First Picnic

March 10 is the earliest picnic we've ever had.  Last year we ate a snack outside on April 9 but our first real picnic outdoors wasn't until May.  Tuesday the weather was so warm here that the kids begged to eat lunch outside.  (Well, Clare begged and Karl goes along with whatever she says.)

Clare set up the tables and chairs.

Today was a little cooler but there were still nice puddles in the driveway.  Karl usually has to be coaxed outside in the winter but once he's out, he loves it. 

Choosing sidewalk chalk for drawing on the snow.

Clare's in the middle of a big puddle that doesn't show up well in the picture.

 Molly loves when we're outside because it means extra fetching time for her.

Smiley Nora likes being outside too.  We went for a family walk before dinner.  She loved looking around at all the new sights.

Clare and I sometimes have tea parties.  (I picked up some "fine" china at St. Vinnie's; Clare's cup and saucer is from my aunt.)  Clare invited Karl to this one.  What a sweet little boy -- all cars and trucks and big noises one moment; headbands and tea parties the next. 

Enjoying their Fruit Punch "tea".