Slippers

The girls are really big into slippers. Since we have all hardwood I have invested in a couple of pairs...these are by far my favorite. Aren't they cute!

A New Year and a the first snow fall!

Happy New Year to everyone! We had a very low key New Year this year with friends and the girls. Toby and I even managed to stay awake until the ball dropped...one quit smooch and we were fast asleep before 12:10am. We live a fascinating life... don't we? Well anyway were are already well into the New Year and I can't believe it...time flies by me these days. The first snow fall hit us and I was ready this year. Everyone probable remembers the sad pic of Sophia watching the snow fall last year...this year she was in the middle of it. I suited them all up and threw them outside. I watched from the door to make sure I was available if my assistance was needed...which was pretty much every 2 minutes. God love little Ashlyn, she fell about a dozen or so times. She lasted about 20 minutes then began crying so I brought her inside. Meanwhile, Sophia played outside for another hour before she came knocking at the door. Her lips could barely utter "mom let me in!" A cup of hot chocolate with the tiny marshmallow's warmed her right up.They played outside the next couple of days and today that winter wonderland is a bunch of sludge. Hopefully, we will see a little more snow before the Spring hits us.

Merry Christmas

Sophia with all her lute! She was so excited this year...Toby and I really enjoyed Christmas with them. This year drew me back in time to my own childhood memories...I remember the pure excitement I felt the night before, I was almost jittery and had so much trouble falling asleep. And as Sophia jumped out of her bed and we heard the sounds of little feet running down the hall my heart just ached...I wonder how soon does this magic fade? I hope she believes in Santa until she 16! That maybe a little ridiculous, but for them I hope the pure happiness and magic of Christmas stay with them forever!

My little sweet pea with some of her presents... I think Ashlyn received around 9 babies for Christmas it was completely insane.
Ashlyn was so tired, we went to midnight service at church and they were both exhausted. She is cranky when she wakes up and I think staying up late did not make it any easier for her. Below is a pic of Sophia opening her stocking as soon as she made to the bottom of the stairs.

Christmas Eve

The girls were really fun this year. They were both so excited about every everything from the Christmas trees to, of course, presents.


Ashlyn got a doll from Mimi...she adores babies and is very maternal. Here she is above kissing her new baby.
They received a little castle from Mimi. I have a feeling it will be demolished in no time...they break everything. The toys companies need to make everything out of rubbermaid.
We had a wonderful Christmas eve the Mimi,Uncle Luke and Aunt Amber. We enjoy getting together with family and look forward to the Christmas's years to come. Thanks to Mimi for all the great food and gifts!
Luke and Amber.

Great Wolf Lodge

We are back at Great Wolf Lodge to begin Sophia's Christmas break from school. We waited to tell her where we were going until we arrived. She was so excited...she practically stripped down as soon as we entered the room. They saw Santa...again. There was a band playing Christmas music, sleigh rides, and pics with Santa.
The girls together.
The lobby is breathtaking...I know I have said it before, but I would love for my home to be decorated just like the lodge. There are lights, trees, and faux snow covering every inch of the place... the Christmas spirit is booming everywhere here. After a long day of swimming we headed to the arcade for some fun. The pics below are of the girls playing some games. We awoke the next morning to beautiful snow falling and coating the parking lot like a blanket. It was truly a wonderful weekend.

Great Wolf Lodge cont...

I was so worried about Ashlyn and she did great. She loved it. She ran around as Mimi and I a took shifts chasing her.
My gorgeous baby!

Sophia and Daddy racing each other down the slide.
Last year she could barely reach the ropes. Now look at her...she did not even need Daddy's help.

Great Wolf Lodge cont...

The lodge has a story hour and the same time every night and afterwards this beautiful snow falls from the ceiling. I love watching all the kids amazement and excitement as they tried to catch it.

Sophia trying to catch the snow. At one point she came it me in tears and said " I did not get to catch any snow!" So I had to hold her up in the air where she could get above all the other kids to get her own handful of snow.
Ashlyn is so cute. She loves other kids and kept bothering these two little girls. They were kind to her and politely kept telling her to hush during the story and she was shrieking and shaking her head... as she does when she is deep in a conversation with someone. At the end of the story she started to scream and clapp...I could just eat her up.
Our girls watching the story together...it was such a serene and precious moment. Although they are few and far between I will take them as they come to remind myself at the end of the day we are family and love each other dearly. After the long day we had it was back to the room where Mimi, Daddy and I tried desperately to get the girls down for bed. In the end Mimi fell asleep, Ashlyn laid between out beds shrieking until she fell asleep and Daddy with Sophia slept on the smallest couch I had ever seen. What you do for your kids!