Daddy vs. Snow

Jake got home last night from his last week in Durham. We survived thanks to my friends having us over for dinners. He was really missed and his homecoming was anxiously anticipated. Except...about 3 minutes before he arrived it started to snow. The excitement of it distracted the kids from noticing Daddy. It was kind of funny.

We woke up to a thin covering of snow and they couldn't wait to get out and make a snowman.
It was interesting snow...it sounded like it was raining during the night. More like little ice chunks. We were only able to make baby snowmen
They played more with Daddy today than they did in the snow, so Daddy wins after all. We had a good day inside playing games, making cinnamon rolls and having chili for dinner. I think we may go stir crazy tomorrow stuck inside again. Church has been cancelled.

Preschool, Potty Mouth, and the Park

Last week we had preschool at "Miss Melanie's." On Tuesday we did the circus. Probably my favorite theme yet! Some of the highlights were making these cute hats, doing the tightrope, walking like elephants, jumping through the hoop like tigers and performing "tricks."
Tiny Tidbit on Tom - we're working on his T's. He can say toy and tree but for some reason he can't use it for truck...he uses the letter F instead. I didn't think we would have to worry about this problem for at least a few more years!This past week we have had a few days around 60 degrees. I don't mean to make anyone jealous. But it has been fabulous and kids are loving every second of it. I am too because I know that no matter where we move next for Jake's next job, we won't be getting weather quite like this. I will miss it and hate to leave it!

Christmas Vacation

A nice long post for a nice long Christmas vacation...

The kids couldn't wait to get out and play in the snow.
Sledding down "the hill" in our backyard.
Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's. We celebrate a different country (or place) every year. This year we celebrated America. We ate cheese from Wisconsin and potatoes from Idaho :) A lot of fun!
Talent Show. Tommy's...being cute.
An Angel in the Nativity.
Aprons that my Grandma made for each of the great granddaughters. So cute!
Christmas morning. Way too many presents that couldn't fit under the tree.

One of her favorite presents.
Playing with their toys.


Classic. I love this kid!Me and a few helpers put together one 500 puzzle and three 1000 puzzles. A favorite Christmas past time of mine.
Visiting Grandma at work and riding the "choo choo" which was a huge hit.

and the carousel.
We went to see the lights on Temple Square, where "Mommy and Daddy got married." Very cold but beautiful!



Jake in his blue striped shirt.
Rachel reading the account of the Savior's birth to us.

The last few days we spent with Jake's brother Dan and his family. These are the only two pictures I got:
Tommy and Brauer
Rachel and Scarlet
These two played so well together. It's so fun to have cousins the same age and gender.

Thanks again everyone for a wonderful Holiday season, it was great to see you all!!