A little snow goes a long way

School is canceled today for snow. (and I was thrilled to get a phone call informing me at 5AM) So far we just have an inch or 2, but we're supposed to be getting more the rest of the day. the girls were so excited to eat breakfast and get ready to go out to play. They only lasted about an hour, but really enjoyed it. 

They tried to sled down the hill on a rubbermaid lid, but there wasn't really enough snow. Maybe this is the year we finally buy real sleds...

my snow angel

Kara was the only one that wanted to stay out longer. But once she heard me agree to make popcorn and hot chocolate for the others, she decided she wanted to come in after all. 

Since the floors are still getting finished, we are down in the basement today. I brought down the popcorn popper and cocoa maker so we can have some goodies and watch movies together. the girls grabbed a bunch of pillows and blankets so we can all cuddle up on the couch together. Now if only Ben were here to enjoy the day with us :)

tree trimming time!

The girls were very excited to decorate the Christmas tree. I wanted to wait til next weekend, after our new floors are in, but they were so excited, and since the front room is not getting new flooring, I decide to let them do it. 

Ben was at work, so I had to get the tree set up this year. It was a pain, but I managed to get it up. 

My happy helpers!

Evie didn't help that much,because she kept going back to the kitchen to finish her snack. 

I also set up their small tree upstairs. Kara did almost all of the decorating for that one. Kiersten helped some, and Evie didn't help much at all. 

Feels pretty cheerful around here!

Thanksgiving

Nancy was back with her kids on Wednesday on their way out of town. The girls really wanted to to an art project for Thanksgiving. So I had them trace their hands to make thankful trees. 

Tommy made a hand turkey instead. 

I made Evie think of something she is thankful for to put on each leaf. she had lots of leaves, and is thankful for lots of disney characters. 

Whitney's pretty tree. 

Kara didn't want to make a tree, so she made a Thanksgiving hat for Whitney. 

So then Kiersten needed me to make one for her. Kara made one for Tommy, and a pilgrim hat for Tucker, but I guess I didn't get a picture of those. 

This is the hat Keirsten made for me. I also didn't get a picture of Evie in her turkey hat she made at school.

playing duck duck goose.

Kiersten spent forever making this hat for Kara. Kara wasn't really a fan, but I made her wear it anyway to be nice.

Tommy really wanted to have a race, so we all got our coats on and spent a little time out in the front yard. 

It was really cold out, so when we came back in, Kiersten begged for hot chocolate. 

After the Sutherlands left, Evie helped me back a cheesecake for Thanksgiving. 

I had 2 cute little helpers on Thanksgiving morning, while Ben was playing football. They were a lot more excited for the holiday than I would have expected. 

Kiersten was so proud to set the table. I did have to help her quite a bit, but she really wanted to have a say in what went where. 

Kara spent a good amount of the day playing nintendo, so she was happy. She doesn't often have time to play for very long.

Ben's frined, Mike came over for dinner. The girls are always excited to have a guest to climb on.

I let Kara take a few pictures, so these last 3 are hers. There were a lot of really strange ones, but she got some decent shots. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

old lady

We had Ben's sister, nancy and her family visiting for 5 days last week. I kept thinking, "I should get the camera out..." but I didn't end up with any pictures other than a few from my birthday dinner. I'll have to do better next time. So just a quick update this week. I turned 32 on the 17th, and it was fun having family in town to celebrate! Nancy and Victor watched the kids on Friday night so Ben and I could go on a date. We saw Last Vegas, which I have to admit, I wasn't too excited about seeing. But it turned out to be really funny. We laughed out loud several times. We also got to go to dinner, which is always nice to eat without the kids. 
Nancy helped the girls make me a spa out of paper. The girls are really into these 3D art projects lately. This one was particularly fun. I'll have to get pictures of some of the others that they've done. 

The one and only picture I ended up with of our visitors. I think Kara took the picture for us. 

I had plenty of birthday treats this year!