Before the 187th Blizzard of the season.....

We did manage to get the kids outside yesterday.....


We at first walked to the nearby park...but it was still full of snow and big puddles under the swings...so we came back and "played" in the yard a bit. Despite the blizzard today we are starting to see glimmers of hope - there were specs of green in our grass and the tiniest little buds on our trees.....



Playing catch...


Lawn Yoga?? - I am not sure really what they were doing here.....




Ana just got done asking me if we could go out and go to the park this afternoon.....Ha! Either she really does not understand what cold and blowing snow is like or she is just really oblivious to the conditions outside.


Sleeping Beauty - Ema decided there was no better to place to nap than outside....


Eli trying to give Eric a kiss - he just didn't want - if you would have seen Eli's nose - it was pretty gross at this point.....but Eli was determined to "plant" one on him.

The basement.....

I've finally resigned to the fact that the basement is about as clean and picked up as it's going to get...so here are some pictures of the finished product....


Area in front of the sliding door - I actually just bought a really cheap table that I am going to re-finish and and cut in half length wise and anchor it to the wall so the kids and I both have some areas to "work". (Doors at the far end are the bedroom and mechanical room - in sight - bathroom is also down there)


Guest Bedroom....





Bathroom - in need of some definite COLOR!


Family room - a.k.a. - just another toy room!

Were getting D E S P E R A T E.......

With the known forecast ahead....it's all we can do these days to find something to keep the kids busy inside.....so yesterday Eric created an obstacle course for them.....and they loved it!


First task was to shoot a basket from a top the slide....

Further down the way was a "Stroller race"...... And here a a little glimpse of the entire race - It was soooo funny the first time - of course I didn't have the camera out then - this is there third time through....and it still had it's funny moments.....after we finished the race we discovered that it was actually in the mid 50's outside despite the gloomy looking day...so we quick headed out for some much needed "outside" time because we knew what was coming today - and sure enough - it's here - COLD, SNOW, WIND, and everything is closed - yet again!

Sittn' Pretty....

Ema is so close to being able to completely sit up on her own....still a little wobbly though....

When the days were sunny and WARM!

Last week we had a couple REALLY nice days in Billings - not as nice as Rapid City had....but nice enough to be out enjoying it....This was Ema's first time in the "walker" - SHE LOVED IT!



Also loved being outside....


Our little "MN TWINS" man - riding the old cabbage patch choo choo - at first it was a-okay but he quickly figured out that it was not very much fun and really preferred to be riding the tricycle Ana was on....



Ana has finally figured out the concept of "pedaling" - it's taken quite a while - but hopefully now
she will be able to ride her bike at home.



And one more great big SMILE from Ema!!

You wanna bite....???

of MY cookie....


Oh - sorry - not sharing......

The Birthday BOY!!

OUR LITTLE BOY - is becoming not so little!! TWO TODAY!! He actually had already celebrated his "birthday" twice in the last week with family so today we did not do too much other than sing "happy Birthday" a number of times today and kept telling him it was his birthday but as we did this - he told everyone else "happy birthday!"


Showing you are "two" with your fingers can be a little challenging.....


We had a very "Thomas" birthday for Eli - he loves trains right now...what 2 year old doesn't right??


Opening one of his many many trains.....


Getting ready for round two of blowing out the candles....
Happy Birthday buddy - we love you and love the joy and excitement you bring to our family - there never seems to be a dull moment!!

Demolition Day....

We took off last weekend and headed to Montana to help take the fireplace brick down - my parents have been talking about if for a while now - and last weekend was the day!


So this is the before......



This is the start....still trying to figure out the best way....


Once they figured out the strategy - it came down VERY quickly!


And this is what it looked like when it was all said and done....a big mess!

Today it was framed out - and hopefully this weekend all the electrical will get done....so what turned into a quick weekend has turned into me spending an entire week up here (with very little clothes) and Eric will be back to get us this weekend and help finish the electrical part of the project....

Three little E heads.....

All at 6 months....

6 months old.....

Ema is 6 months old today....her latest tricks....she can almost sit up on her own. She has a smile for everyone and soon will be sleeping through the night (that is a trick her mommy will soon be enforcing) - She loves watching Ana and Eli and has a open mouth kiss for just about anyone that will take it!!

The birthday before the BIRTHDAY!

Grandma J and Grandpa H were in town visiting for the last few days so we decided to do a little celebration for Eli's birthday while they were here.....


Ana even found the "party" hats from a previous birthday party.......



The little LOUD trouble maker himself....


Grandma J wrapped Eli's present in a dinosaur bag that actually "roared" - it's been quite a hit and still is being carried all around the house...


Eli showing us his VERY own bible - Ana has the same one and it's been a struggle to get them to share it.....Last night Eli got in trouble for biting Ema's fingers and was sent to his room - when Eric went in to get him he was in there "reading" his bible!! Hopefully he read something about "no biting" his sister!

And no party would be complete without a party hat debut from little miss Ema.....




This was video 1 of Eli trying to blow out his candles....it was pretty funny - and I didn't even realize it but I put the "re-light" candles on his cake......



So I guess - let the birthday week begin!!!