Adventures with Cats

Russian photographer Andy Prokh has documented his daughter, Katherine, as she grows up alongside two handsome felines. Such an adorable story. More photos here.

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 74

I love the last one. I would go an extra step and make it a first edition.

Murray-arity versus Benedict Sherlock

I'm ignoring the elephant in the room (the coming snow storm) in favor of Benedict, Murray, and The Count.

This is so adorable. What a cute way to introduce PBS Kids to Sherlock Holmes. Click here if you can't see the video above. Benedict Cumberbatch, as himself, is quite comfortable with two of the Muppets, isn't he? Now I love him even more.

Ice Igloo: Best Parent Project Ever!

An igloo constructed out of milk cartons filled with colored water and frozen. Snow is the mortar that holds the ice building blocks together. Isn't this the coolest thing you have ever seen? I guess you would have to start saving milk cartons way ahead of time. The colored ice blocks would freeze outside and wouldn't require a freezer. This would be something you would remember for the rest of your life. I want one too. The tunnel leading into the igloo is made of the ice blocks too. via

Hang Tight, Pup. We can do this.

So adorable. He is hanging on for dear life and looks very trusting, doesn't he? It's wonderful to think about them growing up together. Good night. See you in the morning. xo.

Courtyard Patio w/ Flagstone Hopscotch

I found this photo on the MLS when I was searching sold properties near me. Isn't this a great idea? Look closely and you will see the impressed numbers on the stones arranged in a hopscotch pattern. I grew up loving this game, didn't you? Jacks, jump rope, and hopscotch were my favorites. This patio is perfect for all three. my image upload

Delightful Children's Bedroom

Click photos to enlarge.

I have been very busy with real estate last week and this week with a new listing that went on the MLS yesterday. This is one of the bedrooms shared by two little girls. Isn't it fabulous? I had a broker open house today and everyone loved it. Cross your fingers for me and the sellers. my photos

Royal Play Time at Balmoral Castle 1952

Queen Elizabeth II shown playing with her two children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne at Balmoral Castle the Royal Residence on the River Dee, May 1, 1952, West Aberdeenshire, Scotland. (AP Photo). I love that she let them do dangerous things. via

Baby New Year by Jessie Willcox Smith

How adorable! I've never seen this circa 1910 image of Baby New Year sitting in a black doctor's bag.  via

Tiny Puddle Loving Boy + Dog

This is simply wonderful. Over 4 million views too. In case you haven't seen it, click here to watch on YouTube. It is so heartwarming to see how carefully the toddler puts down the leash before going back to play in the puddle. That dog is pretty wonderful too.

Extremely Early Bookmobile

I wish I could read the name of the city. This has got to be one of the earliest bookmobiles ever, right? It's so nice to see the children are more interested in checking out books than sliding down the slide.
UPDATE: It's circa 1917 somewhere in Minnesota. Found here.

Eating Porridge | Jessie Willcox Smith

This would be me almost every morning without the table cloth and my blue and white Canton bowl is much smaller. Oh, and no onlookers either except for Webster. via

Baby Elephant + Little Girl

I want to know more about this darling photo, don't you? So charming! I hope she will remember this lovely time when she's older. The elephant will never forget. via

Moonrise Kingdom Movie Interior Scene

If you like anything at all about this photo, you will love the movie. Moonrise Kingdom was great. This is one of the few scenes where the boys were dressed. They were usually in pajamas all day long or their underwear. The girl was always perfectly groomed. I loved the record they played continuously too. I would love to own it. Hmmmm...I wonder if there is a soundtrack?

Moonrise Kingdom (Soundtrack)

The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra, Op. 34 (Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell):

Theme F: (Full Orchestra) Composed by Leonard Bernstein, Performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

YouTube

Bunny Shirts and Easter Buckets

The wonderful galvanized pails are painted with chalkboard paint and decorated with chalk. These handsome boys are lucky to have a talented mom who handpainted their tee shirts with a great bunny head. She says they will wear last year's Easter outfits to church. These clothes are perfect for a serious Easter Egg Hunt. Story here.

Hierarchy of Punishment

I guess they are all on Santa's naughty list. Wonder what they did? via

Extraordinary Children's Room

This room by Kristen Panitch Interiors is absolutely perfect for two lucky children to share and still be able to maintain their individual spaces for privacy. Agreed?

Map Creations Store Display

A store window display in Carmel CA uses paper maps to create unique kids' outfits including shoes. Read more . . .

Little Girl Befriends Baby Orangutan

I fell in love with this photo that I kept seeing here and there on the internet and finally found the story behind this adorable little girl and her new orangutan friend. Read more. Don't you love the picture of them having a tea party? I hope she is able to remember this event when she gets older. Another article here and here.

Woodworking Classes for Kids - NYTimes.com

I made these bookends in 4th grade woodshop and my mother kept them. The colonial ladies were cut with a bandsaw and applied to the wooden backs. I cut the lid from a large can of tomatoes in half and nailed them on the bottom to hold the books in place. In another 100 years they will be folk art.

Rose O’Neal, 11, uses a crosscut saw in a miter box to cut rails for a step stool she is building in a class at the Randall Museum in San Francisco. Woodworking Classes for Kids - NYTimes Teaching children construction is gaining momentum across the country as a way to develop imagination and confidence in the very young. Watch a wonderful slideshow with 15 pictures and captions after you read the article. I am very excited about this new trend. Kids today don't learn enough practical skills to carry them through life and the trials and tribulations of homeownership and homemaking.

I think a carpenter is practically the best thing you can be in life. I took home economics starting in the 4th grade too. I know there were several other girls in my woodshop class but I don't remember any boys in home ec. These classes were in public school and I'm so glad they were offered.