{WARNING : extreme cuteness}
A Belated Christmas
Once upon a time in early December, we were supposed to go back to Kansas for Christmas with my family…and then Elise got sick with a nasty cold. And then I got sick. And then Todd got sick.
So flights were cancelled and I cried myself to sleep. {No, not really. But I was super bummed out.}
Anyways, we were able to find a January weekend that all of us could get together for a belated Christmas—which I ended up preferring, since I still had it to look forward to after December 25th was over. {plus, it gave me extra time to get more gifts for our nephew!}
Since we were only back in Kansas City for 3 full days, Grandpa & Grandma came to my brother’s house and we had our celebration there, squeezing in lots of cuddle and play time with Elise & little B.
{Somebody developed a fascination for her cousin’s ears. Poor guy.}
{‘Christmas Eve’ story time with Grandpa.}
Then we all woke up bright & early (uh, 8 a.m.) to have our family Christmas. The babies got pretty spoiled with clothes and toys and more clothes and more toys. Repeat repeat.
{happy cousins!}
And then we decided we needed a cute picture of the kids wearing Santa hats.
And……cue the tears.
E: “B! Help me!”
B: “I don’t know what your problem is, I’m completely fine. I like this hat.”
We also played lots and lots of Bananagrams.
We squeezed in a visit with this tiny little guy and his family…
…and a dinner date with some of my bestest friends, who spoiled Miss Elise with hugs.
Ah, I miss them so much. Seriously, spending an hour together twice (maybe thrice, if I’m lucky) a year just isn’t enough, but at least it rejuvenates my heart enough to sustain me while we’re apart.
Also, traveling with a baby—which is stressful enough in itself—is much better when you are not doing it alone. I’m so glad Todd was along to be the one to change her poopy diapers in the airplane lavatory. Thanks, honey.
the end.
Too Cute Thursday
{i absolutely adore babies in overalls}
Snow Day
The once-a-year snowstorm descended upon us this weekend….much to my excitement and Todd’s dismay.
I say, “Yaay! Look at the wintery wonderland! I loooooove snow!”
He says, “Grumble grumble. I’m moving somewhere warm.”
I was pretty intent on getting Elise out to enjoy her first snowfall, so I called up Ryan & Aubrey—who are always up for snow fun—and they walked up to our neighborhood for some sledding.
We went to the same hill/street we conquered last year, only this time we had real sleds! Gone are the days of riding on cookie sheets and in Rubbermaid tote boxes. Sadly, other kids were onto our secret and the two neighborhood hills were busy. Anybody else absolutely hate waiting their turn on the sledding hill? “C’mon kids, move it along! Need a push?” No? Just me?
Naturally, I had to take Elise on her first sled ride. Safety first, I wrapped my arms tightly around her and we did a shortened version of the hill (like maybe 15 feet worth). Wheeee!
I remember my sled rides as a youngster…..sitting on a rusty old car hood with my brother and cousin Ryan, being pulled behind our dads’ motorcycles over the snow covered soybean field.
It really amazes me sometimes how we survived childhood. 
I think she liked loved it. Next year we’ll go further up the hill!
We’re supposed to get even more snow the next couple of days, which is great except that it melts during the day and freezes at night, making the hilly roads better for ice skating than driving.
Oh well.
Thankfully, my boss lets me work from home.
{Seriously monster cheeks. What’s she storing in there?}
Too Cute Thursday
{even crying is cute.}
