Happy Heart Day!

Valentine's day has always been my favorite holiday, so it still rubs off in our household... just a bit.

Growing up in Northern California, this time of year usually brings spring almond blossoms, the first of short sleeves, and of course my birthday. Looking out my window in Colorado today, I do see white outside, but it's not from the almond blossoms, it's from our spring snow. My short sleeves are covered by my North Face, and my new motto is... when life gives you snow, go skiing!

The kids are enjoying each holiday and season as much as I do. We made valentines for our out of town family today.

The big reveal... Ta Da!

Guess who this one is for?

Not telling.

Big Man

Here are a few recent shots of our big man of the house...

Morning Songs

Nola loves to sing, especially in the morning. She starts at breakfast and sings all through the morning routine. Here are a few samples of her latest. The first one got cut off early by dead batteries, but she knows every line.

The People on the Bus...


Baby Bumble Bee...

Warm Before the Storm

Colorado was cold in December and some snow still remains in shady spots. However, we are enjoying these "balmy" 58 degree days and even lunching outside to take advantage of the "warm before the storm."

Rockwell is very proud of the rock he was able to bring to the table.

Some snow remains.

The Peak from our yard.

"Cheese" showing off his filthy hands! What a boy. Don't worry mom, they were disinfected with hand sanitizer ;)

Nola loves her apples and peanut butter and honey. A sweet lunch for my sweet girl!

Let's Go to the Movies

Last week Zack was out of town, so I got brave and decided to take the kids to see Princess and the Frog on my own. On the way, I had a second thought to call Gammy and invite her. I'm glad I did. Two on two is much easier than two on one.

Nola was frozen in her seat the whole time and so mesmerized that she forgot to eat her popcorn. Gammy, the ultimate movie lover, was just as interested and was able to stay with Nola when my fun began.

Rockwell has about a 30 min limit sitting anywhere. He started out loving his little seat and the bucket full of popcorn, but soon there was a lap full of popcorn.

He wanted to run up and down the entryway isle, then out the door, then back into the isle, then in front of the movie... you get the drift. He was a quiet little runner and the movie volume was so loud that I don't think anyone even noticed the little chipmunk wandering, until he ran right into a rail. Then came the wail. It didn't last long, so overall I give their movie experience one thumb up.

Monday Funday

Mondays are our favorite days in the week! We always do a fun excursion on Mondays. It's great timing after a weekend of catching up on housework, errands, and family time. Mondays are fun days!

Today we went to a gymnastic studio for open play.

And the bows come off!

Happy Birthday Jesus

Nola had all the words to this song memorized after hearing it just a few times. I actually didn't know the words to coach her, so we made a few lines up.

I never caught her singing the whole thing on video, but this is a glimpse of her entertaining us on Christmas eve at her great grandma's house...

And Rockwell says, "cheese" for the camera during the song.

California Christmas

We had a wonderful trip to visit my family in California. Here are some highlights...

Remember when flying with toddlers to get there early, let them run around in the terminal before getting on the plane, pack the snacks, and fly during nap time!


Nola found Santa in the restaurant Christmas Eve. He must have had a stressful night, apparently he down a beverage before the photo was taken.

On Christmas Eve at my Grandma Marg's house, my dad read Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn. It's a story that we have read on Christmas Eve for 4 generations now.


The kids were excited to have a Colorado Christmas and a California Christmas! We opened presents at their Great Grandma Marg's house.

Uncle Ryan got her a Fancy Nancy book and matching doll! Splendiferous Christmas!

Yes Nola, in California the grass is green all year long! Her great grandma has a beautiful garden.

Then we were off to Christmas lunch at my Aunt Gwen and Uncle John's house. There were 23 of us in all! And a new great grandbaby on the way any day. My cousin Val is having another boy!

Here is one of our attempts to get a photo of our beautiful 90 year old grandma with her 4 greats.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

This spoils our Christmas Card that got out a bit late this year. But I wanted to share these before the new year.

After 300 photos, we came up with 3 where we are all slightly looking at the camera! Candy and making insane noises didn't help this year. Maybe next year's Christmas card photos will be easier :)

Making Memories

Today we celebrated Christmas, just the four of us! Our festivities started last night, our Christmas Eve, or as Nola insists on calling it, "Christmas Eve-y."

We had a big Christmas Eve dinner, birthday cake for Jesus, opened one gift each (Christmas PJ's), set out cookies and milk for Santa, and read the Christmas story. After the kids were down, we scurried like elves to set up the one big gift that Santa brought last night.

This morning Rockwell screamed when he saw his Santa gift and Nola said, "Santa left a cookie bite." It was so fun to have the kids at an age where we can start these precious traditions.

It snowed today! A white Christmas!

R is really into anything that has wheels so he can make a "vrrrooommmm" sound effect.

And Nola has been obsessed with My Little Ponies since her birthday.

Better get on my bed so Rockwell doesn't get into this.

Nola's tree

Jammies and new toys all day! Heaven!
We are headed to California tomorrow to see the Richert family!

Thankful

We are thankful for so many gifts from our Lord this season. I am especially thankful for a family that likes to take photos of our kids and capture precious moments...

... and not so precious moments!

Snow Box

Today, Nola was so concerned that the recent snow had covered her sand box. The snow was too powdery to make snow castles, but it was sure fun to get outside in the yard this morning!

And snow on her playhouse. Icicles too!

Rockwell plays peek a boo!



Now, we know this is already melted and will be long gone tomorrow. But today, the deer enjoyed the snow too.

Nola Bea turns 3!

I have tried and tried to get this blogger thing to cooperate with the slide.com thing, and they are just not minding me today. The error message is in a foreign language that I do not have the time or patience to learn :)

So instead I have a photo link to Nola's third birthday party pics.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=343005&id=624705211&l=fa83a66663

For about 6 months, Nola has been talking about her upcoming birthday party. Every time I asked her what kind of party she wanted, her wide eyed reply was, "O PINK... pink princess party!" So I just so happen to have a hookup at the perfect Castle for a perfectly pink princess party for Nola Bea.