Lovin' the Outdoors

We had a bit of a cold spell about a week ago so our time spent outdoors was very limited, if we even got out at all.  The past few days have been glorious, however,' and we are soaking up the sun!  Emma has been out skiing three times now.  That's more than I've been out in the past few years!  (Hopefully, next year, I can get back onto the slopes.)  She is just loving the skiing.  We are at the point now where she has her backpack (harness) and she is on her own (with Andy holding the handles, of course).  She fell a few times the other day but just got right back up and kept going.

I started back up with grad school on January 7th.  I have two classes--Research Design and Integration of Educational Technology.  The latter is definitely more interesting but I am keeping an open mind about research.  With teaching full-time, going to grad school, and having a toddler to keep up with, our weeks go by pretty quickly.  Andy and Emma have been spending some quality time together on Monday and Wednesday nights.  I am so lucky to have such a supportive husband.  What a guy!

We are going to be doing a bit of remodeling upstairs to prepare for baby #2.  We'll  be tearing out the paneling, making sure there is sufficient insulation, and using sheetrock to complete the upstairs.  Goody-bye, paneling!  Emma will be getting a new room and I am excited to get that ready for her.  This is where Pinterest becomes a little addicting.

day #2 of skiing

After a delicious breakfast on Main Street, she was ready to hit the slopes again. (day #3)

soaking up the sun and great temps. on a snowshoe/sled ride

After a while, she preferred to hold the sled on the way down the hill.

Christmas in the Midwest

We traveled back to Minnesota and Wisconsin for Christmas this past year.  The chilly weather didn't dampen our spirits or our adventures!

decorating cookies for Santa

getting a little pampering from Grandma

We went to the Mall of America--a usual stop while we are back there.  HGTV had a big display in the rotunda.  Unfortunately, we missed the Property Brothers.

Emma (and Andy) loved the rides.

She was very adamant about carrying Aunt Tina's purse throughout the mall.

Later that evening, we went to Macy's big display in downtown Minneapolis--Santaland.

Then we ventured outside (brrr...it was chilly) for the Holidazzle parade.

The next day we went to Grandma's house in Wisconsin.  Charley, the elf, even met us there.  We woke up Christmas morning to find presents from Santa!

her personalized stationery

Emma needed a new Bucky Badger sweatshirt!

chatting with Aunt Sandy

Grandma gave Emma an art smock she wore when she was a little girl.

Emma is obsessed with curling her tongue.

How do you like that style?

We went to the Como Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul.  

Emma's favorite was the gorilla.

Emma took this picture.

watching the koi

She found a water table!

dinner with Grandpa

having some apps while we wait for our flight home

She loved the moving sidewalks at the airport.

waiting to take off...

22 weeks...Emma will have a little sister in early May!  Now we just need to decide on a name.

We had a great trip!!  We wish you all a happy, healthy 2013!