It's Just a Little Bit of Snow!

Our first big snow storm sounded pretty much like everyones experience, except we didn't have the crippling ice and everybody still went to school and work.  In years past you would have found me sitting in the Mostad office, staring out the window as the snow continued to pile up, and nervously thinking about just how horrible my commute home would be that night.  Of course I would be already thinking about the following morning drive, but that's just me being one that worries all the time!  Well, this snow storm gave me yet another reason why I love being at home with my baby.  Dakota and I watched the snow fall from the sky from the warmth of the house, I brought in little piles of the fluffy white stuff for her to play with and eat, and we waited for Drew to come home so we could get out and test the first real snow of the season.  We didn't get to "play" in the snow this time. The flakes were still coming down rather quickly and I don't think that Dakota was that interested in getting out of my arms. She was happy touching every surface that had a pile of snow on it though and then immediately sticking her hands in her mouth!

All The Cool Kids Play At Hideaway Mountain

This summer Drew and I "rediscovered" Hideaway Mountain. This little gem of a park is right here in little old Florence and is a great setup for the community. It has so many different activities for children and adults to take advantage of.  There are two different play areas with equipment designed for small children and big kids, a water feature, tennis courts, a baseball field and a really large grass area to enjoy.  So when the weather is just right, I bundle up our little girl and head out so she can partake in a few things that she finds very entertaining.

Swinging is a FAVORITE! 

 Swinging away and as happy as can be.

 She picked up on pointing in the last few weeks and loves to show off her new skill.

 Slide time with Dad.

 Playing the chimes.

 Hanging out in the big truck.

Ho Ho Ho and a New Years Kiss

Christmas was just about fantastic around here this year.  The week of Christmas we got to have Lynn visit with us.  We made cookies, played and Drew and I even got to sneak away for a few hours.  While Dakota put her grandma to the test, Drew and I spent an afternoon ice fishing.  Ice fishing was great!  It was no Grumpy Old Men ice fishing, but it was just as nostalgic.   Mountain air, snow covered frozen lake, a few ice cold beers, and my attempt at luring fish with cream cheese cookies.  We actually caught some fish and really enjoyed some time by ourselves.  

Opening some gifts with grandma.

 Lots of prompting needed in order to get her excited.

 This shinny bow is sure pretty and delicious!

 Paper...yum!

 Every little girl needs a pony.

First fish of the morning was caught within a whole 90 seconds.

In true tradition we rocked the holiday solo and enjoyed spending time with each other and introducing Dakota to the holiday's finer things.  Lemon tarts (yes be jealous!), Santa cookies, Christmas Eve last minute shoppers, twinkling lights, new ho ho jammers and an endless amount of Christmas music!  Christmas day was perfect.  We got through stockings and maybe two gifts before baby needed a nap and Drew and I got to enjoy a morning soak in the hot tub complete with mimosas and sunglasses and then a nice breakfast before diving into all the pretty gifts under the tree.  Opening gifts was a little time consuming.  Dakota pretty much wanted to eat all the bows, wrapping paper and tags and became easily side tracked.  We eventually got through everything and spent the rest of the afternoon playing with all kinds of new stuff.

My mom brought over an art project I must have made in kindergarten.  It is a bell that holds a paper chain that helps little kids count down to Santa coming.  Drew and I made a chain and we tried very hard to remember to take off a link each night with Dakota.

 Drew's Grandma Edith makes these delectable tarts for the holiday.  Drew has now mastered the treats (of course we call her each year with a million questions)!

Christmas Eve rocking new ho ho jammers. We just got done touring the hood looking at lights and this little princess decided a little horse ride was in order before going to sleep.

 Christmas morning.

Gift opening, paper eating, and bow/ribbon demolishing.

 I guess she didn't get the point that these toys were for Meadow.

 Or that these targets were for Dad.

 All tangled up!

 Merry Christmas! 

 







Good bye 2011!  We spent New Years Eve at home and celebrated in these custom hats I made.   I just love how I can get Drew to participate in just about anything these days.  He wouldn't want to be the party pooper that didn't participate on his little girl's first New Years!   We made it to 11 pm before finally deciding that sleep was just to important.  Of course, Dakota woke up within 30 minutes so Drew got to hold his little girl when the clock struck 12 and sneak in a New Years kiss.

 Good Bye 2011 and Hello 2012!