Giggles and Smiles

Like everyone else in the country, we've been overwhelmed with snow, ice and ridiculously cold temperatures.  Not only does it throw off our regular school routine to have so many weather delays and cancellations, but it's even been too cold for the girls to play outside.  (Although Mali would be more than willing to go out in the single digits!).

So today we tried out a new place in the mall to burn off some energy on a scheduled day off from school. It's official name is "Giggles and Smiles" but Brinn says it should be re-titled "Laughing your Head Off" because that's really how much fun it is.  Seriously, it was a winner for all of us. 

Christmas 2013 in pictures

Showering Baby Wissing

I'm still way behind in posting pictures from December (the stomach flu will do that to you), but finally, here are some shots from our chance to shower our sweet niece or nephew.  We had a lovely time celebrating the mama-to-be and baby--in the very same room that Kara and Josh had their rehearsal dinner!  Thanks, Sue, Becky, and Deb!

The baby will be well covered after bath time since he or she received a great assortment of adorable hooded towels.  The girls and I made a fleece-tie blanket for the baby (Mali's idea--there was a LOT of planning involved).  Actually, Grandma Sandy and Jonathan contributed to that labor of love too.  And I'm also pretty excited to see that baby decked out in a onesie from "Aunt" Tonya that says "My Auntie Rocks".  Only about 6 more weeks!

We surived

It was a brutal 48 hours but we survived the Stomach Flu of 2014. SO glad it's over!

December Birthdays

Before we get too far into 2014, here are a few of the pics from the fun celebrations for the December birthday girls (aka Delaney and me).  The girls and Jonathan surprised me with my cards and gifts the night before our trip and then we had a lovely breakfast the morning of at Einstein's Bagels.  Mixed-berry smoothies and chocolate covered espresso beans were involved.

The two-year-old in the family had an extended family celebration at Joe's Cafe near our hometown.  She requested pancakes and a cake with blue flowers, both of which were granted.  She was delighted to find that an employee there dresses as Santa on Sunday's and she loved hearing his "Ho-Ho-Ho". (Not that she really knows who Santa is--she usually refers to him as the "White Guy" due to his beard, and thinks he's singing our welcome song from school with all of that waving). But a good time was had by all, and Laney is now very happily playing with her new stuffed owl, garden Duplos, unicorn, Ruby Doll, choo-choo, and Little House books.

*And what did we see on the way to the restaurant?  An actual snowy owl!  The big girl dubbed it "God's present to Delaney".  How fitting that she received a stuffed one as a gift!