Snow Day

In Las Vegas...you betcha. Our very own snow day. We don't get the fancy phone calls that my cousin Jennifer does in Iowa but Kyle didn't have to go to school today so I'd say it all equals out. Hopefully we'll have photos to post later on.

Let it snow!

For those of you who don't live in Vegas, this is what it looked like this afternoon here. The snow keeps falling and we have at least another inch or so on the ground as I type (8 p.m.).

Kyle and his friend Ryan played soccer outside early in the afternoon but lost the ball and then got too cold. Later, he went down the neighbors driveway in the sled a few times but mostly has been marveling at the scene from indoors.

Abbie loved the snow. She stomped it, ate it and threw it. Tripp and Kyle were gone so I had Daisy out with me and it shortened Abbie's stay outside. She would have hung out there forever if I let her.

I heard at the store that it isn't supposed to stop until around 4 a.m. I guess when it snows here, it really snows. My co-worker Dana called it a "Winter Wonderland". For Vegas, I suppose you could call it that.

London

Tripp had to go to Scotland for meetings a few weeks ago and he convinced me to meet him in London for a few days of play. Thanks to fantastic family members who where willing to stay with our kids, I was able to meet him for a few days across the Pond.

I flew out Tuesday, arrived Wednesday and spent two days with my dear college friend Tracy Keller Oxtoby. She has been living just outside of London for a few years now and I promised to do my best to try and visit her while she was abroad. Luckily, I was able to keep my promise and spend two days with her and her darling girls, Emma & Sophie. We spent Wednesday afternoon lunching and running some quick errands then Thursday we headed for the city to do some shopping. We hoped to meet her husband, Andrew, who has in the city for meetings during my stay but unfortunately, he was swamped. Next time.

Tripp arrived late Thursday night and we chatted with Tracy before crashing. The next morning we headed to London for our three day holiday. It was hard leaving Tracy (holding back the tears hard) but I hope to meet her in Columbia this summer at her parent's house for a visit. Besides, she was leaving for Christmas in MO Saturday and needed some time to pack.
Me and my Grandma. Well, pledge grandma that is. All we were missing was Seiler to complete the family tree. Maybe next time.

Friday:
After arriving in London and getting our bags to the hotel, we walked to Harrods and spent a little time looking around. The holiday crowds were crazy (not that Harrods isn't always packed but in December, yikes!) so we set off across Hyde Park and over to Kensington Palace. We toured the palace but unfortunately the Orangery was closed for a private party that day so we couldn't stop for tea. Instead, we headed back to our hotel, found a wonderful Italian restaurant for dinner then hit the sack. We were both pooped.

Saturday:

It was raining outside so definitely a day for inside sightseeing. Our first stop was Westminster Abbey. It's always such an amazing place to be. I find something new each visit. This time, Jeremy Irons voiced the audio tour which was a nice addition.

Next, we headed over to the Cabinet War Rooms and the Churchill Museum. I've never been and was so happy to squeeze it in. I'm fascinated with WWII so it was definitely a hit with me. Tripp took a picture of this poster we liked - could be my motto for 2009!

At the end of the day we decided to try the Orangery again. It is my absolutely favorite thing to do in London and we were thrilled to get right in. There is nothing like tea in the Organery. If you are ever in London, I suggest you give it a try. A big thanks to Lindsay's friend Lauren who introduced me to it during their summer abroad.

Sunday:

Luckily the weather cleared up so we could venture outdoors. First stop, Tower of London. I recommend it to everyone. The Beefeaters are so much fun and give a great group tour. Below is our Beefeater, one of Her Majesty's Guards stationed outside the Royal Jewels and a shot of my single favorite thing about the Tower of London - the blue doors.

After several hours at the Tower we headed to Oxford Circus to pick up a few remaining gifts then sneaked into the National Gallery a couple of hours before they closed. After heading back to the hotel, we walked around the corner for some fish & chips before packing our bags for our early flight the next morning.

We had a lovely time. The trip flew by but we definitely missed our kids and were happy to arrive home shortly before 10 p.m. Monday night. Tripp heads to CA Thursday and Houston in January...I'll definitely be staying home for those trips.

Abbie's Christmas Dance Show

Abbie's first dance recital was tonight. I started calling it her dance show because she seemed to understand what that meant.

She did a great job. She's not headed for Ballet West anytime soon but she had a ball and that is all I want for her (after having a Nazi dance teacher growing up). She tried really hard and loved every second of it so I'd say it was a big success.

It started out a little rocky when the little girl next to her peed on the floor while waiting for the recital to begin. Abbie had to run and tell me what happened and seemed a little yucked out but she got over it pretty quickly and was ready to boogie. After her dances she stood on the sides and danced to the big girl music.

We have another recital at the first of June. It is the big one with costumes and an amphitheater. Abbie is looking forward to January for her class to start again. Thanks Ms. Lori for making dance so much fun.

The first photo Lindsay took and color touched. The below photos are from our not-so-great camera and I don't know how to touch up anything. Thank goodness for sisters.

Daisy Doodle, One Year Old

Daisy turned one year old today. It seems like forever ago that I was in the hospital with her and that we brought her home yet it's gone by in a flash. She is truly a happy girl. We know that many people might disagree with us because she has been known to cry her eyes out when others want to hold her but it just takes her a little time to warm up then she is happy to play with anyone and everyone.

Her feet are still tiny but her little tummy and legs make up for it. I wish I could say this was her first taste of cake or ice cream but sadly, she's had both several times. She loves to crawl but has no desire to walk yet. All in all, she is a joy to be around. We love her old man laugh and big fat smile.

She had a lot of fun at the party opening her presents and playing with Kyle, George, Lulu, Abbie, Ruby and Nate. She was happy to share and all the kids (minus Kyle & George) enjoyed trying out her birthday booty. Sadly, her daddy wasn't able to join us as he is still in Scotland but hopefully he'll see the photos and feel like he was here.

Opening the gifts - all the kids got in on the fun.

Abbie with her very own talking purse (lucky Mommy)

She even liked the packing material.

Her very own baby doll....

Trying to get into the baby doll package.

Really excited about that baby doll...thanks Nikki for unpacking all the goods.

Reaching in Mama & PapaThom's mystery sack...

George and his Pops

Everyone checking out the new garage...another big hit.

The birthday cake girls...
Princess for a day!

St. Nikolaus Visited Last Night...

I was telling Kyle about how when I lived in Germany, most kids were visited by St. Nikolaus, a Saint that was known for all the good deeds he did for his friends and neighbors. I believe in Sweden and the Netherlands he is also called Sinder Claas. He leaves treats in kids shoes. Anyhoo, he was interested so I told him if he wrote a note as to what good deed he would do for a neighbor, St. Nikolaus might visit us as well (he comes the eve of 12/6). He decided to bake cookies and take them to a neighbor he doesn't know. Abbie is going to draw a picture and do the same.

It looks like their plan for good deeds passed the test because St. Nikolaus visited our house last night. Daisy even got a little something. Abbie was thrilled. Kyle won't be home again until Sunday but I'm sure it is the first thing he will ask me about.

PS - Kyle wanted to use a slipper just in case St. Nikolaus decided to steal his shoe instead of leave a treat.

On another note....I called Tripp's sister Elizabeth the other day and Abbie asked me who I called, "Aunt Elizabeth" I answered. She asked me if Clifford was there too. I couldn't figure out why she thought Clifford (the big red dog) lived with Elizabeth. About 10 minutes later I realized she thought I said, "Emily Elizabeth" and laughed pretty hard. It was funny to me for a couple of reasons but most of all because to her, calling Emily Elizabeth (from books and TV) was a perfectly normal thing to do. I'd love to live in that world.

Advent Calendar

My friend Colette is putting together an online advent calendar for anyone/everyone to enjoy. We read the first one as part of our FHE tonight. I've added a button for it below the photo of Lulu on the far right. Take a look if you are interested.

As an FHE side-note, when I asked everyone to fold their arms for opening prayer, Daisy folded hers too and Kyle noticed and said something. I thought it was a fluke but if he wanted to think so I figured, "What's the harm." Closing prayer came and I asked everyone to fold their arms and Daisy did it again. I guess she officially knows how and when to fold her arms.