Let it Snow!

As I sit here typing today, we are currently experiencing a Wind Chill advisory.  The temperature outside is -17 and with the wind chill is -44 degrees.  My winter break was extended another day as it is too cold to go outside safely.  The wind chill advisory goes until noon tomorrow.

Since last time, we have celebrated our Christmas, enjoyed winter break and Mommy has taken up a new hobby.  We have also all had colds, and Finley her first ear infection :(

Our Christmas tree-this was pre-ornaments

Of course, Finley was fascinated by the lights and tree.  She would take just her pointer finger and touch the branches and lights.  It was so cute.

After our first big snow, Bill and Max were out shoveling so I decided to bundle Finley up in her snowsuit and get a picture of her in the snow.  She actually didn't seem to mind one bit.  And looks so cute in her puffy pink snowsuit.

We took a trip to the mall and Max saw the train that you can ride.  He was so insistent on riding.  In past experiences, he says he wants to ride something and then we go through the hassle of buying a ticket, or taking out cash and then he freaks out when its time to get on.  He surprised both of us when he jumped right into the green freight car (his choice) and LOVED every minute of the ride.  I rode with him and he didn't stop smiling the entire ride.  He waved to everyone in the mall as we went around the entire upper level.  It was the best $7 we spent that day!  

On the 21st, the kids and I packed up the van and headed to Streator for the beginning of our Christmas festivities.  The first was the Robert's side christmas party.   Max had a blast running around and playing with the boys.  The kids were both so spoiled with lots of toys.

We drove home Christmas day and had to see what Santa left while we were gone.  Max got a tool box full of tools among other gifts.

Finley actually got into ripping the paper.  She got a doll stroller that doubles a walker .  We just put it together yesterday and I think we are going to see her start cruising with it soon!

Tools in action!

Max with all of his gifts.

Finley with all of her gifts.

ROAR!!!!!!

Up on two feet!

Lots of SNOW!!!!!

Smiling after being sick for a week!

Eating eggs and toast for the first time.

We also celebrated Christmas eve with my parents and family.  This year we were at my parents house.   Bill met us on Christmas eve in Streator.  We then came home Christmas day and unpacked, opened more gifts and went to Bill's sister, Liz's house for dinner.   All in all it was a great Christmas spent with family and friends.

New years was very uneventful.  We spent the night in.  We had taco bell for dinner :) and I think we watched a movie.

The last two weeks have seemed like a month.  I have enjoyed the time home with my kids, and visits with family.  I am sad to go back to work, but also looking forward to dissecting the earthworm when we get back!  Now if only the weather would warm up.  I think we are going to have spring fever much sooner this year, since the cold seemed to hit us early.

Alot of my pictures that you didn't see were on my other camera, and aren't downloaded yet.  We also had pictures taken by my best friend since 8th grade, Tiffany Park.  Here is the link to her blog with some of our photos that she took.  I wanted to capture Finley in her Christmas dress and a few with Max as well.  Then we did some of just Finley in the cutest little sweater dress and leg warmers!

http://tiffanyparkphotography.blogspot.com/2013/12/finley-jean-9-monthsand-little-bit-of.html

Finley is 10 months old today!  Time has passed so quickly and I'm sure by the next time I post, we will be close to having her 1st birthday party!  Look forward to plenty of PINK!!!!!

I think we are up to speed!  I'm going to go warm up with some coffee:)  Until next time...