SNOW!!!

Over the last couple weeks we had 2 different storms blow through that dropped a total of about 12 inches in our backyard.  With new snow boots and pants and gloves - Emmie, Pete and 2 friends - Cameron (8 yrs old) and Laura (12 yrs old) - went a' sledding in our yard.  Laura and Cameron are 2 of Emmie's favorite people in town, and coincidentally, they are the cousins of my best fried Ken.  Awesomeness runs in the family.

Peter didn't freak out, but he wasn't too into it.  That might be due to the fact that the kid couldn't really move in all of his snow gear.  Kind of like the kid on A Christmas Story or Maggie Simpson.

Emmie, on the other hand, went nuts!  She would run and jump onto the sled and bomb down the steepest hills.  If she fell off, she would jump back in and try to push herself the rest of the way down.  She even just ran and jumped head first  and slid down on her belly, sliding and rolling.  She threw snowballs and just went crazy.  It was awesome!

The real craziness started after Julianne took Pete inside, but there are no pictures of that - unfortunately.

Bath time with Dad > Bath Time with Mom

Bath time with Dad is so much better!

Good friends

When we moved to Nebraska (8 years ago) we were blessed with some of the best friends.  There were quite a few years when we had a really great "no kids club" group going.  We have since multiplied.  We had the opportunity to visit with some this past week.  So fun!.  I love good friends you can just pick up right where you left off.  

This was us then... no kids.

And here we are now.  I know we aren't pictured.  Don't worry we are just as good looking as we were then.  Here are all the kids!

Snow

A friend and I had an amazing girl weekend planned in Denver this weekend.  We were even going to meet up with my oldest friend (not old in age, I've known her forever), Carla.  It didn't work out due to the 9 INCHES of snow we got today.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised, we do live in Nebraska.  This weekend turned out pretty good anyway. 

We had breakfast with Santa this morning.  The kids loved it.  Emmie asked for a zebra umbrella.  I know what you're thinking... huh?  That's what we said.

We also played in the snow and when I say "we" I mean Brenden and the kids. It is too cold for this girl from the desert.  The kids were thrilled to try out their new snow pants and boots.  Emmie would have stayed out there all day!

Thanksgiving

We decided to take a little trip and go to Lied Lodge in Nebraska City for Thanksgiving where we ate a delicious Thanksgiving buffet.  I was a little nervous because this was a cloth napkin kind of place.  Our 2 monsters don't have too much experience in places like this but they were great!  Emmie ate more ham then I ever thought possible.  There was a pool and a little nature park which was really fun. The weather was great!  It was like an Arizona Thanksgiving.  If you notice... no coats!

If you are in the area, I highly recommend going.  This place would be gorgeous in the fall!

Disney on Ice

Right after we got back from AZ Emmie and I, along with her friend Kate and her mom Leah, went to see Disney on Ice.  It was so much fun especially having been to Disneyland the week before.  Emmie loved it and even though it was freezing in the arena, she did not want to wear her coat over her princess dress. I also want to let you know that Emmie ate the whole box of popcorn herself. 

I heart Disneyland

The kids and I took a trip to AZ in October/November to visit family.  We had a grand time but the highlight was Disneyland.  Every one of our family members from both Brenden and mine were able to go (too bad not all at once).  We were able to spend 3 days there and it was great!  Brenden even flew in and surprised everyone for a weekend to go with us.  

I wish I could post all the pictures. Thanks for the memories everyone!

Wind

Arizona

We have been having fun here in AZ.  Here is the rundown (this is mostly for B who we really miss!).  

Day 1:  Halloween party at Grandma and Grandpa B's.  There was a train ride, pinata, costume parade, dancing, and of course Grandpa B's famous soft serve ice cream. 

Day 2:  The Phoenix Zoo.  One would think that late October would be a great time to go to the zoo.  It was 90 degrees that day so we decided to opt for the train ride to see the animals (who were all taking cover).  We added Rusty and Carianne's niece and nephew for the trip.

Day 3:  The Arizona State Fair.  We rode rides, went to the petting zoo, ate ridiculous amounts of junk, and had the traditional fry bread and cinnamon rolls. 

Day 4:  I cant remember what we did...

Day 5:  Pumpkin Patch with Grandma and Grandpa.  There was a barrel ride, bounce house, pony rides and hay maze.  The kids loved it. 

Day 6:  Halloween Trunk or Treat.  We sewed all day long!  I thought Carianne and Rusty's costumes from Snow White turned out great.  Emmie was Sleeping Beauty while I was Peter Pan and Pete was Captain Hook.

Day 7:  Church.  We have been here a week now!  I can't hardly believe it.  Time is flying by but we are having a great time.