Quick Christmas Recap Part I

As we are back into a "normal" routine, we will try to catch up on some posts from over the holiday break.

Christmas this year followed similar trends as prior years.  We start with some quiet time at home with just the four of us on Christmas Eve.  That night includes the opening of one present each.

 Sylvia enjoyed modeling dads new Viking horns.

Early Christmas morning took us downstairs to check the stockings and Sylvia and Violet were both pleasantly surprised with the goodies Santa left for them.

After the stockings and presents from Santa, it was off to Northfield for breakfast and presents at Dan and Kelley's.

Violet loves cinnamon rolls!

Sylvia and Shaylan discussing their new toys.

Violet is really starting to get this present thing!

Presents are not just for little kids... Blake is showing off his new PJ's (with footies!)

It was then off to the farm for lunch and more presents.  While we failed to take one picture while over there, the Anderson clan was together to celebrate another Christmas with Grandpa LeRoy and extended family and friends.

Half of our Christmas get-togethers are complete... Upcoming posts will cover Christmas at Charleen and Michael's as well as with the Brodds.

Merry Christmas

Enjoy this years rendition of Rudolph...

Feeling Lucky???

 

Are you getting this beautiful gift for Xmas??

There was a drawing of a gnome in a hot air balloon, but he got colored over :-(

This is her "Merry Christmas" face.

This is her "seriously I need to wrap another present" face

Christmas is almost here!  We wish all our friends and family a safe and wonderful holiday.

Winter Storm Caeser

We were hit with the first major storm of the season... As it turns out, we are now naming our major winter storms now as well... So Caeser it is!

Phase 1 of the cleanup was Sunday morning around 9AM.  There was a solid 4-6" by then, but Sylvia was up for playing in the snow, so I attacked the driveway with a shovel.  Sylvia was also proud of her shoveling - and to be honest, it was much improved over last year.

Brief intermission for snow angels!

After lunch, a haircut for Sylvia, and a run to the grocery store, it was back outside for more fun in the snow.  This time little sister joined in the fun.

Sledding does not work very well in 12" of powder... 

Still snowing... 

One more time cleaning the driveway - this time with the snow blower - was finished around 7PM.  This morning we woke up to a drift at the end of the driveway from the snowplow and another 1-2 inches on the driveway. 

Besides the five+ hours spent in the car today back and forth to Hutchinson, we really enjoyed this first storm of the season...  especially when I get home to Sylvia waiting in her room, not being able to fall asleep until we have "story time".

Tonight's story was about her stuffed deer "Snowflake".  She had informed be that Snowflake lives with Santa and Rudolph doesn't live with Santa anymore.  When I asked her why Rudolph doesn't live with Santa anymore, the response was quick and direct... "Rudolph had to move because he was afraid of the adorable snowman!"  Translation of adorable is abominable...  I like her version better!  Hopefully she isn't having nightmares about that crazy looking thing!

Before the Snow

 

A couple weekends ago, we had some unseasonably warm weather, so we took advantage of one last day out in the yard.

 

It also marked the transition of "summer" toys to "winter" toys, so Sylvia took full advantage of double the toys...

 

 

Teeter-Totter with Sylvia, Violet, and Monkey

Arrrrrr!!!!! I am a crazy girl!

 

Arrrrr!  I am crazy like my big sister!!

 

 

I said "ARRRRRRRRR"

 

I'm a cutie!

 

Case #1 of winter and summer blending together...  Stuffed animals in snow sled

I said no more pictures!

 

Case #2 of winter and summer blending together... Stuffed animals in snow sled behind wagon with purple chairs with stuffed animals on top

Above contraption running over little sister... I think we are done playing

Time for a picnic on the front steps!

 

 

 

 After all this fun, the temperature dropped about 50 degrees over the next few days and our first measurable snowfall hit Woodbury.  Looking forward to playing outside in the white stuff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swinging in the rain

We just realized that we missed a post last Summer. 

 

Here are the girls enjoying some swimming / singing / playing in the rain!

 

Just think, we will be playing in the snow shortly!

Happy Halloween

Per normal, when the camera comes out, Sylvia turns into a completely different person.  Yesterday was Halloween and two minutes prior she was running around excited to get outside for trick or treating...

 

Picture time - not so much fun!

Violet on the other hand was just enjoying life.  Super Violet enjoyed climbing on the pumpkin - without falling down!

For whatever reason, Sylvia then decided to smile and we did get at least one good picture!

Super Violet in full costume... Her first treat was a pack of Play-doh.  (The measuring spoons were from home)

Trick or Treat at Mark and Terri's house... mmm more candy!

A couple more houses and we were done.  Each year we get more and more excited about Halloween, but when it comes to going up to doors, we are still slightly scared.  Maybe next year, Violet will take the charge!