Snow Fun 2014

"Let's play in snow Mommy!"

New house

 By now, you all know that Atlanta and the Southeast were hit by a snowstorm this week, on Tuesday.  Atlanta and the metro have gotten a lot of national news coverage because our governmental leadership failed to plan appropriately and let's  just say that chaos ensued, mostly unnecessarily, after the storm.  We consider ourselves to be really lucky, because fortunately we were all at home and together during the bulk of the storm.  Many others were away from their children and homes for several days, so really we count our blessings!  In fact, we really enjoyed the time together and our first snow at the new house!

Having fun together!

 Really, this was the first significant snow that Anna has been able to enjoy.  Last year we didn't have any, and in 2012 she was still too small to really even go out in it.  Dalton LOVED it, and Anna did but to a certain extent.  She is still at the age where it takes 20 minutes to get ready to go out and she's ready to come inside in 5!

View from our front yard, looking down the street.  A few hours later the road was literally covered in snow!

Love this view from our back porch

I guess it's safe to say I'm a true southerner.  That snow was all well and good, but I'm done with that!  Time for spring!!!

My Lil' Snaggletooth

 Well, it happened!  My little man lost his first tooth.  I remember back in 2008 praying for this very tooth to come in, back in the days when I worried every second about every single thing.  Well, time has been kind to me and in it's own funny way taught me just a little about what to worry about and what not to worry about.  Don't get me wrong-it's still a struggle many days-but the "worries" aren't as bad as the once were.

But moving on, little buddy had been reporting "wiggly" teeth for a while now.  While playing out in the snow on Tuesday he evidently worked this one loose.  After dinner while brushing his teeth, it popped right out!!

Sweet smile

The tooth fairy made his first visit of undoubtedly many on Tuesday night to the Graham house, exchanging that little baby tooth for a whole $1.50!!!

My baby is growing up!!

"Most Epic-est birthday party ever"

Ready to climb!

 Ok, so this blog post title is what Dalton and his buddy Will deemed this party.  Apparently, "epic" is the new "awesome."  BUT-I don't disagree with them!  Dalton's buddy Spencer turned 6  last weekend and we were invited to  his tree climbing party at Wills Park in Alpharetta.  Such a nice park!  And this really was a SUPER cool birthday party idea.  The party was conducted by a tree climbing instructor who had this large tree outfitted with multiple harnesses.  Each child suited up in safety equipment and a harness and got a lesson in climbing the tree.  Dalton absolutely loved it-at first I thought it might not go so well because it was really challenging.  But I was SO proud of him as he did not give up and did very well with it, in fact. 

It was such a pleasure for me to get to see him interacting with all of his friends.  I am so thankful for all these nice kids he has met and so glad that he's so happy!

Dalton and Ethan

Dalton and Spencer

Sweet little face.

The line up

Getting suited up!

Learning how

And he's off!

Dalton and Will, creators of the term "epicest"

Ok-finally we are all caught up!  Be back soon and will try to not get so far behind.  Maybe if it ever warms up around here I will have something interesting to post.  Meanwhile, we are just trying to stay warm and not kill each other inside.  Here's hoping that the groundhog doesn't see his shadow in a few weeks! :)

Winter Wonderland

 Now that the temps are really staying pretty cold and the days continue to be short, we are constantly looking for indoor entertainment.  Our new house has a wood burning fireplace, so shortly after new year's we fired it up and roasted marshmallows and the kids had their first experience with s'mores!  Needless to say, they were a huge hit!  Can't wait to do this again-we all had a blast!

Loved roasting the marshmallows.  I think it made him feel like a "big boy!"

Hanging out with Daddy!

 Post holidays, it has actually been quite nice to have a little break from the constant plans and things to do.  Some of these weekends, though, we have really had to be creative to prevent from lounging in front of the TV all day, which can also be easy to do.

 The day that Dalton was supposed to start back to school after an almost 3 week holiday break, schools were actually cancelled.  There was no snow, but temperatures dropped down to 5 degrees, which apparently was an all new low in the state and the school system was not prepared for possible heating and pipe problems.  The day before, pipes burst at their day care so needless to say we were happy to just stay home for an extra day!  On this day, we entertained ourselves with a variety of things, including making snowflakes,

 tea parties,

 more art,

 playing dress up,

 and cooking in the kitchen!

As fun as all the holiday stuff is, I think this is the stuff that I will always remember and treasure...just regular days with my favorite little people!

Happy new year!  Wishing everyone all the best in 2014.

Christmas in NC/VA

 A few days after Christmas, we loaded up and went on a Christmas tour up to NC and VA.  First stop was with the Grahams/Ladds in NC.  The above and below pics are at Amanda and Colton's house.  Had lots of fun there!

Sweet cousins.

 Not quite sure why I didn't get any pics with any of the grandparents.  I think just overloaded and overwhelmed by everything!

A few days later, we went to Virginia to celebrate with Dad and Joanne.  We always make it a point to go over to Stuart where my grandparents are.  Unfortunately my Granny is in pretty poor health so I just don't want to miss an opportunity to see her when I can.  Below is a picture of Papa and Anna.  For some reason Anna has really taken to him.  She loves to go see her "Great papa" and even asks to call him on the phone sometime!  So sweet and it sure makes him happy!

Granny and Dalton.  I think this is such a sweet picture too.  I really love the fact that my children are getting to know my Grandparents.  Family is so important and I do believe it's important for them to know where they came from.

And how could I leave this one out?  One things for sure, she's an animated little girl!

Christmas Day 2013

 Santa came!!!  We woke up Christmas morning to find a room full of fun new toys for a really good little boy and girl!  (And also, a very exhausted Daddy and Uncle E...but that's another story!)  This year, Anna got a new kitchen set for her big gift, and also a big art set and several other things.  But what was her favorite of all, you ask??

 This Dora umbrella.  #obsessed.

 Little man also got everything he asked for!  Namely, a foosball table and a new scooter!  Side note-I can't believe how good he is at foosball.  Beats me every time!  (which actually isn't saying a lot...)

 LOVES his new scooter!  I am so glad he likes his gifts so much and that he is actually using them.  Makes mama happy!

Waking up...

New art set.  She got a princess one and Dalton got a superheros one.  Good for cold winter days inside!  Also-it's as big as she is!

Hi Uncle Ed!

Someone's starting to get a little sleepy.  Thanks for the new robe and slippers Mimi!

That's ok...sugar perks her right up!

The aftermath...

We had a wonderful Christmas day.  So very much to be thankful for!

Countdown to the Big Day

 The weekend before Christmas, Diane came to celebrate early with us.  Unfortunately, Josh had a last minute schedule change and was unable to make it.  We missed you Josh!  However-we definitely enjoyed the visit from Aunt Diane!  Thanks for all our Christmas goodies, Auntie D!

With her Ariel bath set

Mom's new bubble necklace...nice box, Diane!

Yay!!  It's Christmas eve!

 As per tradition, after dinner (Hors d'oerves and drinks), we let the children each open one gift, new PJ's.  They were a little OVER excited but hey, that's what Christmas is all about, right? 

Why yes, those are the Chritmas jammies I have worn for at least the past 3 years in a row!

Showing Mimi her new PJ's....SO excited!  Love that sweet little smile!

Mimi and her little munchkins

I love this picture.  Don't they look SO grown???  I'm going to make them do this every year from here on in their Christmas PJ's-and I do mean every year.  I'll be everyone's favorite mother in law!!  Also-can you believe Dalton got Duck Dynasty PJ's?  It's actually almost impossible to find Christmas PJ's in his size.  Crazy right?  Oh well-he was far happier with these anyway!

YAY!  Doing the excited dance!

After opening their gifts and baths, we finished the evening by reading the story of Jesus' birth in the Bible, as well as Diane and Josh's recorded version of "Twas the Night before Christmas."  Simple traditions that maybe are not that original, but I cherish them so much and I hope that one day the children will, too!