Winter's halftime

We're loving any January that regularly gets above 20.  We even went out to a park last night after dinner!  Nina wrote on her preschool work that she likes sledding.  Nina also sang at Church the other day; she was fairly shy.  She has also started dance class and prefers ballet to tap, because tap is too loud.  Pip has been pretty good at watching, but she sometimes needs to get away to Choo Choo Bobs to pass the time. 

 

Vivian checking her purse - "gotta check my cost money; I need money for the zoo, for ice cream, for the Target."  Apparently she hears that ice cream "costs money," that and we go to Target a lot.

Running around the skyways

 

Thank goodness - Pip sleeps now!

 

They put on their outfits - snowpants/mittens/backpack vs. summer pjs

Nina entertaining Pip while Pip is on timeout for hitting Nina

Half-Birthday Party!

The girls were very into half-birthdays this year and made sure to talk about them with their friends.  As has become an unexpected tradition, here's the video of their 2014 together.

For her day, Nina decided to get cupcakes (we hadn't had enough sweets at Christmas) and for Vivian's, we went to the Children's Museum and Cleveland Wok.  The girls had a great time going on a weekday night when no one else was there and they got to play with everything.

One and a half vs. Two and a half

Dad: "Okay, Miss Bossy Pants"   Pippy: "No, I'm Miss Bossy JAMMIES!"

Happy New Year!

The Naks have been out and about to end one year and begin another.  From train rides, to a balloon drop at the zoo, the museum, to a bowl game party, we've been celebrating.  The girls do miss the Christmas decorations, namely their Nativity scene.  They definitely miss the music, especially singing "stink stank stunk" from the Grinch.

On our trip downtown, the girls made a couple passersby laugh aloud.  After walking throughout the skyways (and taking many escalators) Nina complained, "My knees need a nap, they're tired from all this walking."  When dad stopped at the ATM, Vivian said that she wanted to play that game.  

Someday at Christmas

Whew.  After traveling to Owatonna and Fremont, celebrating with family and friends from all over the country, hanging out with 3 cousin dogs, and opening presents galore, the Naks are now content to be home.    The girls did pretty well in the car, adjusting to changes in routines, and sleeping in different beds.

Lots of hugs!

 

Cousin fun

 

Warm weather and sunshine in Nebraska

Throughout the trip the girls made us laugh (and sigh) with more quotes than we can remember.  Here are a few:  

Vivian when comparing her artwork:  "I'm just a little girl, so I can scribble."

Nina about her latest "sickness":  "I have open-presents-itis.  Can we open more now?"  

Vivian to Nina:  "You're my little buddy."

Keeping busy in the car

The mild weather was nice while it lasted.  We've enjoyed getting out and seeing some of the pretty decorations in the cities we've visited this month.  We're sad to see the single digits return; at least they're positive.

 

Beautiful lights in Omaha

The Holiday Train comes to Saint Paul

 

Checking out the Minneapolis Holiday Market