What Polar Vortex?!

Anytime I order from the Hanna Outlet, I always ask, "are there any random good deals I should know about?" before I check out. One day last spring, the cashier said, "We have $5 tankinis." So, sight unseen, I got one. The "tankini" turned out to be a bikini. I still love it. I tried it on Juliet to see her thoughts, and she loved it. I did this once last week with another suit, and she also loved it. Have a feeling she might be a beach bum. 

 She really wanted her picture taken. After each picture, she would run over to the camera to see how it turned out. She is such a ham, and such a delight. She is now wearing the suit under her dress. Chris says that I'm straddling the trashy line with this suit. I might have thought that yesterday, but, today, on my baby, I'm in love. 

Best Friends Forever

A girl and her best friend in the entire world, Brain Andrew Charles. 

Hands on Fun

 Being trapped in the house is no fun. Also, like any good parent, I would like for my kids to get sick BEFORE we go on vacation. So a trip to the Germs On  Hands-On Museum was in order. Leah was super excited.

 Juliet loved the balls. Both girls played nicely in the water

 Juliet liked driving the fire truck and loudly squawked at anyone who had the audacity to look like they might also want a turn driving the truck. 

 This was the first trip that Leah could do the bubble thing all by herself. 

 Naturally sissy wanted in. 

 Leah on TV. 

Both girls had fun, but neither one got sick. I am terrified of having a vacation like California 2012. I think if they get a *little* bug in the next few weeks, their immune system will be better off for Cozumel. Or maybe they were both just so sick last winter, that this winter will be milder. 

Ordinary Days

 I have a passion for Matilda Jane. I admit it. In all fairness, so does Leah. She often asks to wear specific pieces. I found "Icing on the Cake" a few weeks ago at a great price. I couldn't resist. Neither could Leah. She's worn it several times, and told me NOT to take it on vacation in case something happened to it. That's my girl. 

 The girls have been really into ponies. The like to pretend that Chris and I are ponies and have us spit out the food they offer. Every pony play session ends with a pony ride on top of Mommy or Daddy. Leah decided that she was big enough to be the pony. Juliet LOVED it. 

We survived the Polar Vortex!

We survived the Vortex! We went out to Costco the Saturday before, and it was CRAZY. The lines went all the way to the back of the store. It took over a 1/2 hour to even get out of the parking lot (and we were somehow rear-ended by teenager in complete gridlock). Daddy braved Meijer by himself on Saturday night, and it was just as bad. At least we had everything we needed. During the Vortex we:

Made snow ice cream! Both girls LOVED it, but I found it slightly disgusting. 

 Stayed in our pajamas. Like for 4 days straight. 

 Made and decorated cookies. 

 Read lots and lots of new books.

The girls also watched way to much TV. I was trying to clean and organize, and they were getting so bored. Even though I didn't have school on Wednesday, I sent Leah. She was one of 7 kids. I sent her for a shorter day, but she just needed to get out and get active. They were ready to climb the walls.

NYE

 On New Year's Eve, we went to Auntie Nicole's house. 

 Leah had asked for curly hair. The girls had fun playing together. We had fun, but were home by 9:30 to eat popcorn, cuddle in bed, and watch WALL-E.  

Uncle Terry brought out some of Barclay and Ethan's old books, and Leah was so excited to have a new reader. She insisted we buy "Widget" just like Uncle Terry had read. 

Party with the Z's

The kids all played really nicely together! 

Playing Outside

 Leah playing with her new scooter and Juliet back in her beloved car! 

Christmas at Auntie Renee's

 The cupcakes were a favorite of both girls. :) The only part of the dinner either really ate, except the bread. 

 Cousins! 

 All the girl cousins. 3 big and 3 little. 

 An obscene pile of presents for all the little kids. The big kids all got cash. :) Opening presents was a whirl wind of wrapping paper and parents asking, "Who's that from?! Is that yours?!". It's hard to believe that a few years ago we all opened presents nice and orderly, one at a time. 

 Princess Leah in her Good Witch dress from Grandma Lode and a scooter from Auntie Renee. 

 The scooter was a hit with Juliet, too. 

 All 5 sisters and our mom. :) 

Christmas Dresses!

 Oh how I love these dresses. I stalked them last year with Target did the Neiman Marcus collaboration. These dresses are Jason Wu. They are so classic and so well made, I know I'll never get rid of them. I will pass them down to granddaughters. I went to Target at 8 am on December 26th last year to see if I could score them for 1/2 off in both sizes. I did, and was so excited! 

 Grandma got some more family shots. Love them! 

 Even more cute with the matching patent leather shoes. 

 An impromptu sister hug.