Fun in the Snow

We all had lots of fun in the snow, which we all doubted would come at all.

Carter, I think, had the most fun and stayed out the longest. This is the pic

of his snowman being chased by snow sharks, (there are two fins sticking

out of the snow to the left of the snow head).

We discovered Taylor had an ear infection on Friday just as it began to snow.

So that is why he is crying or frowning in the pictures.

He wanted to go out, no matter what. This is him crying while I suited him up.

More crying, "Out"

Matt had to carry him down the step.

His second snow.

Carter and Matt had lots of fun on Saturday having a snowball

fight, which Carter claims HE won.

He looks asleep on his feet:(

This is Taylor about to go inside, but then he changed his mind.

Abby had decided not to go out because it was too cold. Then I suited her up in her snow pants, socks and boots, mittens and a really warm coat. This was acceptable until Carter laughed at her and she was too embarrassed to wear her warm things, (deep sigh). Eventually, her desire to go outside exceeded her desire to look pleasing to everyone. She had a great time.

On Sunday, Matt had rigged up a sled. Matt got lots of exercise and the kids had lots of fun. Even Taylor rode on the "sled" with Carter, but we only have video of that. Our cul-de-sac was snow covered with a thick ice on top, so we were snowed in on Saturday and it continued to sleet/snow.

This is Matt pulling Carter down the hill.

The ride stopped at our driveway.

Abby enjoying the "sled", Matt is pulling her up the hill.

Each time Abby would come inside, she would declare

she was NEVER going outside again, the snow was "great",

but it was too cold for her. It's Monday and as I am typing

she is already outside with Carter at 9am.

The view up our street.

Taylor whimpered the whole time he was outside,

but he did not want to go in.

He is going pretty fast here.

My snow angel.

They jumped on the snow covered trampoline, made a snow dog,

played on the playground and in the cul-de-sac and just ran around.

So silly.

Today, the public schools decided to have a teacher workday. Since we homeschool, I decided to let Carter off with only doing his math. He got his math done in seven minutes, when normally it would take him 30 minutes:) I think the snow is great then for inspiring diligence in homework and getting Carter to play outside for hours. The kids think it is great for playing and getting Hot Chocolate when you come in.

Cory Fights Giants

My coworker and good friend, Joey Ellis, has done a great little campaign for MDA. It includes a chance to donate and get a poster and a neat online storybook. Please check it out and contribute if you can.

Abby's Big Bike

Easter

What joy is mine!

He is so close to crawling.

He's a handsome devil

My sweet boy

They got extra things for their potato heads.

Ahhh, chocolate!

Someone got his way and got to stay up late!

In these pictures, we are dying Easter eggs, the old fashioned way. 

(with water, vinegar and food coloring)

Bacon

Today Matt was making breakfast.  It was waffles and bacon.  Abby helped him make the waffles.  She was is the kitchen after she finished helping, playing with her 'Hello Kitty' magnets on the refrigerator.  The bacon was still cooking.  She said, " Ahh, smell the bacon, mmm, miracle". She loves bacon, so it made me smile.  I thought I would share a smile with you.  

Carter's Presentation for School

St. Patrick's Day

I took some photos of the kids on St. Patrick's Day. Here they are now.
My little leprechauns.

The kiddos

I took this video today with our computer. (We are missing a cable needed to download video from our camera). Taylor is getting up on his knees and rocking. He is also nodding yes. Carter is being a great brother and Abigail is being 3 and cute. She likes "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything". She is holding the ship from the Jonah movie (it was Carter's when he was little). Carter enjoys holding Taylor any chance he gets. Taylor loves to watch both of them. He gets really excited when they are around. Today when I was nursing Taylor and Abigail was sitting with me, she said, "My body feels like it wants someone to play with". (This meant, she wanted me to play Jonah/Pirates with her). Sometimes she says, "My stomach is growling for dessert".
Hope you enjoy the clips:)
Jill

Carter's Pinewood Derby

Carter's second pinewood derby was this past Friday night. The pack made it a focus for all the dens to choose a common theme and work together. We came up with a military theme and one of the parents arranged a really neat tie-in. All the boys made their cars for specific soldiers currently serving. Each boy wrote and sent a letter along with pictures to their assigned soldier. Carter's den won best overall theme/design...a group award. 

Our car was not too fast this year. Last year, of the 4 heats we were in, we came in first 3 times and second once. This year we won the first heat and came in fourth every other time. Carter was pretty bummed. I tried to explain that it was a tank, but it didn't help. We'll try to do our research next year and be a little faster.

Christmas Day 2008: Abby

Unfortunately, Abby was under the weather the days leading up to the big day and was still not quite herself Christmas morning. She eventually came around and started feeling better.

She got a new dog which she has named "Keyser." She loves all the little babies and friends that she got and takes great care of them all.

Because Carter wanted a bike, she wanted the closest thing she could get to that. So she decided she wanted a Princess scooter from Santa.