Snow Play

 

 We played in the snow last weekend, on the Sunday before Christmas. It was SO much fun! We had planned to go for a hike, but were surprised by how much snow there was on the Corral Trail in the Jemez. So, we played, vigorously, for an hour. We had several snowball fights, went exploring, jumped, fell, wallowed, and generally enjoyed ourselves. The snow was up to little Alanna Belle's knees in some spots, and it was perfect for tossing around and tromping through.

As you can see in the top photo, Alanna's grape hat from last year is a little small, but she's got a different cute one this year, so we're all set for winter. Rhys finally got snow pants and snow boots, but we (he??? after repeated reminders to get it!!!) forgot his jacket. Luckily, Mommy travels with multiple jackets. We all experienced an abundance of laughter and joy.


Oh- and Happy New Year! We're looking forward to 2013!

Happy  

Day After Christmas!

We had a lovely day yesterday, and Aladdin (above) sort of sums it up: quiet, warm, cozy, relaxing. Hope yours was lovely too!

  

Almost Christmas

Yesterday, someone asked me if I was ready for Christmas. I made a somewhat flippant comment, involving "ready" and "Christmas" and "over"; we laughed in camaraderie, shared a story or two of excess, and moved on. Today, however, I feel a touch nostalgic. I'm so glad we have the weekend before the holiday so that we can immerse ourselves for at least a couple of days in the season, because it will be over in just a short time. Don't misunderstand: I am not an uber-Chritsmas-lover, I am just thankful for the chance to forget our regular daily grind for a couple of days and bask in gingerbread, lights, giving and receiving, and, most especially, time as a family.

Alanna tastes and enjoys the first snow of the season.

 

The dog and I got out to enjoy the first snow, also.

The kids tell Santa what they want for Christmas (they've been good kids this year).

Alanna performs in the program at preschool. She's been singing the songs for weeks!

And right now, we're enjoying COLD weather (11:30 am, 26 degrees F) and Henry Mancini's Christmas album. Joy!

One Year Ago (plus a few days)

I meant to re-connect with this blog on the anniversary of leaving it, but life, and stress-injured wrists, got in the way. The wrists are still a challenge, and I don't wish to over-stress them, so I'll keep it short.

Here I am.

Here we are.

Life goes on.

And here are some photos.

I got an iPhone. 

Above, a recent walk.

Below, a recent run.

 

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Above, Alanna Belle at the Winterfest light parade.

Below, Rhys was in that parade somewhere on this float.

 

Mesa Hiking

We've revived the family hike, which has been wonderful. We got out of the habit once we decided to put the house on the market, but as of yesterday afternoon, I think we've decided we'd rather go for family hikes, save some money, and add on to our house next year. Here we are hiking on a local mesa.

I'm sooooo Tired...

Our Alanna Belle has decided napping during the day is no longer what a big girl like her needs to do (unless, of course, she's strapped into a car seat and it's the middle of the afternoon). So, she has been falling asleep during bedtime stories once or twice a week. This evening, she snuggled up with Daddy's arm and fell deep asleep before the end of stories. At first I was jealous that Daddy was getting all that little-girl love, but then I got to be the one who carried a sleeping two-and-a-half year-old to bed and tucked her in. I felt better after that.

Baby, It's COLD Outside!

It's 7:17 am and the thermometer reads -5.1 (F).

Wow. Record breaking cold snap. Indeed.