Winter Days

The other day I saw a quote that said "You can never have too much winter in the winter", and I thought to myself, that person has obviously never survived a Minnesotan winter.  This year has actually been really mild so far - we didn't even have a white Christmas, but believe me, I did not complain. 

The first weekend after Christmas we got a pretty good little snowfall AND it was still above freezing - a rarity in these parts.  We bundled up the girls and went out to do some sledding, and Lyla made her first ever snow angel.  It was so fun, and I'm glad we took advantage since the temp quickly took a dive below 0 and has been there ever since.

- K

 

 

First Snow

My post the other day was more timely than I knew.  The very next morning we woke up to our first snow.  There's something about that first snow that just feels good.  It's so pretty and white and a reminder that the holidays are right around the corner.  Lyla obviously doesn't have any memories of snow, but somehow was so excited about it, like she'd been waiting all her life for it to snow.  As soon as we came downstairs she pointed out the back door and yelled "Lyla!"  (She's very into speaking in the third person right now.)  Then kept pointed and saying "oushide!  oushide!" 

Before we could even eat breakfast we had to bundle up and head outside to check out the snow.  It was really freezing, and as soon as we got out there Lyla looked at me and said "brrr!  coe!"  I love how much she's talking these days, it's so fun to have these little mini conversations that aren't so one-sided any more. 

We didn't stay out long, but Lyla and Kevin had a great time goofing off in the white stuff.  We'll see how well we're all holding up in 5 or 6 months when it's STILL snowing.  ;)

- K

Spring Fever

Can I just tell you that I have been trying really hard to not complain on this thing about our lovely "spring" weather?  When brainstorming about this post mostly a lot of expletives came to mind, but I'm going to keep it positive because nobody likes a negative nancy, and because we're actually IN JAMAICA while you are reading this. 

Instead I'm going to focus on the fact that we actually did get a taste of spring here in my most favorite state ever, and maybe, just maybe it'll stop snowing again.  Maybe.

A couple of weeks ago it was in the 50's, and L got her first taste of spring.  There was still a little snow on the back deck, but it was warm enough to run around with bare pigs, which resulted in the custest little wet fooprints all over the place.  She also decided that this chair is her chair, and that she loves to bird watch in said chair.

Speaking of birds, the last photo is of a male and female cardinal in our front yard.  They're around our house constantly and I pretty much stalk them, so I'm really hoping we'll have a nest somewhere nearby.  The male is bright red and easy to spot, but the female is brown, on the far right edge, just about half way down.   I think they're my favorite bird ever...and yes, I did just get that nerdy about birds.

- K

 

 

Oh, Hey Snow

one year old!

yes, that snow bank IS as tall as that house

Anyone remember the beginning of winter when I was so excited to finally get our first snow?  I knew at the time that we had it coming, and I would probably regret the day I ever wanted it to snow.  And here we are.  It pretty much won't stop snowing, and it's always cold.  Always, always, always.  But instead of complain, I'm going to keep it positive:

Way to go, Minnesota.  A+ for consistency.

Anyways, L is a little obsessed with puppies these days.  She'd be content to stand at the front window all day long just to lookout for "puh-puh-puh"s.  Yesterday we'd both been inside all day, so after work I decided to bundle us up and head out in search of any and all puppies. 

We ended up at the neighborhood park, where I quickly realized there are no paths shoveled, and also that I did not wear foot-deep-snow-friendly shoes.  Needless to say, my ankles froze quickly and we did not last long at the park.

On the way home we finally met one pup.  The owner told Lyla, "her name is Cassie!"  I laughed and told him that was also my name, not thinking twice about it or being offended in the least.  The poor guy though, he was stumbling over himself with an apology, totally embarrassed about it.  I'm pretty sure I ruined his day, just by having the same name as his dog.  I felt a little guilty leaving, like maybe I should have stayed to make sure he was OK.  But, you know, frozen ankles.

All in all, I would say not my favorite outing, but we did find a puppy and that equals major success in Lyla's book.  Which is really all that matters in my book.

Oh, and that blue thing in L's hand?  A toothbrush.  She's also a little obsessed with dental hygiene.  Or maybe it's just the bubblegum flavored baby toothpaste?

- K

Insta Weekend

I meant to post this yesterday, but then, you know, The Bachelor was on.  I'm gonna go ahead and call Ashlee right now.  She's where it's at.

Anyways, this weekend Ryan had to work quite a bit so Lyla and I had some girl time.  We played hide and seek and dress up.  We also had another epic pinterest fail with oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies.  Don't be fooled by their appearance...they were still delicious.

I also spent a lot of time sorting through our pics of L's first year, and ordering more for the big birthday party this weekend.  I could spend all day looking through those sweet pictures. 

She was pretty excited when dada got home, and promptly attacked him with kisses, pets, and hugs.  She like to practice being gentle with just about anything these days, especially the cats.  Dad got lots of gentle pats one night.  And some not-so-gentle ones too.  Makes my heart melt to see those two.

We even managed to have a little BBQ despite the weather.  You know you're acclamating when 34 degrees feels balmy and you only wear a sweatshirt outdoors.  But actually, I am hoping we get more snow.  Mostly because I recently bought L a snowsuit that was kinda pricey, and still has yet to be worn.  Go figure.

- K

Snow!

I spy SNOW!  I always get so excited when this stuff first comes around...it's just so cozy.  This year I have some mixed feelings, not knowing at all what to expect from Minnesota winters.  (Please be kind, MN!)  But for today, I am ecstatic.  And also (finally) inspired for what may be the world's cutest Halloween costume. 

Off to the MOA to pick up supplies!  And possibly make chili in honor of the first snow.  And probably listen to some Christmas carols. 

- K