We are LOVING the SNOW!!!

I am typically not a snow fan.  Actually, in the past I would cringe then utter hateful thoughts at any sign of snow fall.  Having children has put a positive spin on the cold white flakes!  Last year after a long and snowLESS winter, poor Russell was so sad.  All he wanted to do was build a snow fort like the one he had the previous year.  Once the early signs of winter began to show this fall, Russell was quickly gearing up his mind for snow fort building.  I patiently reminded him that in Michigan we are never quite sure how much snow we will be granted, but that I was pretty sure we'd have more then last winter.  Well, Mother Nature has listened to our wishes!  We've been outside daily for hours at a time packing, building, sliding, and laughing!  Lots of laughing!  We are hoping for more snow to come!  (However, I'm secretly hoping for an early spring as well-shhhhhhh!)

The kids (and Aron) have been busy building their snowfort/igloo.



Fully covered, two openings, plus protective barriers.  Snow much fun!



Backyard fun with a neighbor buddy.

We hit the sledding hill with some friends at 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning in order to beat the crowd! 

The kids went up and down, up and down, up and down!  Whew!!!

These boys had NO fear!  Forwards, backwards, bumps, spins, races...  They did not stop!

After the parents became too cold, we called it a wrap and headed home for fresh donuts and hot cocoa.



Uncle Keith's

After a busy Christmas day, we headed north for a family dinner at Keith and Kelly's on December 26th.  We were blessed with safe travels with the snow storm hitting Royal Oak after we left and being cleared up by the time we returned.  Russell and Sloane were spoiled endlessly by our loving family and Russell was given the surprise of a lifetime by Uncle Keith (see pictures below).  Although it was a quick trip, we enjoyed being with one another and are already looking forward to our next family gathering at Grandma and Grandpa's for a sledding party!

This is how Russell has been dressed recently...  Indiana Jones Junior!

Aunt Kelly took the kids for a ride to check out the property.

Stockings from Papa.

American Girls clothes from Uncle Keith and Aunt Kelly.

Aron's very own hunting rifle!  No more borrowing from the relatives.

And... (drum roll please)...  A BB Gun for Russell from Uncle Keith!  This was against my better judgement, but with some convincing Keith was able to sweet talk me into allowing this.  My big brother has always been able to get me on his side.  There are several guidelines Russell must follow including keeping his gun at Uncle Keith's, only shooting it with adult supervision and proper protective gear, and taking part in a BB gun league to learn proper technique and safety.  Needless to say, Russell is beyond thrilled!  Me... time will tell.

Indoor snowball fight kits from Uncle Tom and Aunt Marilyn.

This is going to be fuuuuuuunnnnn!

Testing things out.

Checking out the target.

Loving EVERY moment!

We came home to snow, snow, SNOW!

Fort building has begun!

Christmas Morning

The kids woke up with pure excitement on Christmas morning!  After much running around, they decided to start with stockings.  The squeals of excited made Aron and I quietly smile at one another more than once.  Sloane repeatedly shouted out, "Thank you Santa, thank you.  I love you Santa."  Russell's repeated phrase of choice was, "this is the BEST Christmas EVER!"  I watched with tears in my eyes throughout the day as the kids played with their new toys and never uttered an argument once!  I was rather emotional all day.  My mind jumped from thinking about my own childhood memories to thoughts of my mother and then to the sadness in Newtown.  My children bring such happiness and fulfillment to my life.  I can not even begin to imagine the pain those families are feeling this holiday season.  As a teacher and a mother, my heart truly goes out to them.  I feel very blessed this holiday season for the gifts in my life!

A sneak peek at the presents Santa left.

Opening stockings.  Russell received a bunch of military badges and Sloane was thrilled to get bubble bath!

Russell played most of the day with his new toy soldier play set.

Sloane enjoyed playing wither her new My Little Pony wedding castle.

Mac was not left out.  Santa spoils pets too!

Sloane's most treasured surprise - her Disney Princess Castle!

New slippers from Great Gram.  They wore them ALL day!  Warm toes are a must in our house.

Christmas Eve

This year is about new traditions in our house.  After 10 Christmas seasons of taking turns visiting our families for Christmas, Aron and I decided this would be the year to stay home.  The holiday season has been very difficult on me without my mom.  I did not want to have Christmas in Gladwin without her.  So...  Santa came to Royal Oak this year!  We had an absolutely magical Christmas Eve.  As we got ready for church, it began to snow outside.  By the time we left church, the streets and trees were covered with beautiful white snow.  Before heading home we drove around to see Christmas lights and were in awe of the beautiful displays.  Once we arrived home, we set up a "build-your-own" pizza bar - one of many new family traditions.  The pizza was delicious and by the time dinner was complete it was bedtime.   However, with the excitement of freshly fallen snow and the anticipation of reindeer in the sky we could not bring ourselves to go to sleep just yet.  So we put on our warm winter gear and headed out for a Christmas Eve snowball fight!  What fun!  Even Mac was rolling, running, and attempting to attack all snowballs thrown his direction.  After much laughter, we headed inside for pajamas and a bedtime story.  

All smiles and ready for the family service at church.

A moment of silliness!

Moonlit snow fun.

Snow Angels

Sloane made one after another.

All set for snowball ACTION!

What fun!!! 

Last step before bed, cookies & milk for Santa.  Carrots & water for the reindeer.

We Love the Bass Pro Shop!

After school on Friday, the kids and I headed to Great Lakes Crossing for our annual trip to see Santa at the Bass Pro Shop.  After Aron finished up his work week, he met us there for some outdoor adventures and a fun dinner at the Rainforest Cafe.  Russell and Sloane look forward to this visit each year.

Sloane wishes for a Disney Princess Castle and Russell is hoping for a DS.  Santa's not too sure about these BIG dreams!

It took Russell less than 5 minutes to locate the Red Ryder BB guns!  This has been his #1 Christmas wish until I ruined that plan for him.  I made him read the box "must be 10 years or older."

Target practice.  This boy is a true outdoors man!

Sloane enjoyed two rides on the carousel.  This is a new addition to Bass Pro this year.

Both kids enjoyed playing in the Bass Pro tree hut.  Other guests stopped to watch the make-believe going on inside it.

So many decorations to look at, games to play, and toys to see!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

What a fun-filled and unbelievably busy week!!!  We actually picked out our Christmas tree a week ago, but haven't had a chance to decorate it until last night.  We've had so many terrific activities going on.  The holiday season is always exciting, but WOW am I tired.  Christmas vacation can't seem to get here soon enough.  

Lear Corporation Holiday Party
Sloane patiently waited in line to get her face painted.  She didn't wash her face for over 48 hours!

The Lear party was magnificent!  What a wonderful way to celebrate the importance of family for all the employees.
Both kids enjoyed the magician.

While Russell was busy in the carnival tent, Sloane was hitting the photo booths.

We headed north to Gladwin on December 1st for the holiday light parade. 

Picking out our Christmas tree.

It took a week, but we finally got around to decorating!

Russell takes this job very seriously!

A Time to Give Thanks

We have had a wonderful week celebrating the meaning of Thanksgiving with our family all over the state of Michigan!  We began with a trip last weekend to my grandparents' home in Middleville.  The men took time to hunt and watch football while the women enjoyed catching up with one another while taking a walk in the beautiful fall sunshine.  Aron and I then took the kids a few miles north to Grand Rapids where we spent a night at a hotel - a favorite for Russell and Sloane.  They loved swimming in the hotel pool, staying up late watching movies and coloring, and especially enjoyed the continental breakfast provided the next morning!  After a short week at school, we packed up the car once again and headed back to West Michigan.  This time to visit Aron's family in Saint Joesph.  We lucked out again with weather and took full advantage of the 60+ degree temps.  After filling ourselves with the deliciousness of the holiday, we took a family walk along Lake Michigan.  We never forget those loved ones not with us, but feel so thankful for the love that surrounds us each day!



Russell spent several hours hunting and exploring Great Papa's property.

When not indoors crafting, Sloane was outside collecting rocks and decorating Great Grandma and Great Papa's driveway with sidewalk chalk.  She was sure to keep cousin Katie engaged with non-stop chatter.

A walk along Lake Michigan on Thanksgiving Day.

The beach is a favorite place all times of the year.

We can't wait for June to dive into those waves!!!

Russell loved spending time with his older cousin Jake.

And Sloane kept cousin Addie on her toes!

After our walk on the beach, Sloane snuggled with Addie to keep warm.

Next up...  Christmas decorations!!!