Snow

Our area has seen a ton of snow this year. It is actually pretty rare for Kansas City to see this kind of snow. I like it (except when it melts-see previous post) because it reminds me of home. But the last few storms came with bitter cold temperatures that kept us from going out and enjoying it. This weekend, we finally got snow with decent temps.

So Sunday, we bundled Mia up and gave her the chance to experience her first snow.

Of course, the first thing she did was try to eat it but quickly figured out how untastey (is that a word?) that was.

The excursion didn't last long. She really didn't quite know what to do with herself. And the thick bundling didn't lend well to moving around. She tried to crawl around, but got snow in her boot and she made it clear to us she wanted to go back inside.

I have to say, it was nice to get outside for a bit. It has been too long.

Pic of the Week - New Toy

In our house, everyone shares their toys.

Happily...

Country Living

The upside to country living....


...is how beautiful it is when it snows.

The downside of country living....

...is how bloody awful it is when it melts...

Pic of the Week

Hmmm....reminds me of her father

with Uncle Phil's dog, Moose

Christmas Review in Pictures

First up, the Schnelle Christmas. Like Thanksgiving, things were tough without Rick, but we smiled, laughed, and had a great time together. Of course, the food is always the BEST! Mia LOVED all her new toys and enjoyed opening the presents.

(my favorite pic. Thanks Josh!)

Christmas Eve dinner back at home. Appetizer Delight.

Daddy's girls on Christmas Day.

Snyder Christmas...three days late.

We just came in from a 12 hour drive and Mia still had it in her to open more presents.

Uncle Phil... (just wait until she is old enough to play video games....ooooooooh)

She is really getting the hang of this present thing...

Always puttin' on the charm...

The gals...

Play time with Gavin Kunz. Future husband? Who knows.... I think they make a great couple. hehe.

Pic of the Week starts again next week, stay tuned!!!

So, Christmas

The holidays this year didn't turn out at all what I had envisioned. With Mia sick, and the bad weather, the disappointments just kept piling up.

As I am sure many people did, the big winter storm that hit the Midwest over Christmas Week had me waving fists at the sky. That thing didn't want to leave. We planned to be in Denver the Wednesday before Christmas but we didn't make it until the Sunday after. We ended up missing all the family festivities. And since we had not planned on traveling for Christmas after this year so that we could build our own traditions, the blow was much bigger. Especially since much of the family we planned to see would be meeting Mia for the first time.

But amidst the disappointment, there were still many blessings. I am trying to focus on the blessings, because the negative side of me wants to wallow in the disappointments. So in the spirit of looking on the bright side, here is a top 10 of our Christmas blessings:

10. Mia made a full recovery.

9. It was a White Christmas.

8. While others were stranded at airports or on the highways, we were cozy, warm, and comfortable at home.

7. Arrived in Denver safe and sound. No breakdowns from Mia.

6. Got to spend quality time with my BFF's.

5. Saw three movies in the theater.

4. Rang in the New Year celebrating my Dad's big 60th birthday.

3. Woke up Christmas morning at home.

2. Mia's first Christmas came with tons of gifts! She is one lucky girl!

1. I realized through all my grumbling that even though it wasn't as expected, we still had a great Christmas with our loved ones. The Schnelles and the Snyders. Just as we wanted it. And in the end, that is all that matters.

Up next, a pictorial review of Mia's First Christmas.