Let it Snow!

The view from our back deck

This is the view down our street from our front step.

Lucy, Eli, and Thom enjoying the snow.

Look at all the snow in our front yard!

Sledding. . . without a sled. . . Eli's way

As you can see, we had our first "real" snow of the season this week. There's been no school this week, and many businesses were closed Wednesday. We had some snow come on Monday, then more on Tuesday, followed by ice Tuesday night into Wednesday, followed by more snow. I think we have about 8 inches total apparently. All the trees are covered in ice, and then some of the bigger branches have snow on top of that - so it really is beautiful to look at. The dog is a little nervous to walk around the yard; with a half inch of ice in between layers of snow, you kind of crunch and fall through the top layer of snow into the first layer.

Eli and I haven't been anywhere since Monday. Thom has been taking my car (with 4 wheel drive) into work, and I really haven't wanted to venture out in this mess anyhow. Besides, Wednesday our city was at a Level 3 Snow Emergency, which means we couldn't go anywhere even if we wanted to. But we've been playing outside, and going back and forth to the neighbor's house. They came over here Wednesday to make lunch, as we lost power for a while and we have a gas stove. Plus, our gas fireplace happened to be on when the power went out, so we had that going for us, too.

But tonight I get to leave the house for a group workout at the gym. I've started another 12 week fitness program, and am looking forward to tonight's workout - for many reasons (but mainly because I get to leave the house!)

The temperature is supposed to go above freezing on Sunday (a real heat wave!) so we'll see how long all the snow lasts. . .

Have a Big Day!

This is one of the things my Dad would shout to people on parade routes when he was campaigning for office - "Have a big day!" We really give him a hard time about it, I mean, isn't "happy 4th of July" good enough? But today really is a big day. I plan on staying home all day and watching ABC (I like Diane and Charlie) and all the inauguration excitement. I talked briefly about going with my brother, Josh, and his wife, Jenny, as my uncle has a house right on the hill, but none of us ended up going. Watching it from the warmth of my own home will do today. I like to say that I can always see him inaugurated again in 4 years! Anyhow, "have a big day" everyone, and enjoy watching!

Why?

Why is that little ones are able to climb up on the couch before they can safely be on the couch alone? Why?
I feel like there is a period every day where I am bound to the couch so Eli can endlessly climb up, stretch as far as possible over the back of the couch, try to reach the lamp, fall/slide off the couch, and then back up again. And sometimes we skip the middle events, and it's just up and down continuously.
You would think this would make him tired enough to stay asleep while I lay him down for a nap, right? Well, you're crazy! Because apparently it doesn't make him tired enough to stay asleep for the transfer to bed! Again, why??

Christmas Photos

Here are some photos from Christmas. I noticed when going through them that all the Christmas pictures have Eli in them, and there aren't really any of Thom or I. I guess that's what happens when you have a kid. Or maybe have a kid that's involved in Christmas - since I didn't really notice this last year as much, but 3 month olds don't really care too much about their presents and such.
Anyhow, these are some of Eli's favorite things he got from Santa and relatives. He spent most of Christmas Day going in and out of the wagon my parents got him. He even quickly realized there was a cup holder for his sippy cup. The wagon continues to be a hit, as it lives in our family room for a little longer.