"More Nooooo Mama and Dada!"

That's what we heard at breakfast this morning! They were so excited to see more snow and talked about seeing Boomer's "handprints" in the snow, their purple car covered in the backyard, and lots of new icicles. The powdery snow made me feel like we were in Colorado--Matt commented about wishing we had cross-country skis after he returned home from last night's moonlight walk on powder with Boomer.

While Abigail was entertained by the snow for about ten minutes, George loved it and the little rosy cheeked darling "helped" his daddy chop up our fallen tree with his plastic saw. He loved eating ice off the tree branches, forming snow angels, and making a snow blob (the snow was too dry to stick together).





Abigail's favorite parts were "rowing nooooo in the aieeerrraa" (said with an Oklahoma accent, translates to throwing snow in the air), eating snow and cheering on "my Georgie" and Daddy from the inside!!

Watch out Trina...

...because Matt caught some great shots during our few minutes outside in the 6" snow today. Look at how thick the ice was on the branches. Enjoy!






Abigail kept trying to eat the snow...


I'm never IN the pictures...so this was a fun spontaneous moment. I LOVE SNOW!




Tonight during our prayers with G&A, they thanked God for the snow, the mall (we went to the play area today), Bunny & Monkey, Boomer, the cats, Jack (my sister's dog), Tori (my parents' dog), and G's dump truck. Too sweet.

This one's for Trina...

Hermit Crabs...

...we have become after weeks (off-and-on) of illnesses. Fortunately, we had a weekend off of germs when Grammy and Grandpa were able to come celebrate Matt's belated birthday.



Then we re-entered the land of sick where we are trying to escape. Thank goodness that the worst of the bronchitis, croup, and killer H1N1 are behind us. Hello Lysol and healing!

Side note: after seven days straight of being stuck inside, we have been forced to use our creative brains to find activities that release 2-year-old-times-two energy. Never underestimate the fun of setting up the tent in the middle of the living room, jumping off step-stools or couches onto piles of pillows, and the trusty couch cushion and blanket fort!! And thank the Lord for TV.




p.s. Happy early birthdays Pop and "Old Man Mangini"--sorry we missed ya!

On the 15th day of Christmas...

....I finally get the Christmas 2009 pics posted! Brrr!! It's currently 15 degrees outside and bright sunshine, but we are bundled up inside nursing two icky toddler tummies back to health. They are sleeping so here's a ton of photos from our delayed Christmas in Shreveport. Hope I'm not boring you but I figured it's all people that love us that look at these pics!

Daddy making a big pumpkin pancake breakfast for Christmas morning.

George loved his "snake" game..."make snakes, mama!" Thanks Lees and Hoffmeisters!
Can the girl hold anything else in her hands? Monkey, twin babies Georgie and Abby, and Dressy Bessie while sitting on her new trike...she's good! Thanks Texas and CT Janks!!


They had this whole present thing figured out this year! Abigail who did not want Santa to come to our house, kept saying "more presents!" Our sweet two slept in that morning and we stayed in our pjs all day until we donned snow clothes to go sled-kayaking in the neighborhood--of course I have no pics as I took the video camera instead. The next day when the roads were plowed, we were able to head to Shreveport for the Martin family Christmas (sans Doug and Sherry who got trapped in west Texas with the snow and had to turn back).

George loved getting to play, aka bang, on the piano at Nana and Pop's.
Aunt Go-Go stylin' in her new hat, check out A's reaction...too funny.
All the cousins are growing up...Abigail, Kirby, Evie, Cliff, and George
George wouldn't leave Cliff's side the whole time..."where Cliff is, Mama?"



Evie and Abs playing in the toddler area at Sciport
Laura and Cliff
Ahoy matey!
G&A loved the water table at Sciport (prayers for Kirby's broken ankle)
Go-Go and the pathetic skin-and-bones Boomer

"Go-Go", Pop, "Ebie", "Dirby","Uncle Tebin", and "Kiff"

George had a literal BLAST at the vacuum exhibit with Evie
Uncle Kevin teaches a lesson on volume...I think most of the macaroni ended up on the floor and in George's diaper!!
Kevin "training" the three mutts.
Snuggles!


We were able to take a quick day trip to Alexandria to visit one of my closest, most dear friends Martha and meet her sweet kiddos. My soul was filled...thank you Mar.


Our time out of the house was limited due to Boomer's severe illness. We had another very serious experience with Boomer, which included his stay for two days at Mom and Dad's vet (thanks a million Dr. Darolyn and Dr. Hartline) after 3 more foreign objects were found in his gastro-system. He weighed in at 47 lbs. (usually weighs 60lbs) and was severely dehydrated. He's doing better now, but it was a very stressful time.

Our visits with our favorite people and places were scarce due to Boomer and out-of-town family, but we did get a visit in with Trey & Candi, Jim and Margarite, and Joby and ate our beloved "Humphrey" at Counter Culture and Johnny's pizza. I think this was our first ever trip to Shreveport to not eat at Monjuni's...gasp!! Regrets to those whom we weren't able to see! We hope to catch you next trip!

These last pics were at G&A's favorite place in Shreveport, the Duck Pond. It makes our hearts smile as Matt and I each spent lots of time at this park growing up! These were too cute to leave off...