Big Storm #1...Anniversary Day

December 19th...we were thinking of going away for the evening, or just enjoying a good dinner out to celebrate our 11 years of holy matrimony. Scrap those plans, because we were snowed in! At the moment, it seemed like a lot of snow (about a foot). Little did we know that we would later get hit with two more rounds of 2-3 feet of snow. Good thing we like each other, because we spent a lot of time together (indoors) on our anniversary! Here is how it all transpired.

The weatherman gave us plenty of notice, so we made sure we stocked up on food (and of course, stuff we probably shouldn't eat).

We woke up to some snow in the morning, and the kids were itching to go play in it. It was way too cold and windy, so I brought the snow to them. Each of them got a bowl full of snow to play with inside. We made pancakes for breakfast and played with snow. That kept them happy for a while.

Bubs enjoyed playing on my computer a little too much. This was right before he popped off several keys (the v button is still off, as I type this).

The kids snuck him licks of their lollipops throughout the day. They thought they were being sneaky, but little did they know that I actually got it on camera.

By night, this is what our front door looked like. Boy, oh boy!

Here's the start of the dig out. Cedric said that he learned a lesson from this storm...he needs to shovel in shifts next time. This took him about 3 hours, then helping neighbors, etc...it was about 5 hours after all was said and done!

M looks tiny on that heap of snow!

Daddy's little helper

Taking a much needed break!

M is holding on for dear life

Snow tunnels are the best!

The finished product...I think we all deserved some hot chocolate after this!

Beginning the Season

As spring has finally arrived here, I hang my head in shame that I am now just posting our Christmas pictures, but better late than never!



Bubs waiting in line to see Santa at our Christmas party at church...he was enjoying the ride (disclaimer...ignore the thining hairline, ha ha!)

I think this is the best shot we could get with all the kids...
G was Joseph in the nativity they did and the girls were angels.
Every year, Santa comes by on a decked out fire truck. The kids make me print off his route and we are rather psycho about it. They wait for him to come, then we hop in the car and continue to stalk the poor old man for the rest of the night. This has been a lasting tradition in our home.

And the wait continues...can you just tell how excited they are, even from behind?

Here he is!
Then we saw him again the next morning at the parade...

After the parade, we went to a tree farm where we DID NOT get our tree (too expensive). It was a beautiful day and we took a carriage ride up and down the rolling hills.

Here comes our horse...

It was cold, but sunny, so that kept our spirits up.

We later picked out our tree at a popular hardware store because we are too cheap :)

Then we had lunch with Santa that our community put on. As you can see, B is zonked!

All the kids with Santa, even the sleeping kid gets to join in for a picture!
I think I found his reindeer hanging out together...get to work, you slackers!

Can you tell this was a busy beginning to the season? I LOVE Christmas, and it's so important to me to get it all in. This is where all the memories will lie as the kids get older, and we need to capture all of them while we can!

White Stuff

We were lucky enough to have some white stuff fall from the sky for the first time this weekend. We loved rolling around in it, sliding on it, throwing it, and eating it.

Tidbits

Here we go again...another quick synopsis of what we've been up to.

G got chosen again for "Tornado Citizen" for the first quarter. We were able to have a surprise breakfast with him at school. Way to go, G!

There's never a dull moment at our house. The kids continue to find ways to amuse themselves. Here, they are following Baby B around the house on their hands and knees. I guess they are playing "follow the leader," with Baby B as the leader...

T had her last soccer game...another sigh of relief (did I say that out loud again?). We have a slight break until cheerleading starts for her, and b-ball starts for G, and gymnastics starts for M...

G and T had little Thanksgiving plays at school. It was fun to watch. M was the little fan.

G LOVES having a little brother. He's a great big brother. Baby B is growing so fast. Today, I found that he had climbed three stairs all by himself. He's waving to us now, is starting to put sounds together, and just makes the funniest faces. Such a character!



That's it for now...I guarantee that there will be more of these "tidbits" to come!

Three Already

Our Little M turned three last month. Life has gotten crazy and we are a little late in posting. We can't let our sweet M's birthday pass without sending a shout out to her. What a beautiful and sweet girl she is! M is always content with whatever situation is at hand. She has a peaceful demeaner about her. She is defintely our sensitive girl...look at her the wrong way and you will see the tears well up. However, being sensitive is not a bad thing...this has given her the ability to connect with people; it gives her compassion for others.

She has become quite the artist and singer. Should I admit that she can belt out quite a few Kids Bop and Hannah Montana songs? We love you, M...for your quiet and loving presence, for your gentle personality, and most of all, for being you!

Here's how we started her day:

Took some pictures of the birthday girl in the morning, while waiting for the cousins to arrive so we could babysit them...

Went to T's soccer game...

We then headed home and scrambled to get some last minute birthday things ready After that, we changed into church clothes to go to a baptism of G's good friend.

No nap today, which meant we were met with this on the way home from the baptism...

The birthday girl's party was supposed to begin 30 mins. after we got back from the baptism, but birthday girl was knocked out cold. The guests arrived (her cousins and grandparents) and patiently waited for M to wake up.

Luckily, she woke up in a good mood. Here she is, acting like a monkey (Curious George themed party) with cousins...

Time for cake...

Her favorite part was presents.

What a busy day, but we wouldn't have had it any other way. Happy birthday, M!