We officially have a 6 year old and a TEN year old! How?? Howww??? Noah wanted to have another go at ice skating, clearly forgetting all the previous times of tumbles and tears. This time was no different and we had the pleasure of witnessing the whole spectrum of human emotion once more on the ice. But I think they still had fun even if they were begging to go home half way through and eventually left with very bruised knees and tears in their eyes. I did notice an ever so slight improvement so we’ll call it a win. Love that little punky brewster so much . So very very thankful he’s mine :)

And then we geared up to enter the double digit world. Abbie was so sad there was no snow on Christmas but kept praying for just a little on her birthday, pretty please. And then it just so happened a storm was a comin, and it happened to hit right on her birthday, making her the luckiest girl in the world! A snowy gift from above that just makes me smile :)

^^you can tell they are from CA when they’re out there making snow angels in an inch of snow :)

^^TURNS OUT this one also loves the snow. Either that or it’s just so cold she has to keep running so as to not freeze to death… but from her giant smile and frolicking movements, we’ll say she’s found a new happy :)

The sweetest parents that came all the way across the country to celebrate this ten year old <3

They kept calling this surfing. I don’t think they even know about snowboarding..

And then we headed out to get Abbie’s ears pierced but quickly discovered everything, including the mall and every store and restaurant around was closed, because snow.. and that’s apparently what they do here. So instead, we decided to take my poor sister and brother in law on a lovely drive out to the land, through the snow covered countryside with steep slopes and ditches abounding… but we made it and had a lovely little sledding session and snowball fight and got to see her all covered in white :)

And then Tami recovered from the drive of death with some lap dog therapy and we prepared to be overtaken by squeals and dancing to celebrate little miss.

Uncle Doug was the BEST to put on an incredible magic show for her! I’m still in awe!!

And then we were off to Opryland to combat the post birthday blues!

Had the best time riding water slides and little boats through the resort :) never had gone down a lazy river whilst there was snow outside! But mostly we all just loved spending time with those wonderful people we miss so very much :)

AND THEN the day arrived where we could finally do the ears once more!

And she did it. And I’m so proud. And now she feels like a grown up and I’m just not ready for it.

How can you not love that little face?? It’s such a delight to see her grow up into a little lady, I can’t believe I get to be her mama. These kids. They make me so very happy. Most of the time :)

Thanks Gummy and Papi for coming to see us! We love you ever so much!