Holiday Hiatus

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I've been on blog/internet hiatus. And reading a lot. I'm working on posting pictures of our holiday celebrations and they should be up soon. But until then, just want to let all our friends and family know we're all doing well. Still trying to find places for all the toys the kids got. Our house looks like Toys 'R Us puked all over the living room. But what else is new, right? Not much, really. Just trying to stay warm in this crazy cold weather we've been having here. And the snow. My god, the snow! It's still everywhere. I'm betting it will still be here on Valentine's Day. Also, Cade started another basketball session. Rusty is the assistant coach and so far there hasn't been any chair throwing, throat grabbing, player-hitting or forced standing in dark storage sheds. But it's only the second week of the season. ;P So here's hoping for a little bit warmer weather (I'd really like to wash the car off, please) and to finally getting the toy mess organized! Have a good weekend everybody.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you, Mr. Shultz

For giving me many, many wonderful holiday and seasonal memories!

'It's Charlie Brown Christmas, Mom!'

Snow Day!

Yesterday we had the first major snow storm of the year. Topeka got about 3 inches initially which was enough to have the kiddos begging to go out and play in it. If you remember from the last snow day's post, Lydia thoroughly enjoyed discovering snow. I'm pretty sure she'd forgotten what it was like since her last romp in the snow, so it was like discovering it all over again.

'Crunch. Crunch.'

'Hey, Lydia. Do you like the snow?'

'Mmm-hhmmm.'

Teaching Lydia the finer things in life.

And in typical 'monkey see, monkey do' fashion, Lydia happily gave it a shot.

Once again, Cade showing Lydia that this stuff was, in fact, perfect for making those hard, packed snowballs that sting on impact.

'Yook, mommy. I did it!'

No one and nothing was safe while Lydia was throwing snowballs.

Or Cade for that matter.

Seconds before she popped part of this into her mouth.

'I yike snow, mommy.'
Quoted verbatim.

'I like to eat snow.'
Again, quoted verbatim.

What's with my kids and sticks?

Always a childhood fave.

Didn't take her long to figure things out.

Doesn't look like she's enjoying herself, does it?

'Don't even THINK about it, mister.'

See, Lydia is learning to make wise choices.

Hey, wait a second! I JUST said how my little angel wouldn't turn on her own mother.

OK, this one stung. A lot. It was a straight shot to my chest.
Yes. That part of my chest.

As if this steep slide wasn't fast enough.

Add close to 3 inches of icy snow on top and it turns into a missile launcher.

Not again!

Building their snow fort.

I'm not entirely sure, but I think Lydia was eying some of that snow for tasting.

*whispering*
'Psst. Hey Cade. I can still see you.'

Good grief, Lydia. Is that snow even clean?
*blech*

If you know Cade, you know this is pretty much his outlook on life.

'Lydia? What are you doing?
Are you eating snow again?'
I believe I've created a monster.

Wonder why she fell?
Oh yeah.
Probably because she couldn't see.
hehe

What goes up, must come down, I guess.

If you know what's good for you, kid, you'll drop that.
Right. Now.

Again with the eating of snow.

Lydia's Jayhawk Pitahtah

About a week before Lydia's birthday party, I finally found a place that sold Jayhawk pinatas. I ordered it on Monday and it was here on Tuesday. It came from Manhattan, Ks and it couldn't have made Miss Lydia more happy!

'What is it Mommy?'

'I open!'

'It's paper!'

*gasp*

'It's KU!'

"Jayhawk! Jayhawk! Jayhawk, Mommy!!!!'
'I know, Lydia! What kind of Jayhawk is it?'

'It's a Jayhawk pitahthah!!!'
(Lydia speak for Jayhawk pinata.)

'Thanks, Mommy.'
(wiping a tear)
'Your welcome, Lydia.'

Wonder what the Mexicans thought of this when they were putting the Jayhawk pitahtah together.
*giggle*

Jayhawk pitahtah instantly became her new baby.

Check out that face. She's definitely scheming something here.

Aaahhhh...of course. He needs blankets.

I thought it was pretty funny that while it was a Jayhawk pinata, it came from Manhattan all wrapped up in purple and white packing paper. It's only appropriate, don't you think?

She got ALL the packaging out. Everywhere.

And so it went for the next day or two.

This makes me so happy.