Our families

We are so blessed.

snowmen

The temperature finally broke 32 degrees, so it was time for some serious snowmen.
We had fun building Grandpa Gregg, Grandma Diana, and Otis the dog.

The traditional five "grand-girls" snowmen.

Yes, we played in snow in the dark. It was finally warm and we were dressed for a failed ice skating attempt. We had SO MUCH fun. The snow was perfect for igloos too...and snow ball fights. I am still the Master Elf.

We're the blockhead sisters. Life is so much more fun if you laugh a little.

Minnesota moments

We love Grandma Carol and Grandpa Bill

Fun morning playing in the snow.

Double, double trouble.

The girls were pampered and got their nails done by cousin Brittany and Aunt Mandi.

Christmas Day in MN

The Rupp siblings

The girls had so much fun with their cousins...especially when they had a dance party. ;)

Jocelyn and her aunties. For everyone who says Jocelyn looks "just like her mom"--this picture is for you.

Cousin Nick makes the best hot chocolate. Cheers!

Christmas Eve

I'm pretty sure it was actually double digits. I, of course, took this from the back door because I'm now a wimpy Southern girl. :)

No hill + sled = happy girls

Celebrating will all the grandkids at Grandma and Grandpa Brunick's house.

Two of my favorite people. (notice the halos?)

Sledding: Part 1

We bundled up and headed to the timber for some sledding. Julia & Jocelyn weren't too sure about it all, but we managed to have a good time. I think they were just trying to get used to all the snow clothes and Arctic temps.

The toboggan. My sister and I were pulled behind the truck on it when we were little and my mom behind horses.

So, let's face it...not the most flattering picture. But it makes me smile. A lot. To fully appreciate it you have to notice Dad in the background.

"Hold me. Hold me!" Grandma Diana did her thing and let me snap some pictures.
It was a memorable day.

South Dakota days

So happy together....
I cannot explain to you how happy these five were to be reunited. Every picture was this smiley. It's moments like these that make the journey so worth it.

We roasted marshmallows in the fireplace.

The traditional "circle" picture...just not so much in the form of a circle this time. :)

"Rudolph the red nosed Julia..."--seriously, how can I not include this picture.

Christmas rehearsal

We opened presents at our house Saturday morning. Julia asked what to do when given the first present...I'm glad we practiced so they can keep up with their cousins next weekend.

I'll give you three guesses to figure out what their favorite present was. :)
This was the doll they picked out for each other...I'm still so amused they picked the same one. Neither of them seemed surprised; I'm thinking they told each other some secrets.

The new "nursery." It's nice they each have a little room to play.

They also love their new laptops. After we figured out how to program their name into the software we knew we needed two. Tim drove all over Clear Lake and finally found the last one...I'm glad it was worth the effort.

choo choo

We braved the nearly 60 degree weather last night and took a ride on the Christmas train. The girls were so exicted that Dad could "fit."

Jocelyn was SO HAPPY on the train.

The girls waved at Santa from a distance. Again, they had no interest in sitting on the red man's lap. They were excited at the thought of writing him a letter and putting it in his mailbox. Both lists were quite short: baby doll. The girls really loved looking at the village with trains, ski lifts, carousel, and even a hot air balloon.

the moments

The presents are wrapped and under the tree (and in the suitcase). The plane tickets are purchased and the rental car is reserved. The peanut butter balls are made along with the Christmas wreaths, peppermint bark, and unlimited sugar cookies. Goodie plates are delivered to all the neighbors. We went through the Nativity, the Festival of Lights, and the Christmas train. The Christmas cards are in the mail. Time spent with friends. Laughed through our favorite Christmas movies. The gingerbread houses are decorated.
We do all these Christmas traditions. Why? To see the smiles, hear the glee, to watch two year olds learn how to appreciate and feel gratitude. To relive our favorite childhood memories. We take time to pause and appreciate all the blessings in our life.
It's also in these moments that I once again look at my daughters and believe in MIRACLES.

cookie monsters

I mean really, can one really decorate too many cookies?

Who me? No Mom, I didn't eat the whole bowl of frosting...really. Just look at my clean face.

This was my favorite. We REALLY like pink at our house.
We had fun carrying on tradition and making plates of goodies for all the neighbor's. The girls wanted to go to every house and Julia would say "Happy Birthday" when they answered the door.

Funny of the week: We drove through a live nativity the other night and I was explaining how we would see Baby Jesus. Julia asked if Jesus was going to bite her.
Story of the week: We took the girls to Target last weekend so they could buy each other a Christmas present. Tim took Julia to the toys and she instantly knew the baby she wanted to buy her sister. She squealed with excitement and jumped around a little. They paid and hid it in the car. Jocelyn wanted Dad to take her too. So, they went to the toy department and looked around. She played with babies, pushed the grocery cart, then finally picked a baby...but, didn't quite want to part with it. The punchline--they picked the SAME BABY. Lesson learned, but I don't think it will be too painful to part with when they open presents.

Festival of Lights

We went to the Festival of Lights tonight. The girls loved the tunnels...who am I kidding, I loved the tunnels. The coats are really just for "show"...it was at least 60 degrees. :) The insisted on wearing their boots and picked mine out as well.