Max's 8th birthday fell on a Saturday this year. So he woke up to a room full of balloons, a donut birthday cake, and presents.
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.
We decided to leave the little girls with Grammy and spend some time with our big kids. They were so excited to learn how to snowboard, and have mom and dad all to themselves for awhile. The weather was absolutely perfect- sunny and almost 50!
Two things about this picture:
1.) Max was feeling nervous
2.) They were dressed for -10, not 50.
Their sensible instructors were like, "They're overdressed mom! Start removing some layers because they're going to work up a sweat."
So we removed a few layers and Max was already feeling better after meeting his instructor (who was insanely fun and encouraging).
We were able to ski while the kids were getting their lessons. We wanted to watch them, but not seem like crazy stalker parents. 😂 So we kept an "appropriate" distance, but loved watching them learn and get better with each run.
They both loved it, and did so well. Never gave up and did their best. And they looked so stinking cute.
After snowboarding we did several runs on the tubing hill before heading back home.
We had such a fun day giving 100% attention to these two, and they loved it.
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!
Tis the season to joyously recite verses and sing songs from a stage. Or in Grace's case, nervously chew on your hands before bursting into tears.
Max and Claire did a great job though! It's not easy to recite a verse in front of a crowd of people who are staring at you.
All smiles again AFTER the program
Max was really excited about his school Christmas program this year. He is all business when he's on that stage- allowing us a quick little wave, but then returning 100% focus to his music teacher.
This was Max's favorite song and he just couldn't wait to sing it. He had a wiggly tooth for weeks, and it fell out two days before the program. This song was perfect, and he loved it.
