Sub Zero Temps & Connor's 1st Birthday Party!

This week was COLD!  If we weren't ready for winter, well too bad!  It hit us and hard.  We had highs in the single digits almost all week and I write this in my cozy basement with the fireplace going all while knowing the temp outside is -25, yes before wind chill factored in - HOLY COW!  Thankfully we get some more snow later this week - YAY white Christmas - and temps rise to mid 30s - HEAT WAVE!  While we were freezing at home, Clint headed to PA for work Tues-Wed.  We are so happy and ready to have no trips on the calendars for the next several weeks, it makes for a hectic work/school week when daddy travels for a part of it.

Baby Fun!

 Poor Pre-School Teachers

Lots of Snow Outside but Kids Cant Play Outside b/c of Temps

They Brought Snow Into the Kids :)

My Lovey is Obsessed with the Mistletoe and KISSES

Friday - So we deemed it snowmagedon which was supposed to descend on the city around noon on Friday afternoon.  However, it was 3p and still no sign but then around 330p as I am talking on the phone I start to see a few flurries and by the time I leave at 430p there is already an inch - UGH!  I had to get to the mall for the very few last minute needs for Christmas gifts as I will NOT have time this coming week - will explain later.  So I venture out and had a very successful and quiet trip to the mall since I was one of few crazies attempting to get things done in this weather.  I got all my errands done, grabbed a few cute winter items for Connor at Nordstrom and even grabbed take out from Big Bowl for the family dinner that night :)  SUCCESS!  I got home and showed Maci one of my surprises, TROLL PUZZLE!  We loved the movie and I love puzzles :)

Finished Product

Yes, that is Real Troll Hair on Poppy!

After putting Connor to bed, Maci, Clint and I cuddled on the couch and rented Secret Life of Pets - super cute.  Maci proceeded to watch it 2 more times before the renewal was up over the weekend.

Saturday - So we wake up to sub zero temps and another 5 inches of snow.

Thanks for the New Hat Mom :)

Maci's dance is cancelled and I can't decide what to do for Connor's first birthday party.  After touching base with the guests we learned Zehr's were out (Figured with a 40 min drive minus the weather) and Fike's were out (sick kiddos, no thanks!).  However, Karoline/Stephen from next door and Cassem's from less than a mile down the road were in - YAY!  Clint did the driveway and ran to get the cake/pizza for lunch.  Connor had a blast at his 'make shift' birthday party - poor 2nd kid and before the holidays birthday!

My Favorite Boys Waiting on the Guests

 Cutie HUGE Cake & Smash Cake for Connor

 Birthday Boy Chair

Clint Couldn't Find a 1st Birthday Balloon

#2ndkidproblems

 Someone LOVED His Cake

 Present Fun Post Bath

After everyone left around 2p, we put Connor down for a nap and had some quiet TV time.  Clint ran the grocery trip for me this week due to freezing temps.  We then watched the Toledo bowl game (Bummer) and Dolphins Saturday night game (Jets butt whooping).  What a wonderful way to spend a freezing cold day in MN.

Sunday - The coldest of all cold days!  We had a neighbor that threw bowling water in the air and it instantly froze - NUTS!  The kiddos and I haven't left the house all day - Clint on the other hand keeps finding reasons to run quick errands - silly boy!  We spent the morning cleaning all the toy boxes and play room because we had to "give toys to kids who don't have them" and get rid of any JUNK to the garbage!  I feel so good now with Christmas a week away and knowing the house is about to be full with new items all over again :)  I also went through all of Connor's clothes and packed away what he has outgrown :(  The only good thing about him growing is that I love purging and getting rid of unnecessary stuff in our house.  We then watched the Bengals implode against the Steelers.

I Simply Love this Face!

We are now prepping for a crazy week ahead.  I unpack my new office at work tomorrow (finally in our permanent spot after 2 years of remodeling the current HQ) along with a jam packed schedule.  Tuesday through Thursday are Global Controller Leadership Team meetings which I am a part of and facilitating a few topics.  This means all day meetings but also team dinner on Tuesday night.  On Thursday, Clint takes the CRV in for service during the morning, just got the Pilot done last week (winter tune ups), I run the kids to school, finish the leadership meetings at lunch time, get a bit of work done before my hair apt at 445p.  We then have Friday off but plan to send the kids to daycare, enjoy brunch together and pick Maci up to take her on a mommy/daddy date to the new movie Sing at the movie theatre while brother is still at daycare.  Oh and then it is Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - Whew!  It will be here before we know it but we wouldn't have it any other way - our family life is crazy, hectic, busy but FUN and full of LOVE!

We hope all of you have a wonderful week leading up to the Christmas Holiday!
With Lots of Love,
C, K, M & C