Snow day

Another big snowstorm came through our area this week and the girls had a great time out in it. Madeline was very focused on building a snowman,

while Grace stayed on the ground making snow angels and digging in the snow like the dogs.

After snowing for 19 straight hours, we woke the next morning to almost 14 inches of beautiful snow.

Neither of the girls has snow pants, and so they got pretty wet. Hot chocolate by the fire felt really good after we finished playing.

Charlotte took naps inside and missed out on the snow fun, but we told her all about it.

Lunch drama

At lunch today, Grace suddenly closed her eyes and put her hand to her forehead. When I asked her what was wrong, she said she was desperate. When I asked her why she was desperate, she told me it was because her soup (that she requested) tasted like mud. It didn't take long for Madeline to start acting "desperate" too. Thankfully, Charlotte enjoyed her pears...but I'm sure it won't be long before she joins in the drama!

Sick babies

Madeline caught a cold 2 weeks ago and quickly passed it to Charlotte, Sam, and I. Despite being in each other's faces all day and sharing cups, Grace miraculously only got a runny nose for 2 days. The babies, on the other hand, became very sick. Charlotte had a stuffy nose and a fever for several days before we discovered she had double ear infections. Madeline had a horrible cough, fever, diarrhea, and stuffy nose. We were told she just had a cold after a few days of being sick, but with no improvement after a week, our normal pediatrician and chest x-rays confirmed she had pneumonia on one side. Madeline, who is normally a big eater, ate and drank nothing, and became noticeably thinner. We're now getting back to normal with their antibiotics, but it was a tough couple of weeks indoors and away from others. Here are a few pictures of our days cooped up together.

Of all the hide-and-seek we played, this was by far my favorite of their hiding places. That's Madeline in Charlotte's bumbo and Grace in Charlotte's car seat.

Poor little Charlotte was such a trooper. She lost her appetite and her sleep was very interrupted due to her stuffy nose and fever, but she never lost her happy mood.

Grace became a little more ornery toward me, I think because of the attention directed toward the sick babies and away from her. Once I asked Grace, dressed as Sleeping Beauty at the time, to do something and her response to me was, "Mommy, the princess knows." Cabin fever and a sassy 3 year old added to my frustration, but it didn't take long for Grace's sweet and helpful nature to return.

Grace and Madeline did endless crafts...

I'm so thankful for my kid's health and my wonderful husband who helped me through!

Hideaway

My creative and talented sister, Audrey, MADE this fort for the girls for Christmas. They really love it, and have daily tea parties in it. It fits over a card table, so it can be put away when they don't use it (which hasn't happened since they got it).

Thanks Audrey! Better than the sheets and pillows we once used!

Stock show

We were there for the opening weekend at the annual stock show and rodeo. The baby animal barn is a favorite each year, and so are the corny dogs. We watched some of the working ranch horse auction, and Grace did her best to convince us that a horse would be fine living in our back yard.

Feet painting

The girls went to their friend, Luke's house to play and do a little painting with their feet. They all enjoyed getting messy!


Thanks, Michelle...you're so brave to do that inside!

Garage fun

Our friend's children outgrew this great bounce castle and they passed it on to us. When the weather is too cold or rainy to play outside, we've been blowing it up in our garage to let Grace and Madeline bounce off some energy. We love our bounce castle! Thank you, Daryle!