Winter in review (I hope)

Regardless of where we are in the country, we have all endured a brutal winter with snow in unlikely places and polar vortexes, and seemingly unending snowstorms.  I am hoping that we are on our way to Spring and can start enjoying the warm air, song birds, and vitamin D.

This has been a pretty nice winter all told but has not been without challenges.  I have been working on my graduate degree at a local university and time management associated with three small kids and homework has been a struggle most weeks.  But for the most part we have been keeping things pretty normal at home.  Some Pinterest-inspired activities mixed in with all the typical stuff too.  Normal mostly involves putting on a leotard/ princess dress and dancing around the living room mostly to the Frozen soundtrack.

Painting on ice

Weaving loom

William started eating solids!!

Airplane trips in the living room.

Barbie car trailer (apparently this is where the kids ride since there wasn't enough space in the convertible).

Magnatiles!!!!! 

Dinosaurs!!

 Sleeping baby

 Color mixing with droppers

Sick with colds but still happy

Pretzel making

Pretty sure we'll be making these again tonight- they were so yummy and easy.

Gramma Deb was able to coordinate her visit with Ada's birthday party which was super fun for many reasons- cupcake decorating, candy land cake, pin the candle on the cupcake, pinata (with some drama- don't think we will do that again), and general fun had by all.

We were extremely fortunate to visit my folks in Florida for a few days in February and we all had an awesome time in the sun, boat, and pool, not to mention amazing company, Olympic viewing (even snowboarding events), and yummy pizza made by people who know how to make the pizza we so miss since moving to MN.

Playdoh and Pixie Hollow Games are about all you need to get through a flight.

We made it!!

Out on the boat

 

Playing with Nana

Olympics viewing

 Fishing

Pool time!

Beach!

We are all in the picture- technically at least.

I have to say that although the long, cold winter brought it's share of frustrations, like snow days and days off from school due to extreme cold (-50 is no joke!), we had some fun too.  And our hens continued laying through it all.  Truly amazing birds.

Best thing about all the snow blowing is having a dad who digs out a tunnel system to play in.  

Hot chocolate and girl scout cookies in the fort that Poppa built

When your roof looks like this, you may have ice dams....

But, once you get them removed and shovel off the roof, your mom can make an awesome, and super fast slide.

Thanks ladies!

And there was valentines day.  I love seeing her writing improving.  Proud Mama here.

Ultimately this winter has been a time of major reflection for me and a time to realize just how lucky and thankful I am for my family and friends.