Skiing -- December 24

We decided it would be nice to go cross country skiing on Christmas Eve morning, so we ventured out into the snow with the girls.  We had all kinds of cold-weather gear for everyone, to make sure we stayed toasty warm in the blustery weather.  It was so windy when we got to the parking lot that we got everyone dressed inside the car, which was a little tricky.  Once we were ready, Hazel went in the carrier with Andrew and Vivian rode in the soft carrier with me.

It was pretty blustery looking when we first started, but it was really lovely once we got in the trees.

Andrew and Hazel stopped to read the map.

Vivian slept through much of the ski trip, it was a pretty successful outing for her.  Hazel had a harder time because she really wanted to be walking.  Unfortunately, the whole reason you go skiing is because it's not a great time or place to be walking!  We'll try again next year.  Maybe Hazel will be skiing on her own then, and she will mosey along happily.

Napping with Daddy -- December 21

Hiding -- December 20

Hazel has been hiding in the cabinet under the television.  She can fit herself in, and then shut the door.

Once she pops back out again, she has a little chat about how she couldn't see you, and how it's dark in the cupboard.  

Thumb -- December 19

Vivian has found her thumb recently.  When we put her down in her crib for a nap, she fusses for just a moment before she rolls over and finds her thumb, and then she calms down pretty much instantly.  

Vivi with a Rattle and a Smile -- December 18

WEST, Inc. Christmas Party -- December 14

The annual WEST, Inc Christmas party was held at the UW Conference Center at the Hilton.  They served a buffet supper, dessert, and hot chocolate with marshmallows.  There was a dance floor, which was monopolized by the little kids until pretty late.  Hazel had a great time running around with the other kids.  The company gave all of the kids gift certificates for books.  We are so grateful that Andrew has a job with WEST, where they really do seem to care about all the employees and their families.  

Optimist Park -- December 14

We thought it was going to be warmer than it had been, so we went out for a walk at Optimist Park, down by the Laramie River.  It was actually pretty cold because the wind came up, and we didn't stay very long.  Hazel had a good time on the swings anyway, and Vivian stayed warm and bundled up.

Breakfast time -- December 14

Vivi helped to make breakfast on this weekend morning.  We were slicing up peppers for an egg frittata, which turned out very well.

Holiday Parade -- December 13

We took the girls to see the Holiday Parade in downtown Laramie, and had a great time.  It wasn't too terribly cold, compared to previous weeks where we were lucky if it got above zero at all.  

There were some pretty neat floats with lights, and there was plenty of peppermint candy.

\

Reading on the Couch -- December 12

Vivian and I spent some time on the couch reading the High Country News together.

We also managed to get the stockings finished up and hung on the wall.  We do miss having a real fireplace a little bit, but we'd so much rather be here and have the stockings on the wall.

Supper at Nana and Grandad's -- December 8

Hazel has been learning to leave the ornaments on the trees at home and at Nana and Grandad's house.  She really wants to hug the angels on the tops of the trees, but she mostly leaves things alone.

Pretty -- December 6

Hazel has been enjoying all of the "pretty" this time of year.  She loves all of the lights on the houses.  The two houses directly across the street from us have all kinds of exciting lights, and she can look out her bedroom window to see them.  We have been to visit the Albany County Courthouse light display a few times, and we all have fun with that.  The back of the courthouse and the trees are all lit up, and the lights flash to music played on a radio station. 

New High Chairs -- December 6

We thought it was time to put Vivi in her own chair, as long as we propped her up a bit.  She is using Hazel's former chair, which was made by Andrew's Grandpa Dale, and used by Abbi, Andrew, and Erin before her.  Vivian likes being more involved in meal times, and entertains herself pretty well with her toys while the rest of us eat.

Hazel has a new seat as well, and she has taken to it pretty well.  She has a little more space in this one, and didn't seem to miss the old one.

Napping on the Floor -- December 5

Vivian fell asleep on the floor with her toys at nap time, so I covered her up, thinking that it was just fine if she slept there instead of in her bed.

Except, of course, Hazel was still awake, and very curious about her sleeping sister.  As you might expect, Vivi didn't sleep there very long.

Drawing -- December 4

Every little girl need a purse while they draw, right?

Snowflakes -- December 3

We have been trying to do a different activity as a family every day of Advent this year.  One of those activities was making paper snowflakes, and putting them up in our window.

A Wipe Up -- December 1

Hazel had a spill on the floor, and without being asked, went to the bathroom and retrieved a box of cleaning cloths and a bottle of all-purpose natural cleaner.  She got to work all by herself, although she did ask for help getting the spray bottle to work.

Christmas Tree Shopping - November 30

We weren't able to get our tree the day after Thanksgiving like we normally do because Hazel was under the weather, but we did make it out on Saturday.  Uncle Scott was able to come with, which was great.  

Andrew carried Hazel in the big backpack carrier because the snow was too deep for her to walk very well.

Scott helped us pick two lovely trees, one for Grammy Frieda and one for us.  

Scott and Andrew tagged the trees and carried them back to the truck.   We were so happy to be able to go out to the Medicine Bow - Routt National Forest to find our tree instead of going to the greenhouse like we have had to the past two years.  It was one more reminder of how nice it is to be home again! 

Vivian slept in the carrier for the whole walk, but she cried most of the way home.  It was nice to finally be able to hold her, because that was all she wanted.

When we got home, we set the tree up and got the lights on.  We didn't intend to get it all decorated, but once we got started we just couldn't help ourselves.

Scott and the rest of my mom's family came over to say goodbye and eat up a bunch of pie, and we tried out the fun glasses that make the lights look like different shapes.

This is what the tree looks like through one pair of the glasses.