It's snow fun!

Out of school from Wednesday to Sunday had slowed lots of quality bonding time. We have moved the table to have dance parties in front of the mirror, had karaoke sessions, made Chex mix, moved the train table to Jack's room, and other countless in-house activities. Jack put this look together himself. Nothing says eligible bachelor like two ties and an oven mitt. 

Kate is in Grease at the end of February and she had not seen it to date. I was weary, but after the break, who cares! She now sings and dances to all of the songs and Jack enjoys being her partner when necessary. 

Back out in the snow and using a dustpan to get the steps. 

A dinner out followed by orange leaf. Oh the faces of these two sillies. 

Kate received a nice Thank you from her donation. It is on her dresser now. Something special. 

Out for our last day of snowcation. My ability to build a snowman is more of an inability. 

Kate built a fort and Jack added sticks. 

A few snowball fights were held. 

Drake thought they might be real balls, so he dropped his tennis ball for a moment. 

And Jack sang "I've got to move it, move it" as he and Kate shoveled the streets. 

I spent most of the time complaining of my sinus infection that I have been taking meds for for over a week. Lights, no camera, and no action. Pressure systems suck!!

Snow day

We have had a week of snow. It has been fun to be home and enjoy watching the world slow us down. It hasn't been freezing cold, so we actually got out in the snow. Drake has been on arthritis meds for about two weeks and he has become more like a puppy. It's been so exciting to see him play and run around like he used to. Makes my heart smile!

Jack absolutely loves playing in the snow. He not only wants to be in the snow but wants to play on all things summer. 

This sweet girl is up for anything. She made a snow pillow and hung out for part of it. She has taken over my hat but it isn't hers!!

After our snow play, we went in where Jack watched his show and ate his new favorites - peanut butter energy balls. I can't make them fast enough for my family!

Sadness

Mom, Martha, and I went to Sullivan to finally lay Betty McElrath to rest.  She would have really enjoyed the snow and the sunny day.  The last in her family line, Betty was one of the best babysitters.  So many memories at her house on Indiana Avenue.  The family who lived across the street when I was little also came to the ceremony.  I chatted with H.R., who is now a judge, about the fun we used to have.

Kate asked me to take a picture of the cemetery for her and so I did.  Too bad Kate didn't get much time with Betty, because she would have loved her very much.

Snow day, camp pics and Dudley

Kate's camp picture arrived after Christmas and it looks like she had a good time.  Jack got to bring Dudley home (again) from school and Dudley got to go for a haircut with Jack as well as take a bath after hitting the floor three times at dinner.  We were surprised with some snow and went out to play for a bit.  It was quite a frigid time, as the wind chills were around zero.  Drake was put on arthritis meds at his last exam and it has been a noticeable difference for his energy level (it better be at the cost of his pills)! After the year of death we had in 2015, we want to keep this guy around as long as we can.

New year, New goals

 In November, Matt had planned a trip to surprise me.  It didn't work out due to sickness and death.  Over break, I texted Ashley and asked if they would be busy on the following Friday night or if they wanted to do a date night in St. Louis, their hometown.  Matt was quite excited when I confirmed that we actually had out-of-town plans.  We had a great time in St. Louis and Ashley gave us a great recommendation for a breakfast place.  Matt had two lattes because they were soooooo good!  And, of course, we knew the kids were well taken care of when Carri sent these pictures from Dunkin' Donuts before 8 a.m.!  I plan to catch up on the blog and add posts from last year so I can finally print out what happened.  I do plan to keep this year rolling!  :-)

Ringing and singing in the new year

Goal one: to be better about blogging. Goal two: to appreciate the wonderful family I have and be present. At. All. Times.

Winter break fun

We have enjoyed our times bowling this year. Jack met Wade there one day and kate took a friend. Then, we met another family to bowl one night. Two games is our max for sure, but it's a lot of fun and if I ever break 100, it will be more fun!

Jack got Lincoln logs as a gift and has enjoyed building with them. It's a starter set, and I foresee adding to it as he gets older. Way more fun than Legos for me!

Jack got a shaving kit for Christmas and has been busy shaving. Baths are even cool again. And he always has us "feel my face."

Play doh. I hate play doh. Good thing Santa brought it since they both asked for it.

Christmas time is here!

Matching jammies. Yep.

Waiting for Santa at Anne and Ben's.

Ready for the Christmas meal!

Loving my nativity scene. Thank you, mom, for building it for me yearly. Love my lights.

School is out for break!

We had a lot to accomplish over Christmas break! Lots of baking and time with friends. We have begun making lists of things we want to do so we can make sure to enjoy our break. Hot cocoa and a Christmas movie? Bowling? Baking treats for the neighbors? Giant gingerbread men? Dance party? All goes on the list. We may not get it all accomplished, but it gives us a plan for the holidays.

Once made, Jack promptly took an arm and devoured it.

Out to Mexican with friends. Kate and the girls did an art camp that morning and Jack and I picked her up and we met for cheesadillas.

Carri babysat and introduced these sillies to Snapchat. I got pictures like this sent to me and died laughing. We are the luckiest people to have such wonderful babysitters who love our kids as much as we do. It's always nice to hear our kids ask when one of them is coming back - or tell us to go out so they can!

We attempted baking soda and four ornaments. They did not work though they were beautiful. They cracked and would not have hung well. And we worked so hard!!!