Snow Day

 This past Wednesday we had a snow day for a predicted 12-18 inches.  However, only about 2-4 inches fell in our area.  The larger snow fell about 9 miles away from us.  Despite that, we had a day off.  Though not a lot of snow, it's been in the single digits even up today making getting outside a non-option.  Indoor creativity is then needed.  Izzy came up with an idea to take out the crib mattresses and came up with all sorts of uses.  The biggest was using them as a jumping area and piled pillows all around for 'safety'.  Towards the end, she made a bed for her & the twins so they could then have a way to have an indoor camp-out.

At some point I was going through the twin's clothes and packing up those that were too small.  When I came to put Victoria's away, this is what I found in that drawer.  Izzy's My Little Ponies are probably her most cherished toys right now and seem to find their way into almost every aspect of her / my life.  Cracks me up when I discover something like this.  What goes through her head I can only guess.

Happy New Years!

A few pictures were recently sent by Izzy's pre-K teachers showing the parents their 'serious' side of celebrating New Years Eve at school.  It made me smile so I had to pass it on.  I wonder how long it took them to make all those '2014' headbands for this picture.

How to Survive a Nor'Easter

 We officially survived the Nor'Easter.  It started to snow on Thursday when I headed into work.  School closed early so headed to pick up the kids at which point the snow was building up.  It didn't stop until about noon the next day.  Some creativity was needed to keep the masses entertained.  There was playing in the sinks with water and bubble, coloring Shrinky Dinks and building a fortress.

 Izzy created these bird puppets when the babes were taking a nap.

 Mommy wasn't paying attention when Opa stacked the diaper boxes by Micah's bed.  They were placed in such a way to make a perfect staircase for Micah.  Soon two little girls followed him up.

 Once the snow stopped, out we went to get some stink off.  Izzy wanted to know if Opa was going to fly back to take her sledding.  It was too cold to walk to the park to sled so we hung out in the court yard until we decided it was too cold to stay out any longer.

Improvised sledding in the court yard.... there were squeals by all but the most from Micah.

 By the end of the day, you are left with just plain silliness!

The Polar Express

 A colleague gave me several ideas of things to do over Christmas time.  One was to visit a train park and ride The Polar Express.  Never having done this, we had no clue what we were getting into.  To prepare Izzy, I bought her the book and Oma read it to her.  As luck happens, the movie was on TV the night before and so she watch that as well.  That night when going to bed, Izzy informed me that she wanted one of the bells that rings forever from Santa as well.

 Our train to the North Pole!  Unfortunately, Oma was feeling under the weather and stayed at home.  We left the twins at home as well since it was a bit of a drive to get there.  Good thing we did.  It was so cold I don't think they would have fared well.

 Hot chocolate and cookies were served.

 Look who's outside!  We must have made it all the way to the North Pole!  Izzy wasn't so sure at first since she didn't see any snow.  In fact she saw sand and water and declared we must be at a beach.

 Santa visited each child and gave them a bell.  Izzy's wish of having a bell that forever rings was granted.  It promptly went on the tree when we returned home.

Truly magical for her!

Merry Chirstmas!

 We were blessed to host Oma & Opa this year for Christmas.  They were fortunate to see all the quirkiness of their grandchildren over their week stay.  Micah has always been into holding something long & skinny... wands, toothbrushes, spoon, pencils, etc.  Not sure what that means for him in the future though.  His current favorite object is Nala's cat toy.  He's gotten so good at 'casting' that he looks like he's fishing.  We all had to be on guard so as to not be whipped at any given time!

 A Bures tradition is Oma's famous sugar cookies.  One night Oma & Izzy cut out the cookies & baked them.

 Another night we all sprinkled them.  Next time the twins will be able to participate in this tradition.

A shot with everyone looking forward and not crying!... Not smiling either but I'll take it!

 I guess we had enough of picture taking by this point.

 Izzy's repeated wish to Santa was for My Little Ponies.  Here are the rest to finish off her collection.

 We're not so sure what to do with these stockings or the things that are inside.

 Santa gave Micah a Tonka dump truck... just what every boy needs!

 Santa got Victoria a tunnel which she just loves!

Izzy is currently in a phase of washing her ponies.  Here they are all lined up drying after their bath.  Some days they need 2 or 3 baths!

Breakfast with Santa

 The Franklin Park Zoo held their 1st ever breakfast with Santa.  We were pleasantly surprised with the food choices.  They even served hot cocoa!  Santa then arrived and spent as much time as needed with each child.  Izzy was enamored and often forgot to answer his questions.  But after talking with her for a bit, she opened up and even told him what to get her brother & sister!

 Oma was out walking with Victoria when Santa came to our table.  So, Izzy & Micah had him all to themselves for a bit.

At the end, we asked Santa if he could take a picture with all three.  I knew I wouldn't get away without a crying picture this year!