IT'S SNOWING!!... well, it's supposed to snow. It's wintry outside. I am praying for just one good, fluffy snow so that the kids, Justin, and I can get outside and play! Ty has been carrying his snow boots around everywhere and saw a thin layer of snow on the housetops this morning and got very excited. Poor thing needs some real snow! Some sledding type snow!

On to my favorites this week!

SNOWMAN CRAFTING!

Ty has been loving some painting since we've been staying inside due to the cold weather. We've done two snowman crafts this week: a snow globe snowman, and a marshmallow stamp snowman. He just loved using a marshmallow to paint the body of the snowman, mostly because when he was finished, he got to eat one (without the paint on it, of course!)

AMERICAN IDOL: THE FINAL SEASON

I have not been an avid AI follower. I've watched most seasons, in and out (two times a week is a commitment!) But since this is the final season I decided I wanted to tune in. I have loved watching these last auditions over the past two weeks. I also love all the throwbacks to old seasons. Is anyone else watching?!

TY'S FIRST SNOW THROWBACK

Since this is Elena's first snow (or will hopefully be, if the weatherman is correct) I have been reminicing about Ty's first snow. We loved watching him experience it for the first time. We had him sit in a laundry basket with a rope tied to it and pushed him down the slope in our cul de sac.  He loved it and I am sure Elena will be even more stoked about it... she's our little dare devil!

 BUY TWO GET THREE FREE AT HT!

When Harris Teeter does their buy two, get three free sale I go bonkers! My favorites are the cheese. I never ever buy cheese unless I am getting most of it for free! This go around, I stocked up on canned green beans because Elena LOVES them, cheese (of course!), and HT Trader pints of ice cream! YUM! I've also stocked up on pasta sauce in the past! If you have a HT near you, you have to take advantage of their B2G3 sale!

BEN AND JERRY'S HALF BAKED

Is it just me or is a pint of Ben and Jerry's a special treat? I rarely get Ben and Jerry's but the pending snow day seemed like a good enough reason for Justin to get one for us! It's been forever since I last had Half Baked and when I had a bowl this week I remember why I love it so much! Who doesn't love chunks of cookie dough and brownie in their ice cream? I really need to get my new year under control! Good thing this only comes pint-sized!

da

If you have winter weather near you, stay safe in your travels this weekend!

A Night on the Polar Express

Today my sister celebrates her 28th birthday! Happiest birthday to the girl I've known the longest! She's an incredible mother, loving wife, fun sister, dedicated cheer coach, and so much more. I am blessed to have her!  

Last night we went to Polar Express night at my SIL and BIL's club. We were so excited that they invited us to join them and my nephew since we never got tickets to one of the other local Polar Express nights. Ty is the perfect age for it and this might was such fun for him and Callan; and Elena didn't have a bad time either. ;) When we arrived, we picked up out train tickets at the Polar Express booth then headed to the dining room for dinner. So much yummy food. This was such a weeknight treat for us... No cooking and clean-up for me and a buffet of goodies to choose from!

When it was our turn for the train ride, we gathered the kids and headed to the boarding area where it was snowing. Ty and Callan LOVED the snow! Nothing like 70 degree weather and snow. Olaf would've been in heaven! 

The trains pulled up and we loaded in. Our ride to the North Pole included bridges, lanterns, and water, as well as views of the golf course. 

After we got back from the ride, the kids were able to see Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Unlike our Bass Pro visit, Ty walked right up to Santa and sat in his lap. Then he invited Elena to join him. 

When Santa asked what he wanted he told him, "a present." I asked him if he still wanted a guitar, which he's said from the start, but he replied, "No, I want a present."  Toddlers crack me up. 

We had an awesome time traveling on the Polar Express and seeing Santa. Only a week until Christmas!!   

Jam-packed January!

Dear Ty,

We've been so busy this month that I haven't had time to write about it! On the very first day of 2014 you and I had our first park trip. We went to the neighborhood park and you swang on the swing, slid down the slide, banged on the bongos. You loved it. Daddy couldn't wait to go back with us.

The most exciting thing or family dating January was buy a new family car! Daddy you and I went shopping for a few days realized we loved the Honda pilot! In only a week we bought the new car and sold Daddy's old car. We are so excited to see all the adventures that we will have his family in our new Pilot!

Aunt Erin had her baby shower this month. You and I got to go celebrate at her parents house! It was a baby book theme. All of the food had a children's book that went along with it. We made a baby Fruitbasket! Everybody loved it. She got so many new things for your soon-to-be cousin. I think she had a great time!

 

One Saturday this month we were able to go to Marbles kids museum with your friend Owen and his mommy and daddy. We went into the toddler room. It was our first time seeing all the cool things. You loved climbing on the mushrooms and crawling along the floor. I think you'll like this museum as you start to get older too! What a fun Saturday with the family!

Another exciting thing that happened this month was that you experienced your first snow! We had almost the whole week off of school so I was able to spend the whole week with you and play in the snow. You daddy and me went outside and you got to touch the snow and taste it. I'm not sure you are fan yet! We brought a bowl of snow back into makes snowcream. You were so funny because as soon as you touched the snow you started to cry. One day I know it I won't be able to get you to come in from playing in the snow. 

We had such a fun month together! I know that it is getting close to your first birthday. I can't believe how fast this time is flying. February has a few fun things in store and Daddy and I are so excited to spend more time with you.  You're the best. I love you, babaloo!

Love,

Mommy