to bring home. Chance caught the biggest fish, but he had to toss it back because it was out of season--we got a photo though (forthcoming!)

Back home, it's finally spring. We saw bluebonnets and green grass on the way home. Big goal this year is to get a bluebonnet photo of the kids. I've missed the last few years, and have to get this one of Cotton will wonder why there aren't more photos of her as a Texas kid in the flowers. Can't have that, I'm already lacking in so many other areas! So...forthcoming.

Cotton is becoming a reader, and it's been fun to watch. She was reading an Elephant and Piggie book recently and needed help with a word. I helped her work it out, and then she told me that, "The line with a dot there makes that word yell." Elephant and Piggie are often! excited! so! she! learned! that! quick!

She still sometimes assigns things values and descriptions that are very much kid observations. We were having dinner with friends, and we'd sent one kid to tell the others it was time for dessert. When Cotton wandered in, we asked if the message was getting around (because kid is not a very effective communication tool all the time) and she said, "He did, but he said it like a man." Apparently men in Cotton's world talk in low rumbly voices and ,this is the fun bit, make a fist with one hand and make and old-timey 'here we go!' gestures.

Another 'snow' delay. In March! This winter is a record for snow days here in Austin. The kids have enjoyed it, even if zero snow arrives with these snow days.

The kitchen is back to what is generally accepted as a functional room of the house. Broken stove replaced, fridge that only kept one or two things cold at a time, likewise. As happens when you make a clean spot somewhere, I would now like new floor, new pots and pans, and new cabinets. Given the timeline for me updating something as key as a broken stove I'll expect these things to happen about the time Cotton is running for President.