The boys were headed to a pork show in Des Moines on Wednesday, so we took the opportunity for a girls day at American Girl.
We headed off to the zoo earlier this week with some sweet friends. The day was absolutely beautiful and the animals all seemed to be enjoying the day just as much as we were.
I definitely do not enjoy all the bundling that winter requires.
The running in and out of stores to try and get out of the cold. Washing coats, hats, and gloves and remembering to send all of them back to school.
What I do love about winter, however, are the snow days when I get to just stay inside by a warm fire. Or bundle up and head outside for some sledding while Tessa naps. Nowhere to go, and nothing to do but enjoy a relaxing day spent with my family.
And that, is my absolute favorite thing about winter.
Lately, our winter days have included:
hot chocolate,
baking cookies,
painting masterpieces,
and games by the fire.
And after days like this (and the blessing that is online shopping), I'm perfectly ok with winter not being over yet.
Hello blogging world! It's been awhile. I don't know about you, but between the Eagles win, JT's halftime show, the first glimpse of Solo: A Star Wars Story, and This Is Us, my emotions were all over the place last night. But I am SO happy for those Eagles!
These past few weeks have been a little on the busy side, and filled with doctors visits and difficulties for our little CLOVES warrior. Tessa has been having complications with infections in her groin area, where she has multiple malformations/cysts. She has had periods of extreme discomfort and pain, to the point where she wasn't even able to move without crying in pain. Over the last few weeks she has had sclerotherapy, draining, and antibiotic shots working to get rid of the bacteria, and is now on oral antibiotics. She still has some pain, but just when I apply pressure to the area. She's definitely feeling better, and will actually sit and play by herself, which is so wonderful to see after watching her cringe in pain every time I picked her up. Thank you for thinking of her and praying for her- we feel so indebted to those who consistently lift her (and our whole family) up in prayer!
Meanwhile, the bigger kids have been having some fun amidst the craziness and cold, including:
a bowling party for Claire and Max's friend Lily,
ice skating on the river (yes, it's frozen right to the bottom- and only a foot deep 😉)
some fun at the children's museum,
and lots of time with Grammy, which we were ALL thankful for!
Oh Gracie.
I had contemplated having a little birthday party for her with some of her friends, but honestly- she had a REALLY trying week before her birthday. She was battling a cold, still trying to catch up from the lack of sleep during our thanksgiving trip, and was just having a hard time. So I decided instead of doing a party, we would just simply celebrate her, and spend individual time with her. All she wanted was to have an Anna and Elsa tea party for her birthday, so that's what we did. I spent some one on one time with her while Tessa was napping, Claire and Max played her games with her, and she was as happy as could be.
This girl can be super sweet, loving, and fun-but can also be very stubborn, bossy, and easily frustrated. She's always entertaining, however, and keeps us all laughing!
Here are some 4 year old Gracie facts:
Here are some 4 year old Gracie facts:
Favorite color: purple
Favorite book: A Sister More Like Me
Favorite food: Quesadillas
Favorite food: Quesadillas
Favorite movie: Emoji movie
Favorite tv show: Top Wing
Favorite activities: Dressing up and coloring
Favorite game: Hide and Seek
Favorite activities: Dressing up and coloring
Favorite game: Hide and Seek
Grace wears a different costume every day.
EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Each day she comes down in the morning wearing something from her dress up basket: dress, hat, tutu, heels, leotard, leg warmers...you just never know. And then she usually has a stuffed animal that she has dressed up as well.
I should probably document what she has on each day, as it's always different and always entertaining.
I love this age, and I absolutely love this girl's quirky personality.
This zebra mask was one of my favorites. She even ate lunch with that thing on her face.
