Snowy times

It's early in the winter season and the snow is still pretty and fun.  The girls are enjoying the sledding time, but not so much the walks around the lake in the cold wind. Pip made a snow unicorn and Nina designed a snow dress.  We were excited to have Maggie come over for a sleepover!

Other highlights this month include celebrating Grandpa Don's 90th birthday party, going to the European Christmas Market, and visiting the decorated Arboretum with Kev, Sue, Erin, Calvin and his girlfriend Alyssa.  We all got ice skates and Nina insisted we give them a go this week; it was a bit melted, but a fun first run.

Ahhh, they've grown so much!    ------    Department Christmas card

Thanksgiving 2021

With another fun trip to Nebraska and back, we have plenty to be grateful for.  The girls have been keeping a gratitude journal and we try to focus on all the blessings we have in our lives.  Health and family are things we don't take for granted.  The girls recently got their first round of Covid shots and have felt good so far.  They were very excited for the first snowfall and Pip sled in our yard (and our neighbors' yards) until all the snow was gone.  

The rest of November has gone by quickly.  We seem to always be on the run but have been mindful to take family walks and play some games.  We currently enjoy a hide and seek board game that is played in the dark, which is fairly easy these days.  The girls started some extra Mandarin lessons at school and also enjoyed watching the school musical.

Into the Woods      ------      Into the chaos of 10th grade math

October

October is already over and it seems we hardly had time to catch our breath.  There was a lot of good: Nebraska trip, MN Zoo, extended family time, Halloween, pretty fall colors -- and there was some bad: no heat, flat tire, dental work, no hot water, and some health issues.  Overall, things have been resolved and we seem to be back on track.

Our trip to Nebraska was full of fun and good food.  The girls got really into four-square and it provided a lot of laughs and intense battles.  There were some diy projects, too. 

Halloween was fun and it was nice to trick-or-treat in our own neighborhood for the first time in a long time.  We went out with some neighbors and the girls were sweet and helpful with some of the younger ones.

Visit from Badam       ------       Nina is starting to cook on her own

Homecoming silliness    -------     Neighborhood turkey gang

Sunrise          ----         Moonrise