Monday, February 17, 2014

Snow Days!

Frozen!
Snow? Snow in North Carolina? Yes, I guess we do get snow in North Carolina. And, I'm talking more than just flurries. Twice in the past four weeks we have had four days in a row of "inclement weather" days closing schools. Granted, to this Northerner, a snow day in North Carolina is laughable. Of the eight snow days this winter, I would say four would pass as legitimate, and that's because they don't do much salting and plowing down here. We got about three inches the first time around and about six inches and quite a bit of ice the second go round.

Our wintry backyard
So, naturally, with two small kiddos and all that white, we could not skip out on the rare opportunity to play in the snow. We managed to score some snow boots on clearance at Target, so all we had to do was layer up, bundle up and head out!

Our snow angels
What do you do when you have a perfectly snow covered hill in your front yard, but no sleds, saucers, or even large lids that will slide? You grab some tarps and cruise down the hill! Oh my! It was fun! I loved watching the kids laugh and scream with joy, and of course I joined in and took a few slides down with them.


And, why exactly are tarps better for sledding than a small saucer or sled? They unfold and you can fit the neighbors on with you! This was, by far, the best part of the day. Watching all the kids slide down the hill, laughing, screaming, and capturing the joyous moment was priceless.


It has been quite an eventful winter here in the south. Now that I've seen how they cope with snow and ice down here, I'd be quite happy if we didn't get anymore of that white stuff until next winter! After all, we've had our fun, made some fun memories and have the pictures to prove it. We're good! Come on spring!

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Six Years Old!

The Birthday Girl!
I know, I know! Time flies. They grow up so fast. Don't blink, your babies will be teenagers before you know. We are learning first hand exactly how true these statements are. Granted, we still have a while before we hit the teenage years. But, man! Our first baby is just getting so big, so fast. As I was laying in bed beside Clara tonight for good night hugs and kisses, she grabbed me tightly around the neck and held on. She said, "I'm just going to hug you forever." I was, I'll admit, greatly tempted to stay there all night long. I did enjoy the hug for a good long time. While I soaked in my little girl's love, I couldn't help but think, "before I know it, she won't want to do prayers and our special lullabies before bed and I'll be begging for never-ending hugs". Our baby girl is getting so big, so fast. It is a joy to witness her grow and I am reveling in the wonders she discovers as she grows.

Celebrating her sixth birthday was everything she'd hoped. First off, the lucky gal managed to arrange a snow day off of school for her birthday. Sure, the day before and the two following days were snow days, too, but she got to lounge in her jammies all day long! Grandma and papa visited. She got her favorite dinner, opened presents and got to eat purple heart cake! What six year old girl wouldn't be ecstatic?

Sis wanted mini heart cakes for her birthday cake!














Celebrating!

For the big celebration with our friends, a Barbie bowling party was planned and it was a blast! Kids bowled! Parents bowled! We ate pizza & cake, opened presents, laughed, celebrated, and had a wonderful day! Now, on to the next year of adventures!

Party time!

Yummy ice cream cake!
Make a wish!