Funundrums and Valentines!

On February 4, we took Arden to her first Circus. I was a little concerned that she would be frightened by all the craziness, but I was proved very wrong! She loved EVERY minute of it! In fact, the only time she cried was during intermission when the snack vendors walked through the isles yelling and trying to get you to buy the overpriced popcorn and cotton candy! She watched every act so intently--I can't wait to take her back when she really understands what's going on :)

I don't know about Arden, but the Globe of Steel was my favorite act! Can you believe 6 motorcyclists ride in this thing at the same time?!

For Valentine's Day, Geoff surprised me with a dozen roses, dark chocolate and peanut butter M&M's (my favorite!), and dinner at Grille 29. The food was delicious, but the time we were able to spend together was the best :) I definitely try and treasure those quiet moments we have together now that they are few and far between!

Arden also had a special Valentine's photo shoot! It was a nice surprise to have these pictures taken--thanks to our photographer, Carla, for letting Arden be your model for the day :)

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!