Let it Snow...This time in NC!

The girls have been very lucky this year in the snow department! After experiencing record-breaking snowfall amounts in VA this past December, they awoke to a vision of white this past Saturday...this time in NC.

Once the precipitation started to taper off, we bundled them up and sent them out to explore (with Mark, of course). They tested out their boots in the driveway and kicked around some snow before heading over to our neighbors for sledding.

Actually, the girls opted to be spectators for the sledding portion. (They preferred to get down the hill by rolling.) However, Mark got in on the action and took a couple of runs down the hill for them.


Throughout the next couple of days, the girls ventured out a few more times, hanging out with the other kids in the neighborhood, tossing snowballs, sledding with their cousins, Peter and Michael, and most importantly, enjoying hot chocolate.

Now after 3 days off from school and the snow almost melted, it's back to our normal schedule...that is after a one-hour delay in the morning. Welcome to NC!

Mary

Starting in the beginning of December, and now lasting almost 2 months, Lauren has taken on a new identity, especially at night. Fascinated by the nativity scenes during the Christmas season, Lauren truly believes she is Mary. When passing by manger scenes, she would say, "Look! It's me, Mary!" In fact one day she told Kate, "Today you can call me Sissy, but tomorrow you need to call me Mary."

She has now named her doll Baby Jesus and has selected a blanket specifically for her "child." Also, in our household, Baby Jesus is female.

This "new identity" took on a whole new twist a few weeks ago. When going to bed, she asked us to drape a blanket over her head so she could be Mary. This is now how she falls asleep, cradling Baby Jesus in her arms. How precious is that!

100 Days!

Kate officially completed 100 days of Kindergarten this past Friday! In celebration of their accomplishment, each child had to decorate a "100" with 100 objects...Kate chose gold star stickers.

During school, they wore their "100" crowns, fruit loop necklaces (100 fruit loops total), and their "100 Day" badges. Since her special day, we have worn the items several more times. Only 78 1/2 more days to go...then it's 1st grade!

Purplicious!

Kate inherited a purple dress coat in December from friends of ours and Lauren received one from Grandpa and Grandma for Christmas. As a result, the girls claim they are twins when they both wear their purple coats. Quite "purplicious" and cute, if I do say so myself!

The White House

During our visit to VA in December, we did manage to take the girls into Washington, D.C. before the winter storm hit. Kate was interested in seeing the White House, a.k.a. where Barack Obama lives, and asked several times if we could go in to see him. Although that was not possible, we were able to take a photo in front of the gates.

We then ventured on to view the National Christmas Tree on the Eclipse. The girls were very cold and wanted nothing more than to return to the car...until...they spotted the 12 trains circling the large tree. Excitement outweighed the cold and we enjoyed the remainder of the time watching the locomotives and admiring the 50 smaller trees, each representing a state.

We finished our brief tour at a very large bonfire, which served in warming up all of us before walking back to the car. Of course, the girls adrenaline had kicked in with the news we were heading to Chick Fil-A for lunch!

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Prior to Christmas, we made a trip to VA to visit Rich and Carol (Grampy and Grammy). Before departing NC, we received a call from Rich inquiring as to whether or not the girls owned boots. He informed us they were predicting snow that weekend. We decided to be proactive and purchased boots for each girl with the intention of returning the boots in a couple of months if never worn. Let's just say, we won't be needing the receipts!

We were lucky enough to witness a historical record in the DC area...the most snowfall in one day in the month of December. Approximately 20-24 inches of snow blanketed the DC area, starting around 9pm Friday night and ending sometime late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

The girls were absolutely thrilled that they could try out their new boots!! They trudged around in the snow, frequently tasting the "white" stuff, and even managed to build a snowman and sled with some of the other kids in the subdivision.

Despite the hard work and hours of shoveling, I think we all enjoyed the snow and the thought of being "snowed in with no place to go."

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! On Christmas Eve, Biz and Doug came over in the afternoon to visit and exchange gifts. We then attended the children's church service at 5pm with Dad and Pat, Biz and Doug, and Pauline (Pat's mom). Following the beautiful service, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Dad and Pat's. We were later joined by the Gilmores and Kim's parents. We managed to get the girls home and in bed just an hour and a half later than usual. Not too bad.

Kate awoke at 5:30 am on Christmas morning and patiently (somewhat) waited for her sister to wake up an hour and 15 minutes later. The girls loved all of their gifts, especially two new additions to the family, Pooh and Tigger, as well as the Barbie guitar and electronic drumsticks. Feel free to stop in for a rock concert at any time.

We completed the day with another delicious meal at the Gilmores and the exchanging of presents with the Gilmore side of the family. The girls received a treehouse tent from Ryan and Kim and the kids, which is currently set up in our living room. I'm beginning to feel like we need an addition to store all of the toys! As much room as it takes up, they are truly enjoying it.

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Best wishes for a Happy New Year and a great year ahead!