Wet and Dull...no wild here

It has been said a hundred times in the last month, this winter officially sucks. The lack of snow is just shocking so whenever we do have some we try to get out and enjoy it. Finally being able to get out today with no sickies was great except for the wet slushy snow. Sledding was pretty much impossible however it was great for snowballs and a snowman and with the driveway almost clear the kids brought out their cars. I really do hope we have a bit more snow to enjoy before the warm sunny days of summer approach!

Just Like Leah

Lately, all we hear from Lindsey is, "I go on the potty like Leah," "I am a big girl like Leah," etc etc. It is a good thing Leah is 6 months older than Lindsey and while 6 months means nothing when you are 12 or 22 or 32, at the ripe age of 2 it can mean a lot. Leah has been going on the potty for quite some time and about 2 weeks ago Lindsey declared that she didn't want diapers, just big girl pants like Leah. I wasn't even ready to potty train her, I was thinking maybe this summer. However, I am proud to say that she has had no pee accidents however we are still working on #2. I may have to have Leah over for some more encouragement in that department!

A New Era

When we were kids and stayed home from school we watched TV, read a book (if we could read), slept, and really didn't do much of anything. In this day and age of technology, it is easy to stay home and play Wii, the DS, or play on the computer or Ipad. I found our kiddos this past week sitting in their chairs after dinner one night playing with the new toys. Well, it isn't Lindsey's new toy but it is really amazing how quickly they learn to use computers!

Marshmallows Roasting on an Open Fire....

That is right, not chestnuts, marshmallows! Who says you can roast marshmallows over a fire in the fire place? We did just that last weekend when we were house bound with the first round of germs to invade our house! Lindsey wasn't really a fan of them, she rather just each a piece of chocolate but the rest of us all enjoyed a smore!

Snow Day

It has been such a weird winter, especially with the lack of snow. When we finally did get some snow last week Jake was eager to get outside and shovel, even in the bitter cold, while Lindsey and I stayed in. There is never a dull moment!

One Rockin' Family

It isn't a secret anymore, I love playing Rock Band on the Wii! Last weekend we played it as a family (Lindsey just thought she was) and it was so much fun! It is such a bummer that it isn't sold anymore! Good thing we have some friends that will let us play!

A Special Gift

Each year Lindsey's godparents come up with a special gift for her on Christmas! She is so blessed to have them in her life (we are too)! This year Aunt Jen created a Dora book that includes Lindsey's name and picture in it as part of the whole book! Leah got one from Santa and the girls were sharing their books last week. Thank you Charltons!

Cheers to 2012!

Here is to another year at Fort Drum! We are going to make the most of, especially not knowing what next year holds for us! We first rang in the New Year in our ugliest with our friends at the Charlton's annual party and then on New Year's Eve at our house with the Sweets! Happy New Year!

The Beginning of the End.....or is it?

Finally, last week we got some snow and we went out immediately to try out some new snow toys. The kids love to sled in our yard and driveway. Unfortunately, the snow didn't last too long. This has been the warmest winter to date since we have been here and it is a bit disappointing! We actually miss the snow!

Round Three!

Christmas round three back at our house! Santa left the kids some toys under our tree at home and the kids were thrilled to see some special presents when we got home, plus all the gifts from Lee's family! Santa left Lindsey a new Barbie Jeep that she absolutely loves. She loaded the jeep with every present she got and basically sat inside the jeep (in the house) for the rest of the day! It was so funny! It was 3 days later that we finally had to sneak the jeep out of the house! Jake got a play snowboard which he loves, especially when we get snow!

Lights!

Jake and Lindsey love looking at lights. Whether we went for rides in the car at our house or just turned the lights on our tree, they loved them. At my Mom's, we decided to bundle up and take them for a walk to see some light on Monday night. I love this photo I took of them checking out a Peanuts light up figurine.

The Morning After

The next day was just per relaxation! That is until we all got some energy and decided to go ice skating!

Round Two!

On Christmas Eve we have about 17 of us for dinner. On Christmas Day most everyone is back again but this time there are presents after dinner with the cousins! It is basically round two of opening! We tried to grab a photo with the little cousins, we are missing Patrick who is the eldest of them at almost 16! He joined us a couple days after Christmas! It was a night of fun and toys and a great way to wrap up the holiday bonanza!

Let the Madness Begin!

Since I am the one walking Lindsey downstairs I didn't get great pictures but my sisters took some good ones! They have some of Lindsey peaking through the railing to take a look at the presents under the tree! Christmas morning is a bit of madness with all the presents to open but the kids loved all their gifts and really had a wonderful morning!

Holidays in PA

For Christmas this year we set off on Friday for PA to the Smith house! Christmas Eve was a bit different this year as we had it at my mom's house. Nana was a busy lady cooking in the kitchen with her helpers--all the aunties! I was chasing Lindsey of course and playing with the boys outside. I still can't believe it was warm enough to play wiffle ball on Christmas Eve! We wrapped up the night with "Twas the Night Before Christmas" read by Papa and throwing the reindeer food out Nana's window! Then the kids were fast asleep! (you can tell I haven't blogged in a while since my pictures are in backwards order!) whoops

Happy Birthday to Me!

I celebrated my 34th birthday before Christmas first with a delicious dinner date night with Lee and then an all day birthday celebration (or what felt like one) on the day of my birthday with my kiddos. I woke up to breakfast in bed by Jacob and then we celebrated that night with a special cupcake for each of us and some awesome gifts!

Holiday Rewind

It had been a long time since I have blogged but I guess it is better late than never! Here is a holiday rewind version in pictures and recaps!