Snow Days

 Gone are the snow days I used to have when I slept in, drank coffee all morning, napped in the afternoons and watched hours of Lifetime movies. This winter I'm experiencing an whole new version of a "snow day." Kansas City has been hit with lots of snow the past several days. I've had four days off during the last week. I've had a ton of fun but have to admit I need to go back to work to get a little breather. We've had gourmet kids lunches (grilled cheese, pizza and pb&j), we've been coloring, watching the snow fall and even getting into a little mischief from time to time. Next year, snow days will include sledding and building snowmen. I think we're just a wee bit little for that right now.

Right before the first snow storm, my cousin Joyce and her husband Doug came over for a short visit. They are from Ohio and were in town visiting Doug's niece. Lucky for us they made some time to see us. It was wonderful to see them and to introduce them to the kids. I have fun memories of spending time in Ohio with my grandmother and seeing my cousins and their children. I hope someday we can take the kids back there so they can experience tractors (big green ones of course!), sweet corn and my Aunt Eileen's pies.

Cousin Joyce and her husband Doug

It's looking a lot like winter at our house. 

I think we should go play in the cold white fluffy stuff.

Our first attempt at drawing. Jack thought he better take a bite first. 

Mom was so nice. She even let us watch a little TV. 

Walking through the deep snow in the backyard is a lot of work for an old  man.

Dad, I think I could be a really big help if you'd just let me blow snow with you. 

We thought we'd surprise mom and finish up the dishes for her.

The Cone of Shame
Stop scratching your face Frisco and I'll take that thing off of you!

The Big Birthday Bash

It was certainly a weekend celebration at our house. Grandfather Sir, Grandma Lulu, Mimi and Aunt Jane all arrived via train on Friday night. Saturday was all about party preparation, playing and visiting. Sunday afternoon was party day. We had a fantastic time eating cupcakes, visiting with friends and playing with kids.

It's hard to believe a year has passed already. The kids have come so far and have grown so much. Hope was only 3lbs 4oz when she was born. On Monday she weighed in at 20lbs 8oz. Jack was a tiny 4lbs 2 oz when he was born and now seems like a heavyweight at 23lbs 8oz. What difference a year makes. Both are healthy and thriving like normal 12 month olds. They are starting to explore the concept of standing and gaining their balance. It won't be long before they're tearing around the house on two feet.

Hope and Jack got a special birthday present on Monday. Their cousin Lauren was born! Congratulations to Brother John and Lindsay. We are excited to share a birthday with Lauren and look forward to birthday celebrations in the mountains. February is a busy month..birthdays and skiing. What fun!

Baby A- Hope one year ago

Baby B- Jack one year ago

We are so comfy in our new birthday chairs.

Our very own little people table. We're practicing table manners.

Birthday dinner at BRGR

Polka Dot Party Table

Yum! Cupcakes

Birthday time with Mimi

Celebrating with Grandfather Sir and Grandma Lulu

We love Mom & Dad

It's party time

We had so much fun playing with our friends.

Jessy always makes me giggle.

I'm ready for that cupcake.

Yep it's good!!!

This party thing is so much fun.

I think this candle needs to come off. 

I like the cake part best. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hard to believe one year ago we were celebrating Valentine's Day in a hospital room. This year was quite different. John and I both had a busy day at work but we did find a little time to celebrate with the kids in the evening. The kids had a very busy day with Jessy. They were hard at work exploring their creative side. I'm certain they had fun getting messy and trying out a new art form....painting! She's a brave woman. Check out their masterpieces.

I think I'd like some red paint right here.

It's a good thing Dad didn't see us painting on the kitchen table.

I kind of like this creative session.

Yep, look out Jackson Pollack...I can splatter paint too.

Post painting and bath, we'll just sit here and look cute.

I love touch and feel books!

Happy Valentine's Day to Me!

This frog valentine is so silly!

Mountain Adventures

One of the most important times of the year for me is the annual family ski trip. I have wonderful memories of trips to Colorado with family and close friends while growing up. I am extremely grateful the trips have continued as my siblings and I have become adults and have added spouses to the mix. When John and I got married, he knew the Colorado trip was non negotiable and that he would have to love skiing and be a willing participant each year. Thankfully this wasn't a deal breaker for him and he was happy to become part of this family tradition.

Last year was only one of three trips I missed since I was a little girl. I suppose being pregnant with twins was a good excuse for not making it out there. In fact, it was exactly a year ago my parents stopped in Kansas City on their way home from Colorado to join us for a baby shower. Little did we know it would be that weekend I went to the hospital for an extended stay until the babies were born.

I've looked forward to this trip from the time I found out I was pregnant. John and I both are excited about sharing our love for the mountains with Hope and Jack. We had a fantastic first vacation to Colorado and spent time playing in the snow, strolling through Vail village and relaxing at the house with the kids. We can't wait to get them on skis and we know Grandfather Sir is chomping at the bit to hit the slopes with them. A huge thank you to Grandma Lulu for entertaining the kids and taking care of them during the day while we skied.

We think exploring the loft seems like a good idea.

Sledding in the backyard sure is fun!

Dad gives the best sled rides.

Isn't this awesome Hope? Ummmm I'm not so sure yet.

Grandfather Sir just can't wait to ski with these cuties.

The Dudes in their shades.

Grandma Lulu let me play the piano while everyone was skiing. 

She taught us how to play catch too.

It could be mom and dad out the front door or it could be Foxy Woxy.

Hanging out at the base waiting for Grandfather Sir to come down.

Foxy Woxy paying us a visit.

Grand Central Play Station

I think I'd like to try on some of these boots. 

Good Morning Buffalo Mountain

Yep, I'm ready for the black diamonds. 

Covered Bridge in Vail.

Apres Ski at Pepi's 

Helping Lulu pack up the kitchen.

Just hanging out with Dad.

Thank you Grandfather Sir and Lulu for a fun first vacation!!!