The snowplow this year has made quite a hill in front of the neighbor's yard.  They offered to let the kids play on it – I am not sure they realized that they would take them up on it every single day for the rest of the winter.  As soon as they get home from…

Our first "real" snow.  This year, the snow is so much fun… now that Carter is old enough to have fun and I am smart enough to dress as warmly as the kids when we go out.  Highlights of this storm included everyone taking turns with Dad running the snowblower, and playing some tackle football…

The first ever – but certainly not the last, it was such a hit – sleepover under the Christmas tree.  Carter laid awake for an hour with his sleepy eyes looking up in wonder at the lights… it made me so happy to see them all snuggled up together under there.  And Carter came in…

Have you seen those commercials for auto insurance with the guy that says, "protect yourself from mayhem like me."  Well, we had our own little version of "Mayhem" at our house this year… when we were putting the decorations up, wherever he was – there was trouble.  His hair only made it better – and…

Dear Santa,  I want a baby closet, baby bowling costume. When is the elf coming. Love Emma.      

I had such enthusiastic helpers this year for the tree and the decorations – the only things they didn't do were the lights (all Nate) and the star on the top of the tree (put on by our elf, Bob – thank goodness, because it was starting to get ugly deciding whose turn it was.)…

…We celebrated with just our family.  It was peaceful and easy and fun to be grateful together. …We made 7 pies for 5 people (not kidding… and also, if we're being totally honest it is only for 4 people, since one of them doesn't eat pie.) …We watched the parade, and I had the great…

Don't worry, firefighter Carter is on the job.  All day.  And would be all night if I'd let him.  Here are some familiar sights around our house these days:   Kids in the "fire truck" at the top of the stairs… Carter in his fire boots and "packpack"… The "pumper truck" that the kids created…

Football, that is.  Playing football outside in weather so cold all you can have showing is your eyes.   They wanted me to join them… I'm too old for that.  

It doesn't take much to get the kids excited… they were out with the shovels even though the only place it ever stuck to was the deck, and Carter convinced me we could make a snowman… and although he was tipped over and mostly melted by the next day, we did!  Here's to winter… as…