What the ?!?!

It's 16 degrees outside. UGH!!!!

looked at the current temp for Anchorage, Alaska, just to make me feel better. 0 degrees. Not sure that is a big enough difference for me.

In a Nut Shell

 

He is ALWAYS trying to play with something that is for much older children.

He rarely plays with anything age appropriate.

He does not give up easily. 

You can't tell by the picture, but he refused my help.

He likes to do it on his own.

This is only the beginning...

Chilleeee

I think today may have been our coldest day of winter so far. It might have reached 30 for a little while. Oh, how I really hate the cold. And it's only just beginning. 

Here's a fun idea if you live in a snowy state. The boys and I gave one of these "snow sticks" to the grandmas and aunt lissa for Christmas presents. I got the idea from an oriental trading post catalog. 

My mom LOVES to measure the snow with a yardstick and always calls us to ask how much we have. Now we have a special stick :)

.

We painted large paint sticks (EJ cut off a few inches-we don't get THAT much snow). 

I found snowman and penguin foam ornament kits. The boys glued the pieces together. 

We attached the foam ornament to the top of the stick.

I measured and marked the inches.

"Easy Peasy" (as owen would say)

Looking Back

Happy New Year!

it's 2012! My heart is full! what a blessing to start the new year with such incredible friends. Somebody pinch me.

A portion of the Cassada clan, and Young clan came to town Saturday afternoon. The dad's stayed back at our house and kept the kids busy. While the mom's got the dinner party set up at the Ayer's home. We have been together each new year since at least 2007 (we can't remember what happened before the blogs, ha!)

The dad's fed the kids dinner. Courtney and I got back in time for their toast and to get the kids ready for the babysitter.

The kid's party

 

EJ and I put a scripture verse (fortune) and smarties inside 7 balloons. At their pretend countdown the kids popped the balloons. I love how their eyes are all naturally shut at the anticipation of the pop. Then they toasted with sparkling grape juice.

We had 1 babysitter for 6 kids at our house. She was nervous. I was a bit nervous. It worked out fine. phew!

The adults all gathered for a gourmet dinner at the Ayer's home. After some frustration with restaurants and unavailable sitters (the Ayer's kids' were sleeping during our party) we chose to "stay in." We had such a blast I am not sure we'll ever go out on New Year's again. Thanks for hosting, Cary and Leah and for an amazing dinner!

LOTS of chatting and yummy appetizers. 

We each brought items to contribute, but Leah and Cary graciously took care of a large majority of the meal.

Leah made this fancy "salt bread" for the beef tenderloin.

You don't actually eat it, it's just for seasoning. The beef was amazing.

They converted their living room into a dinning room to accommodate our large group

salad, beef tenderloin, cheesy polenta, spinach and mushrooms, asparagus and rolls

 All the girls were taking pictures it was a bit ridiculous

We didn't eat dinner until close to 10! 

We sat and sat and sat. 

Real converstations without a noisy restaurant. 

I didn't have to cut food in bite size pieces for anyone or fill up cups of milk or wipe faces.

It was such a lovely envening. 7:30 a.m. came way too quickly ;)

I am amazed how these friendships are blossoming between our annual beach week and new years eve dates. We really need to secure a spring get together ;) Our families get along so well. Kids included. My family looks forward to their visits SO much. I love starting out the new year with these gals.

i love this man

2012, bring it on!