Let's find snow!!

It was cold!

My brother (Greggie) and I took the kids to Diamond Lake for a day in the snow. It was kind of a drive from where we live; since my brother works nights, we came to him. It was definitely worth the drive. I have always loved going to Diamond Lake. The last time is probably close to a decade ago. 

In her element

 The kids had so much fun! Meli is my fearless snow cub. We played for a few hours, then warmed up by the fireplace in the lodge. Before leaving we wanted to take pictures of the lake. It had an inch or so layer of ice over it. Not deep enough to do ice fishing, but it sure looked surreal. Getting to the lake took some effort. The wind was pretty strong and it was blowing snow dust at us. Meli could not walk because of the snow dust and the fact that the snow (at this spot) came up to her belly button. I was carrying her with her face hidden in my neck, while walking in snow up to my mid-thigh - and not able to see due to the snow dust! Took way too long to walk 40 feet, but it was an adventure for the kids. Plus, I got to take pictures. I will hopefully post a few from my SLR later.

Such a fun day

King of the hill

Siblings

Loving the snow

Her happy place

Melli is like me and prefers to be cold. I like tropical, warm places but I am not one who turns the heater on very often or needs to bundle up. I usually wear layers everywhere because I just run warm. I started wearing tank tops in the winter to most of my friends houses because I get to warm. Meli is the same way. She prefers to always be in just her underwear no matter the temperature. She hates wearing jackets and sweatshirts. The snow was perfect for her.

Trying to find the lake (right below the hill she is on)

The snow dust

No fear

Until next time...

Love & Kisses,
The B family

How is it ALMOST Christmas?!?!

December arrived way too fast! November seemed like a little blurb. Although, I was not ready for it, I do love this month and all that it brings. We have been able to enjoy little moments with the kids that make all of the stress and headache of other aspects so worth it. I love my family and my memory making times with them. 

Memories like:

Setting up old Lionel. 

Our train around the tree

Picking out and decorating our tree. Meli really enjoyed picking where ornaments would go. She did a little better at not having them all on one branch.

One of my favorite things

I love our time of pulling out each ornament and talking about their stories.

Colin loves his growing responsibilites

Last year, we saw Santa at the local fire station. Meli thought that he lived there for a while. Since July whenever we would pass the station, she would ask "when is snow and Santa visit?". She was so excited to see him. She made it a little easier this year, instead of a request for a "purple present" she asked for "Anna and Elsa".

Santa!!

The weather has finally started to turn cold here. It still is not too bad though. We did have snow the other day! Post pictures soon. Our walk to see Santa was a little cold. I love Meli all bundled up. I just wish she did not mind. It is so hard to keep her shoes, socks and coat on. Such a stinker.

Silly faces

Colin thankfully likes being bundled up. My cute little boy!

Cuteness

Snow days! When they appear. Last year, I don't believe we had any.  Meli is serious in the picture because Will threw a snowball and hit her fingers. She was not happy. Both Will and I think that Mae Mae is a perfect snowboarder name. Don't you agree?! Just look at her...she so could be a little snowboarder.

snow day!

Baking cookies with the kids is a lot of fun. I am not the best baker (I hate following recipes), but we tried a Swedish Fingerprint cookie.

Baking cookies

Meli found an elf hat at the dollar store, which happened to match mama's new jingle bell socks she won at Bunco Ladies' Night. So, she stole my socks. She is a cute little elf.


Fun Christmas clothes

A Simple Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was very low-key for us, which was a welcomed change. It was nice to just take it easy. I still spent most of the day cooking, but I love to cook (especially with my mom)...so that was fun in itself. There is so much to be thankful for this year. I am blessed with such a wonderful,supportive husband, two sweet kids, and am surrounded by wonderful friends and family.

I love when the kids help me in the kitchen. Meli was so cute trying on my apron. Life is such a beautiful thing!

I was able to make my own table runner this year for Thanksgiving (and Halloween). It was made even prettier by such a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Perfect for the holiday. 

I think I started a new tradition by making fresh strawberry muffins for breakfast. They turned out so delicious! Here is the recipe. 

I know it is a little late, but I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, spent with family and friends! Sending blessings and love for the rest of this holiday season!

Family visitors

Walking around town

This weekend our family was blessed with a quick visit from the kids' Aunt Teddy and Uncle Roger. They split their time in France and the East Coast, so we do not get to see them too often. We really enjoyed catching up and being able to show them a small portion of Oregon. 

Excited for the new issue

Teddy writes for France Today magazine. The picture above is the October/November issue. I was able to read her article finally this morning, such a creative and wonderful piece. She also writes on her french shopping blog (www.peopleplacesandbling.com) and for Eurocheapo.com. I love reading her unique perspective. 

 A sweet little gift left by our houseguests.