Fun in the Snow

We went outside this afternoon to play in the snow. Claire has been asking to go out in the snow since the blizzard and it was finally a little warmer today so I said yes! After suiting up, we headed out to play!

Annual Holiday Photo

Each year my sister in law and I take the kids to a photo studio to get a holiday picture taken. We give copies of the photo to my parents, grandmother and a few other family members. It's a really nice family tradition that we started when there were just two little ones.

This was the photo we chose this year:

There were two other contenders:

 

Snow!

We had our first real snowstorm of the season. It began yesterday and continued all through the night in the form of a blizzard. Other areas were hit harder than we were. My husband (snowthrower extraordinaire) estimates we got about 12 inches in our neck of the woods. It was also terribly windy, so there were lots of snowdrifts. Claire begged to go outside when she got up this morning, but it was really too cold and windy. Later, when my husband went out to clear the driveway, he asked her if she wanted to go, but she said she wanted to go outside with me, coincidentally, I am the only person in our house who does not have snow pants/a snowsuit or boots. Needless to say, we'll go out and play in the snow when it's a little warmer.

Our Backyard

 

 

The wind blew lots of snow off of our patio and grass.

A Very Merry Christmas

We had such a nice Christmas today. We headed to my parents' house around 11:00. When we arrived, Claire went to the Christmas tree and marveled at all of the gifts there. She studied the gift tags until she found one that said "Claire" on it. We read the tag together: To: Claire, From: Santa. She was so excited that Santa had visited Grandma and Grandpa's house and left presents for her!! We let her open a few Santa presents and she was thrilled with the gifts she received. I just love experiencing the magic of Christmas with Claire!

Later, after my brother and his family arrived, we opened a few more presents that were nestled under the tree, then took a break to enjoy a dinner - filet, broccoli, rolls, potatoes and string beans. Everything was quite delicious!

The children were quick to point out that we still had more gifts to open...so we headed back to the family room. Everyone in our family must have been really good this year because there were tons of presents! After Claire opened a gift, she brought it to me and asked me to open it (for most of her gifts anyway). My dad had to help me with a few because they were wired into the boxes so tightly.

Once all of the presents were opened, it was time for dessert! I made Mr. L's cream puffs and I was eager for everyone to try them (They were great!). We enjoyed the cream puffs along with vanilla ice cream with my mom's raspberry sauce, panettone, cookies and chocolates. We always have tons of desserts.

I truly feel so lucky to have such a wonderful, fun, kind, loving family! Being part of such a family is what life is all about.

Christmas Eve

We had a great day celebrating Christmas Eve (and my birthday) at my brother and sister in law's house! They are such wonderful hosts and holidays (and regular days too!) spent there are always filled with fun, laughter and delicious food! Today was no exception. My parents were there too, of course.

Relaxing by the Christmas tree

Reading The Night Before Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa

Singing Happy Birthday to Me!

Snowman Cupcakes

I always have these grandiose visions of making artistic desserts, but they never come out as perfectly as I would like (I don't have the artistic ability or the patience!). I won't be winning awards for my baking anytime soon, but these imperfect snowman cupcakes that I made for Claire's holiday party at school are pretty darn cute.

Better picture coming soon!

Disney Part 6

12/19 - Epcot

We woke up über early this morning to go to the princess breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway (Epcot). Akershus reminded me of my grandparents' house -- wooden beams on the ceiling, ornate furniture, old world feel. Belle was waiting for us as we entered and immediately recognized that Claire was wearing her Belle princess dress. After a brief photo op, we were seated in a small room in the banquet hall, which felt more like a castle. Claire paraded around Akershus with the princesses and other guests, then we enjoyed our buffet breakfast and hot plate (eggs, potatoes, bacon and sausage) as each princess visited our table. We loved visiting with Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White and Ariel (We had been searching all over for Ariel and this was the first and only place we saw her!).

Afterward, we rode Spaceship Earth, then went to China to meet Mulan who was very gracious, spending time speaking with Claire and posing for pictures. We thought we'd get two more "rides" in, so we hopped on the boat rides in Norway and Mexico.

After a brief, frustrating snafu in the parking lot (Where the heck did we park?!?!?!), we had lunch at T.G.I. Friday's (a great, Claire-friendly restaurant) then went back to the hotel to rest and regroup. We spent our last night at Epcot. First we went to Nine Dragons in China for dinner. While sharing wonton soup with me, Claire mentioned how much she likes eating the "skeletons" in wonton soup. I'm glad she does, because I really don't care for scallions. After dinner, we waited about 20 minutes for the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks extravaganza to begin. It was spectacular!!! It was the perfect way to end our vacation. We will definitely return for another Disney vacation in the future. It's magical!