Cold Winter Days

An open letter to Old Man Winter:

It was great while it lasted (let's be clear, once Christmas is over we don't need the wind, snow, ice...) but I'm tired of the dry, cracked fingers, full body chills if not wearing an adult-sized full length snow suit, dry lips despite hour after hour application of chap stick, a really super duper dirty car that I can't wash, and a rambunctious toddler who needs outdoor play time!

Signed,

Get on with Spring already

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Here's how we've kept our sanity lately:


Lots of made up games accompanied by toddler shrieks and giggles-

Receiving fun surprises in the mail (thanks G&G K.!)-

Indoor play land play dates-

 

Swimsuit hamper beach ball (because the toddler is tired of winter as well)-

 

Comfort food- my favorite soup recipe (not mine and I don't know the original source)-

Stay warm my friends!

Wordless Wednesday~ Lil Baker

Let's Roll

My dear friend Denise's professional sorority hosted a skating party last night- the perfect opportunity for Reagan to try out roller skating! 

Much like her sledding experience, she was hesitant at first and adamant about not wearing roller skates. However, once we got there and she saw all the other kiddos having fun, she put on her skates and never looked back. 

Growing up in the 80's, roller skating was my favorite past time. I remember the Christmas I got my very own pair of skates. I was shocked to find out 25 years later, that I had lost my ability to roll with grace! I was waving my arms to gain balance and my shins felt like someone had taken a lit match to them. Ah the joys of getting older! 

Despite the sweat running down my forehead and the pulled muscle in my back, we had a great time! Reagan was skating by herself (on the carpet) and dancing to the DJ by the end of the night. Another 'first' experience that she'll have happy memories of.

And the first thing she asked me this morning, "Mommy, when can we go roller skating again?"  Success.

Roller skating wears a girl out!

Preschool Prep

Last night I signed Rea up for preschool. Even typing that out gives me heart palpitations. I know she is ready, more than ready.... but signing her up and making it official also brings my fears to life.

Will she make friends? Will she love school as much as I did? Will schedules work out so she gets there and back like we planned?  Will she listen well to the teacher? Will she be okay without her bunny and blankie?

I know in my heart of hearts she'll do great. She'll excel, she'll have fun with her friends, and I'll look back and laugh at my fears. In the meantime, we'll keep working with flash cards, writing letters and her name, working on counting a little higher each time we practice.

Even though it's eight months away, I can't wait to hear her stories from her days at preschool.

Working on her letters:

Practicing her reading skills:

Her family portrait:

Working on her Ranger Rick magazine:

Wordless Wednesday~ Monkey Business

Wordless Wednesday~ Daddy's Girl

Do a happy dance...

As the temperatures drop outside and we are anticipating the coldest day in 5 years, I thought this would be a great time to jot down some things we're grateful for lately... in other words, things that make us do a happy dance. 

Birthday parties:

Birthday parties always make us smile! Especially when the birthday is under the age of 35- ha! We celebrated the birthday of Reagan's friend, Karly, a few weeks ago and had a great time.

Cousin sleepovers:

Rea hosted a sleepover for her cousin and they had so much fun having a girls night! Barbies were played, cookies were baked, movies were watched and the squeals and laughter were contagious!

Doing new things:

Rea's first time going sledding was a success! She was adamant about not wearing snow pants or gloves or a hat or being outside in the snow... but once we got to the hill she agreed to dress for the weather.

She squealed down the first hill and never looked back. Now she asks daily when we can go sledding again...

Girlfriends:

Every year my group of girlfriends gather for girl talk, a night to dress up and martinis! I love this group of girls- and how each year we all make a point to clear our schedules and get together for a night of reminiscing and making new memories. We uplift each other, motivate each other, laugh hard and then some... all over delicious martinis.  Can't wait for next year!

"Friends are like stars, they come and go, but the ones that stay, are the ones that glow."
- Roxy Quicksilver

Daughters:

Rea keeps me doing the happy dance... with her witty insight and infectious toddler laugh.  We play music in the kitchen and 'ice skate' in our socks.  We dress up and I don't say anything when she cranks my lipsticks all the way out of the case and spreads handfuls of my favorite lotion on her cheeks.

I'm looking forward to adding to this list.  May each of you find many reasons to do a happy dance...

Happy New Year!

We had special plans this New Year's Eve- to surprise Andy's dad with a retirement party! 

It was so fun to be with family and to help Papa celebrate his retirement.  We played a new game- Twisted Farkel which was a blast! And we all (barely and while the kiddos were sleeping) made it to midnight.

As we close on 2013, I'd like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, JOYFUL 2014!

Congrats Steve-O! We love you!