Iowa

We spent last weekend visiting our friends in Iowa. Leah was a great traveler. We really couldn't ask for better. We spent Saturday mall hopping. One mall had a carousel, and it appears Leah has finally outgrown her fear of all things moving as she LOVED the carousel. We went on it twice, and a minor fit was had when I said we were done.



Leah also enjoyed their fish and their two greyhounds. She really does enjoy animals. She mentions Bailey now and again, but seems to accept that he does not live with us anymore. Thanks for a great weekend!

Belated January Celebrations

Happy Birthday
1/3 Cousin John
1/5 Uncle Joel
1/12 Aunt Kay
1/26 Cousin Ryan

Happy Anniversary
1/2 Keith and Annette (cousin)

Hope you all had a very special day!

A pampered girl

My mom and I took Leah to a salon for a little trim. We didn't go to a kids place. I took her to the person who styles my hair. My mom came with to keep an eye on Leah so I could get a trim. Leah has had two trims prior at the kids place, but there they just wet the hair down and trim. With this experience, Leah acted like a queen. She is a stinker when I try to wash her hair, but when Sarah washed it, she acted as though it was the most relaxing experience in the world. She sat through her hair trim like a pro (okay, she played with the wrap), and told us that she "was being made pretty." She even let Sarah blow dry her hair. I am not allowed near her hair with a blow dryer!

We spent the morning at Adventure Park. It is an indoor play area. It is freezing here (-10, feels like -20 degrees), so indoor play is a must! Leah and I were joined by 3 other children and 2 of my co-workers. We had a great time. Leah was not happy when it came time to leave, but when we got home, she ate great and gave no fight for nap. Little girl is tired, she is not getting enough sleep as she has decided 5 to 5:30 is a good time to get up in the morning.

Joe is going to be heading out for boys night later, so it'll just be Leah and I for the night. Maybe will do popcorn and a "movie." Haven't tried that with her yet, so we'll see how it goes.

Up North

With my parents, we went up to Duluth to my Aunt Vicky's and Uncle Jim's place for a small family gathering. Their boys- Jim, Chris, John were all there along with Sam (Jim's girlfriend), my Aunt Linda and Uncle Steve. Jim spent the last year in Australia on a student program. It looked like he did some great traveling while he was there. All the boys played a little Hide and Seek with Leah and her "baby." Leah bonded with Chris and he was such a good sport - teaching her to make ugly faces when she drank from her play bottle, calling Jim a "monster" and my Uncle Jim a "troll." I don't know what else he said- just that there was a lot of whispering! Chris and Vicky took her outside for a little snow time, and Chris got deep in the snow with her as she wanted to see "baby Jesus." She is still talking about seeing "baby Jesus" at Auntie Vicky's house. So cute. Good luck to Jim and Chris as they head back to College later this month.

Playing in the Snow

Leah and I spent some time this morning playing outside. We are finally getting some warmer weather (meaning in the 30s) where it is tolerable to be outside. Leah had a great time playing on her playset, making snow angels, riding on the sled, and just walking in the snow. I do still want to try to get her on some skates this year, but we will have to see if time allows! Joe is helping my brother work on his basement. Leah and I will head on over there as soon as she gets up from her nap.

I know I might be going a little crazy with the videos, but here is another cute one (or at least I think it is cute) of Leah and Thea on Christmas Eve. In case you are wondering, they took the cushions off of the couch!



Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Happy New Year with a Christmas Twist!

We spent Christmas Day at my parents house. We made Ravioli, opened presents, went to Church, opened presents, and then we finally sat down to eat. Yes, it was a long day, but a fun one. We definitely wore Leah out as she slept until 9:30 on Christmas Morning. She was still recovering from the Stomach Flu! We spent Christmas Day with Joe's family at his Aunt Karen's house. Leah played with Maggie and Molly (her 2nd cousins), and they were so good to her!

Thanks for the idea for the slideshow Emily! What fun.

We spent Sunday with our friends Jody, Sean and Morgan. Leah and Morgan had so much fun. Here is some video of the two dancing.



We had a nice evening out to bring in the New Year. It was a low key movie (National Treasures) and dinner with our friends Rick and Jaclyn. Leah spent the night with my folks. Thanks Mom and Dad! She is still over at their house. Joe and I will be heading over shortly to have dinner and pick her up!

Hope you all have a Happy NEW YEAR!