Eliza Has a Snow Day

I know you folks in places like Utah and Colorado are laughing, but a dusting of snow is a big deal down here in the South. We are lucky to see it once a year but, usually, it doesn't make an appearance even that often. And, yes, it's true that almost everything here shuts down when snow happens. Eliza was the first out to enjoy some time in the snow.

Pine trees and snow. These are the very same ones that furnished the pine needles for Kaden's invigorating pine needle tea. You can read that post here.

Catching snowflakes with her tongue.

All bundled up.

Going in for a little bite of snow.

"Do you like the snow, Kirby?"

And that's where the battery died. The big kids did come out to play. Afterwards, we warmed up with hot chocolate and marshmallows. The snow lasted for about four hours before it was completely melted.

Santa, Baby!

Here are some highlights!

The stockings. Note the lovely Wal-Mart bag in the middle (classy, huh?). That one belongs to Mary Jane, whose stocking broke on Christmas Eve while Santa (the Wench) was filling it with goodies.

The brats wanted a real tree this year. It smelled very pretty and was unusually fresh—the Wench only had to re-fill the stand with water once. Vacuuming up the needles—they kept clogging the hose and had to be dug out with a coat hanger—when it was taken down was a pain in the ass, though, and the Wench is leaning towards a fake tree next year.

Mary Jane (11)

Kaden (8)

Eliza (3)

Good morning, sleepyheads!

They didn't wake up until 9AM!

Eliza found this on her nightstand when she woke up and wanted to wear it right away. Why, yes, the Wench did crochet this hat!

Excited to investigate the goods in the stockings. The brats were allowed to dump out their stockings while waiting on Granny, Papa, and Addie.

The brats with Granny, Papa, and Addie.

Mary Jane and Kaden have a large collection of Littlest Pet Shot that they do not allow their little sister to play with (meanies!). Not to worry, now Liza-lou has her own! (Not pictured is a LPS treehouse to rival that of the big kids.)

Several months ago MJ gave the okay to let Eliza play with her Bitty Baby, Padma. But, after a few months, MJ started feeling like maybe she would like Padma to be a keepsake of her toddlerhood and Padma was put away. Here Eliza is with Padma #2 (she refused to change the name—haha!).

Kaden's most wanted items were World of Warcraft "legos."

This was not on MJ's list but she loved it!

All three of the brats got personalized lapdesks. They are so cute and have been one of the most used presents. MJ and Kaden are looking forward to Spring and being able to do some of their school work outside using their new lapdesks.