We welcomed the new year with a massive amount of snow... it was crazy, fun and beautiful! The boys thought it was incredible to wake up to such a spectacular sight! We ended up getting 10 inches in one day. So much snow!!
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| It was coming down fast! |
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| They loved playing under this tree like it was a snow fort |
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| Evidence of our snow fall. |
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| Having a blast! |
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| My sweet snow loving boys! |
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| He loved using his new snow board |
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| We felt like we were in Narnia. |
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| He was so proud of his snowman. |
Over Christmas we read "Little House at Christmas." Many times they talk about making maple syrup candy when it snows. The boys and I made a mental note to do this if it snowed this winter, so when it did they quickly reminded me to set out a pan to collect our snow. It was so fun- and it actually worked! It doesn't look the best, but it was yummy!
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| Watching the candy harden |
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| Dropping the maple syrup into the snow. |
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| Our finished results |
We also celebrated a big birthday this winter... Chris turned 40 the second week of January. The boys had a blast celebrating their "old" dad.
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| Happy Birthday!!! |
Jack used his Christmas money to buy a bird feeder. It has just been the coolest thing. We put it on the window by our dining room table so we can watch it while we eat and do school. It took a few days for the birds to try it, and he was getting so disappointed. But once they got used to it, they haven't stopped coming. Our favorite is to see the cardinal. Occasionally we get a silly squirrel to visit and the boys just love watching him. It has been so entertaining to watch the birds (and squirrels).
In February we celebrated Chinese New Year... we always go get Chinese food, and we usually go to Panda Express because the boys will eat here without complaining, but we did something new this year. A few months ago, Chris was out with the boys and he had a craving for Chinese food. So he found a new place. They walked in and it had one table. The boys absolutely loved it... the staff treated them like royalty and loved serving them. The boys thought it was the best place and it was all they talked about for weeks. So, for New Years, we knew we had to go back. Since they only have one table, we made reservations. When we walked in, they were so excited to see us! In true fashion, they kept bringing us little extras and a special cake for Abram. We just had the best time and can't wait to go back next year!
The Chinese New Year parade was canceled again this year, so we went to this amazing lantern exhibit at the Kennedy Center. It was beautiful to see all the lanterns lit up, but it was freezing!
Abram tried something new this year... he asked to play basketball. He absolutely loved it! He had the most encouraging and kindest coaches. He loved all the boys he played with and had a blast. Even though they lost every game, he had a great attitude and always looked forward to practices and games.
Our boys love celebrating Valentines Day! Its such a simple holiday, but they love all the little things we do to celebrate. Its so fun to see them get excited. Every February 1st, we start adding a heart to their door and by Valentines Day, they have 14 reasons why we love them. They love reading them every morning! I try to make every meal special... we had heart shaped cinnamon rolls for breakfast, a heart pizza for lunch, and spaghetti (red and white) for dinner. They also helped me make a yummy trifle to share with their papa for dessert.
We ended our winter with a trip to Virginia Beach. We have two sets of friends who live there and getting ready to move, so while they are close we wanted to see them. Of course, we had so much fun visiting them I forgot to take pictures... but I did take pictures of exploring Norfolk, a yummy biscuit place we went to for lunch and a fun hike we took.
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| Walking around Norfolk on a chilly night. |
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| Eating lunch at the Handsome Biscuit... so good! |
We hiked at First Landing... well over 5 miles. The boys always impress us! We were excited to see the famous Rainbow Sheen. It happens on the water, but only during the winter. It was beautiful!
We had an eventful and busy winter, but to tell the truth I am so ready for some warmer weather. It has been a cold one!!
