1.13.2015

sledding video

Since everyone seemed to enjoy the sledding photos so much, I thought I'd share a video of Elia's first solo run down the hill. Small but mighty both. Enjoy!



1.12.2015

zipping down the sledding hill

On Sunday, Todd tried to convince me to layer on multiple pairs of pants and socks and put on my winter boots so we could go on a family sledding adventure.  After he promised me hot chocolate afterwards, I obliged.

We headed out to a nearby elementary school that has a perfect hill for pint-sized kiddos.






Seeing Elia's face as she zipped down the hill was worth the bundling.


Our brave girl even went down the hill by herself.  (This was her father's idea.)


And I even did a run with her. Turns out I'm not photogenic when I sled so this is all the documentation of that we'll be sharing.


Elia has always loved the wind in her face and since she didn't seem to mind the cold, I'm sure that this won't be our last sledding adventure this winter.

How are you keeping your kids busy and active this winter?


1.09.2015

basement update: part one

Since we've moved in, our basement has been one of my least favorite parts of the house.  It's cold, it has weird carpet, and it's dark.  Since about five minutes after moving in, we've been talking about painting the basement white to make it brighter and more welcoming.

Here are the "before" shots of our basement.  They were actually taken before we lived here but we inherited a bunch of the previous owners' furniture and so it was in a very similar state until a week ago.



Two and a half years later, I present to you...our newly painted white basement!




Pardon the crappy iPhone pictures and clutter, I'm too excited to retake them with a real camera.

My dad spent the better part of the weekend paint the walls and ceiling of our basement and I couldn't be more grateful.  There are still things we'd like to update in the basement, like adding some color and replacing that weird carpet and the cheap vinyl floors, but I think that the painting is the highest impact element of the basement update and it has made such a huge difference already.

Elia has really been enjoying her updated place space and I've spent more time in our basement in the last week than I had in the last six months combined.

We are so excited that we will be able to use this space throughout the winter and add I can't wait to add in more personal touches.  Stay tuned for more updates!

1.02.2015

'twas the season 2014

I know, I know. It's already 2015 but 2014 was just days ago and I neglected to post at all in December.  So to make up for that, here is a quick recap of our holiday season.


Saint Nicholas Day 


 Santa Parade


Advent Alive


Stockings


Family Christmas 



Teepee Surprise


Popsicles with Tio


Christmas Morning Skype with Cousins


Ice Cream Treat


Coolest Girl at Brunch


Happy to Be Out in the Sun 


Dad's Birthday


NYE


Snowy Fun for All


We've been blessed with visits from most of our siblings and lots of time with family over the past few weeks.  Despite being hit hard with a cold bug, we've enjoyed having most of the past two weeks off from work and school and are looking forward to everything that the New Year brings.  Hoping you all have had a wonderful holiday season!