Dog Days of Winter

The first time I looked out the window and saw Daphne staring in at me, I was a bit startled, but each time after, I just had to laugh! We do have a lot of snow!

Meet of the Champions

Abby competed in her second swim meet today. She had to be on deck at 8:45 AM this morning and the meet didn't end until 2:30 PM. She swam in five events and had a great time. Luckily for us, Daniel was rather cooperative!!

Abby is so proud of her brother and likes to introduce him to her friends. He loves her too (most of the time)!

Abby's last event was a 100 freestyle relay -- her first relay in a competition! She swam in the anchor position (although she didn't know what "anchor" meant, so we had to explain it to her after the fact). She received this medal at the end of the meet and, as you can see, was DELIGHTED. She wore the medal around for hours after we got home.

She placed in all four of her non-relay events -- 25 freestyle, 25 backstroke (Abby has a BEAUTIFUL backstroke), 25 butterfly, and the 25 breaststroke. And she improved her personal best in three of the four events. She was so excited to get big ribbons, but was disappointed to get a pink ribbon. Pink is not a favorite color of Abby's so she keeps trying to give it to me.

And like all champions, Abby gives her medal a kiss!

Daniel woke up from his nap and insisted on joining the Monopoly game. His idea of playing involved crashing the car into my hotels and moving my train and Abby's dog around the board. (In case you are wondering, Daniel and I are in our pajamas and Abby is wearing a sundress! That's how we roll in MN on a snowed-in day.)

Abby LOVED playing outside today!

She did her best to catch the snowflakes.

Daniel was a bit stunned when he first went outside today, but quickly started to enjoy the fun!

Will and his "sack of potatoes."

Still Snowing!

Pretty impressive for a Californian, don't you think? The sad thing is that he's going to have to do it all over again later today or tomorrow because the snow is still coming down with no end in sight!

Picnic anyone?

My Haitian Christmas tree and tree of life in the snow.

Seriously?

It certainly didn't take Abby long to land on Boardwalk! I don't know how she does it, but this girl is a darn tough opponent!

Snowed in Saturday Morning

We are having a lovely snowed-in Saturday morning. I got to sleep in and when I woke up, a pot of hot coffee was waiting. Abby played outside in the snow until Daphne ran her down and attempted to steal her hat and mittens. That of course ended up in tears, but a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows made all things better.

Daniel is being a Daddy's boy this morning and talked Will into reading a handful of books.

Abby forgave Daphne soon enough and the two warmed up by the fire.

And now Abby and I are off to play a game of Monopoly. She's already certain that she will win, reminding me that she beat Noni because she "always gets Park Place and Boardwalk!" Wish me luck!!! The girl's a shark!

Christmas Tree

We got our Christmas tree last weekend. Abby and Daniel were both rather excited about it and Daniel was VERY curious!

They both waited patiently as Will got things set up.

It was then Abby's turn to help.

And then Abby showed Daniel how to use the scissors.

We waited until the following day to decorate because the branches needed time to fall. Daniel took Christmas tree decorating very seriously!!!!

Abby was responsible for hanging the breakable ornaments this year and she did a fine job!!

First Snow

Abby and Daniel were ecstatic to see our first real snow of the season. We had to wait longer than usual this year. We'd had a few sprinkles before, but it wasn't until December 3, 2010 that snow came and stayed! By the time the snow ended, we had about 9 inches. 

Abby decided to teach Daniel how to make a snow angel.

Abby was a great teacher, but Daniel didn't quite get the concept. He was willing to try, though.

And that snow is still with us! As I type this, more snow is falling -- big, healthy flakes. We probably have another 7 inches and it's still coming down!