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.

Dear Lex,

Once in a while we are treated to a real friend.  I have been incredibly fortunate to have some simply fabulous friends in my life.  Alexa, you are amazing and aside from being intelligent, and fun, you have been my dearest friend for more than 15 years.  You stood up for me at my wedding and have supported me and my family through ups and downs with the support I can only hope my kids will give each other as they become adults.

**There should totally be pictures in here with you and T or of all three of us.  I have a couple in mind that I cannot locate- like of you two working on a puzzle at Kezar or in Austin.  It seems though that mostly he is the picture taker when we are together**

You have helped me with big decisions and listened with an open and non-judgemental ear.  You have climbed mountains with me (in fact you took me on my first backpacking trip in NC).  Here was that trip to Crested Butte where we learned we could have moments when we didn't necessarily "like"each other but can still love one another and work it through.  You have taught me so much.

The Diamond!!!!!!!

I have had the good fortune to hear your beautiful voice sing through the years, starting with Suzanne Vega on the roof in high school, to the pubs of Ireland on a trip during college, and in recent years of Sacred Harp.  A few of the awesome memories I have from that trip.  We had so much fun!!

I thought this one was especially fitting given the most recent move!

You are so brave and inspirational.  I love that you are unafraid to follow the path that you lay and the world is truly a better place to have people like you who have true passion and live that passion each and every day.  I am just so proud of you.

Since having kids you have helped fold unending piles of baby clothes, and this fall while visiting to meet William, helped winterize the chicken coop.  That I say is the sign of a true friend.  My kids adore you and feel how much you love them.  You are never afraid to get down on the floor and just play with them and they just love their Aunt Ayexa!  I know, Ada doesn't say it anymore but we have a few more years of hearing it with the younger ones at least ;)

Best New Year's ever.

Are you kidding me with the cuteness of this shirt...that you made!  So talented. 

One of my favorite pictures ever!! 

I love you my dear dear Lex forever and ever and could not be more grateful for your friendship through the years.   Here's to many more!

With love,

Leigh