The veiw from here

We haven't had as much snow this year compared with the past two winters we have lived here. It hasn't even been that cold, mostly in the 20's. But I'd thought I'd share what it is like on a normal day here....especially for a couple of Grandparents who will be visiting next month to play with some babies. Thatcher and I are going to Vegas for a few days in February.


Driving through the neighborhood......

taking Alyssa to school...




and this was just neat. At night it looks like someone sprinkled glitter everywhere. But sometimes if you look real close you can see that the "glitter" is individual snowflakes. They really are incredible and super hard to photograph too.

And just for fun. Alyssa got new "snow clothes" and it is kind of hard to see in this picture but, she also had a makeover session one night in my bathroom when she was suppose to be sleeping! Also a reminder to go vote for Alyssa. Our photographer choose her photo as one of her favorites. The picture with the most votes will be their home page picture for 2011. Just scroll down to comments and leave your name, which number you are voting for(#1), and why. Voting is open until January 31st.

http://www.whitelinenphotography.com/blog/2011/01/contest-help-us-choose-our-splash-page-spokesperson/

Life returns to normal...

or at least it seems to be for now. I am so glad things seem to be settling down. November and December were full of lots of "I don't feel so good" and "I am soooo tired" mixed in with a whole lot of Christmas preparations, birthday celebrating and topped off with me traveling with 3 kids. Only to return in January to a case of strep throat and the worlds most horrible head cold. The Christmas stuff is all put away, the laundry almost caught up, the house almost clean, but we still haven't unpacked all of the Christmas gifts we shipped back. One day at time, I guess. The weekend in calling!

I feel like if I sit here too long everything will get back out of control. So here's to a quick post. And a preview of what's coming in July:)

LONG overdue update!!

It has been so long since I updated this thing I think I almost forgot it was here!

Here is a quick run down of what's been going on......

We had the worst computer issues EVER! Over 2 months, Thatcher went through 3 laptops and we had to have mine completely wiped out and restored. I still think mine has some bugs, but it works.

Alex finished his first ice skating session and advanced to level 2. He just loves it!

We are expecting our 4th little one, July 2011. It was fun to tell the kids. Jacob and Alyssa both want a girl, but Alex says he wants a boy. Alex also wanted to know "how it got in there" and then he ask, "did you eat it?" Alyssa thinks she has a baby in her tummy too! I have been really really tired with this one. I am pretty positive I could sleep 20 hours a day.

We bought new furniture. The boys shattered our oven door. Alyssa still loves gymnastics. Jacob is still doing cub scouts and wants to start soccer again.

Other than that, things have been pretty normal around here:)

1K run

Jacob and Alex recently entered a 1k fun run to benefit Shoes that fit.
Alex sat down with us to take a little break after each lap, but they were both determined and both finished!

2024 Olympics here we come

After Jacob took gymnastics last winter and spring, Alyssa has been asking to "do gin-nastics." I was thrilled to say the least, so we signed her up over the summer. Her first class was a Mommy and tot class. I was not aware of that when I signed up. But it did enable me to take pictures!

We have since moved her to a new gymnastics academy. She loves it! Her teacher is Miss Becca and Alyssa looks forward to seeing her each week. And I get to proudly watch from the sidelines.

It has been so much fun watching her. Gymnastics is something I have loved my entire life. It was a childhood dream. I know she is only 3, but to be able to give her this opportunity means the world to me. I'll always be ready to go as far as she wants to go in anything!