Snowy Surprise!

Who knew that we would wake up to snow this morning?! It started snowing just before 8am and two hours later this is what it looked like-

We've had a few other light snow days already this year, but this was the first time I was able to take Arden out to play. Nonna bought Arden this suit--it's a little big, but at least it should last us a couple of seasons. Thanks Nonna!

She didn't know what to think about the snow at first. She was very hesitant to even get down and walk!

It didn't take long for her to love it! She didn't want to play though, we just walk up and down the road!

I think Murphy liked the snow too :)

We couldn't stay out long because Arden already has a runny nose. Too bad it's not supposed to stick around for long--it would be fun for us to play outside with Daddy too!

Manicure, please!

If you've caught a glimpse at Arden's fingernails lately, you would think we were growing them out so she would have a secret weapon to use when Silas tackles her! It used to be so easy to keep Arden's nails trimmed, but now I'm at a loss for how to get it done without a battle. I can't even hold her hand to look at her nails without her yanking her hand away. I've tried giving her a sucker while I trim them, and that worked for awhile, but today she just laughed and jerked away before I could get even one hand done. If you have any suggestions for making this process a little bit easier, please let me know!

I miss this girl!

As much as I have enjoyed my break this week, I can't wait to get back to this little girl! I miss her hugs, kisses, and yes, maybe even her whining too! We love you Arden--can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Our Christmas In Pictures

FINALLY! I know you've all been sitting around on pins and needles waiting to see these pictures!! I hate to disappoint, but after uploading these, I realized we didn't take that many :( Another New Year's Resolution...TAKE MORE PICTURES!!! Anyhow, we had a very busy Christmas as usual. On top of the 5 family Christmas gatherings, almost everyone in our family came down with the stomach bug on or around Christmas Day! What a way to spend the holidays, huh? Thankfully, we were able to get everyone healthy so we could spend time together. I love the Christmas season, and this year was no different. It was so fun to watch Arden actually participate in unwrapping gifts, instead of sleeping like last year. I know that each year will get better and better, but for now we are just enjoying the moment!

Christmas morning at our house---yes, all the presents are for Arden!

She LOVES unwrapping!

Pushing around her new car. She would rather push it than drive it around!

"Hmmm, which one should I open now?"

No, she didn't get a remote for Christmas, but maybe we should have bought her one!

We hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season and that 2010 is off to a great start.

What a way to start the day!

Most mornings, Arden wakes up in a great mood. I hear her talking and playing, and I normally leave her alone for a few minutes while I finish what I'm doing. This morning was no exception, and this is what I found when I opened the door...

I just love this little girl so much! She makes me laugh each day with all of the silly things she does. It's moments like this I remind myself of when she's throwing a temper tantrum or feeding her lunch to Murphy. The good definitely outweighs the bad, and I can't imagine my life without her!

I know I've been a slacker when it comes to blogging--I haven't even posted about our Christmas! Hopefully in the next week (or two!) I will be able to catch up :)

From our family to yours....

Merry Christmas! We hope you all had a blessed Christmas and we pray God's richest blessings for your family in 2010!

The Craziest Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I actually LOVE this time of year--the decorations, music, hustle and bustle--all of it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling that I just love! However, it is definitely a crazy time of the year and I have fallen behind on blogging. Part of the reason for falling behind is because I have done a terrible job of taking pictures! I know none of you are sitting around waiting to read my ramblings so I waited until I had pictures to show you. Lucky for you, I finally have a few pictures--and maybe my New Year's resolution will be to take more pictures!

Arden's 1st birthday party was November 7th. We had such a fun night with our family--we are so thankful that they were all able to come and celebrate with us! Oh, and a big "thank you" goes to April for taking all the pictures--otherwise I would have nothing to show you!

She loved the frosting on her actual birthday but she had a different opinion at her party:

Arden really enjoyed unwrapping her gifts. In fact, she may have been more interested in the paper than the gifts themselves!

We honestly can't believe that Arden is already 13 months old. God blessed us with the most wonderful little girl, and we just can't get enough of her!

Besides her birthday pictures, this is the only other recent picture I have of Arden and Silas (I told you I had been a slacker lately!)

They continue to have so much fun together--what a blessing it is for them to grow up with each other!

I don't have a scanner, so I can't post our Christmas card for you, but this is the picture we used:

Thanks to our photographer, Carla, for capturing such a beautiful picture! If you didn't receive a Christmas card but would like one, please send me your address!

From our family to yours, we hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!