Spring has (Finally) sprung

The winters are tough with little kids. I know, we are lucky to live in the south where our winters are so much better than other places but still, when it is rainy, snowy, icy and cold and we can't get out and play, we all go a little crazy. This winter was cold again and we two small weather incidents (one day of ice and one where they predicted tons of snow and we got 1 inch of slush). But we still ventured out to make the most of the mess. Sledding on boogie boards is how southerners sled!

 A couple trips down on the "sled" and the girls decided playing dress up inside was more their style. And then "the incident" occurred. We were at our good friends and neighbors house after sledding and I needed to bring Maddie home for a nap and she said that Ella could stay and play with Ellie and their other friend Anne Harrison. We returned after naps for dinner with our friends and then went home. Sarah (other mom) kept saying how good the girls were and how they played so well and were quiet. All was great until the next morning when I noticed something was different with Ella's hair. I was mortified to see bangs! When I asked her about it, she burst into tears and said she was playing hair dresser with Ellie and Anne Harrison and they cut her hair. What?!?! Not ok with mommy. A few quick texts to the other moms to find out, they found a clump of hair on the couch last night while they were cleaning up!! Seriously!! Other two girls were fine and Ella was the only victim. A couple days later, the real truth came out that Ella was in the chair and her friend Elie actually cut it and Ella didn't want her to but didn't want to hurt her feelings by telling her to stop. So, we have had long talks about what to do if someone wants you to do something you don't want to do but for now, we have bangs. Awesome because they grow out so quickly, not.

 This picture actually makes them look much better than they are. They are blunt and won't go back in a bow and pretty much drive me crazy every morning. 

Once the snow and ice melted, we celebrated our sweet MG turning 3! Mike's parents were in town for the big party. We had high hopes of having an outside party at our favorite park but of course, it decided to rain all day that day so back up plan was a pizza party instead. For a last minute thing, it ended up great.

This face gets me every time! 

 Can never get all of us looking at the camera, oh well.

 Ring around the rosy fun

 Our birthday girl had the best time with all of her buddies!

 Finally after all the yuckiness, the weather this week was fantastic and we took full advantage of it. We played outside every chance we got. Walking to playgrounds and swinging in short sleeves is the best ever after a cold winter.

 And playing hard outside makes for one tired girl. This was one day when I was trying to wake her up after a 2.5 hour nap and she was sound asleep. Even with a flash going off in her face, nothing. So, I had to pick her up to wake her. Poor girl would have slept all afternoon.

 But we were late to big sister's ballet and it was observation day. Ella loves dancing more than anything else and has the biggest smile on her face when she is doing it.

Mike went away for 4 days for a guys tennis trip this weekend so it was just me and the girls all alone. They were pretty good most of the time but we are all ready for Daddy to come home. On Friday night, we had movie night (in Christmas pjs obviously!)

I couldn't be more excited about this spring, we have so many fun things planned. Seabrook for Easter, our BIG trip to Disney and the disney cruise end of April and then another beach trip for Memorial Day. We will be busy busy busy this spring but I can't wait! Bring on the sun and warm weather!

Snow?? In the South??

And not just a little bit of snow, lots of snow! This is what we woke up to Monday morning, our back deck filled with snow. It ended up snowing about 5-6 inches and then Monday night, the ice came which has made things even worse and more dangerous. So, we have all been snowed in, literally, and even Mike has stayed and worked from home because you can't get out of the driveway. We go outside Monday morning and enjoy the fresh powder but boy was it cold and wow, we don't have the right snow gear!

Ella actually had fun at first running around in it but then got cold very quickly.

Of course, she thought this was a much better way to travel in snow and I have to agree!

Everyone bundled up and ready to play on the snow day! Can you tell they are from NJ and they have the full snow suits and boots. If the weather keeps up like this, we may need to get Ella a snow suit.

Since no one can get out, we have been trading houses to play and eat and combining all the food we have. These two look so big eating at the big kids table.

Before the snow storm hit, we went to Monkey Joe's. It is one of those play areas where they have tons of inflatable slides and bouncey areas. Ella, as usual was very hesitant at first but then loved going down the big slides with Mom and Dad and we certainly got our workout climbing up each time! We will definitely be back soon.

Just in time for the snow, Ella got a special present from Grandma. She knitted her a new pink hat and it fits perfect and worked great in the snow. Thanks Grandma!

So, things definitely have not slowed down in 2011 as we are still busy and finding lots of fun new things to do and explore in the cold weather. Last week, we went with our neighbors to a new kids museum, Discovery Place Kids. It is geared for younger kids, under the age of 7 and it was so much fun. We were there for 3 hours and could have stayed all day. Ella loved exploring all the fun things! Future chef?

Do you think she might be a gymnist??

Or maybe a pilot?

What about a baggage handler at the airport?? Well, as you can see, we all had fun and we actually got a year long membership so we will be back a lot this year. There were so many more things we didn't even get to explore this time.

Finally (if you are still reading), Mike gave me an amazing surprise this week! We leave Thursday, as in 2 days for Puerto Rico for 4 days for my 30th birthday. He has had it planned for awhile and did such a great job keeping it a surprise. We are hopefully, weather cooperating, will leave Thursday morning out of Atlanta. DeeDee and Papa will be babysitting Ella and Dakota while we are away. I can't wait, the weather looks warm and after all this snow and ice, that sounds great!

Baby, it's cold outside

Brrrrrrrrr! It has definitely turned cold here in Charlotte and winter is here but it hasn't slowed us down at all. It just means piling on the layers of clothes and braving the weather because there are still more parks to explore, walks to take and fun to be had. Ella loves her new Hokie hat that Grandma made and yes, I know she is wearing quite the outfit in the picture below, polka dots, different color strips but whatever, she was warm! We found this park close to our home and we love it! Tons of fun bridges to walk across...

Spokes to look through...

And tons of open fields for Dakota to run around and chase the tennis ball.

Me and my two kids (one human and one furry!!)

Last night, we went over to our neighbors house for dinner and Ella loves playing with all their toys and especially play jewelry! She has quite the fashion sense, she put this necklace on herself! I think she might be starting a new trend!!Finally, all bundled up for a walk! Not sure if we are ready for this cold weather but oh well, guess we will have to prepare!

We are off to watch the Hokies play tonight in the ACC Championship game. Currently, it is sleeting in Charlotte so my excitement level is not too high right now but I guess anything for the Hokies! Hopefully the weather stops before tonight and Go VT!!