Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

All right, so this isn't exactly what my driveway currently looks like, but I promise it's close! I never thought I'd see the day that I would have a "snow day" while living here, but it happened yesterday! We were one of maybe four families that ventured out of our houses to get to church ( I soooooooooo get extra points for that) and when we got there our bishop sent everyone home after a condensed sacrament service.

This is just a tiny glimpse into what the last several weeks have been like here, and I've been feeling like a horrible mom because of it. I'm aware that I do not control the weather, but I've been having a tough time adjusting to my first winter here with kiddos in tow. This time of year in Arizona we're used to going to the zoo, picnicing at the park, walking around the botanical gardens, you name it...this is the time to do it there! Here, however, we're lucky to either (a) make it out of the driveway or (b) be bold enough to brave Highland Dr. and the highly talented Utah drivers that frequent it.

So...after many reminders from Trin that she "just can't get this now out of her life" (and yes that is a direct quote) we assembled a list of very non-boring indoor things that we could do. At the top of her list was going to the Hello Kitty store and making dress up clothes. I had several more to add, but today we chose from the list and went to the Living Planet Aquarium. It was really cute, and Mac LOVED the jelly fish and driving the brine shrimp boat. I can't wait until they get enough funding to complete the proposed 90,000 sq. foot permanent facility that will even house a scaled rain forest, but for now we're happy with our $39 family membership to see the stingrays!

Everyday happenings

So, Triniti was having trouble the other night falling asleep...Dad to the rescue! Spencer went upstairs and tried to explain to her how to count sheep. The conversation that ensued was recounted to me as something like this:

"Okay, Trin, close your eyes and imagine a field. Now imagine a fence. Now imagine a sheep."

Giggle

"What's so funny? Do you see the sheep?"

"No, Dad. All I see is Barbie stuff.''

"Okay, fine. Imagine Barbie is running really really fast and she jumps as high as she can over the fence...one."

"Again, Dad!"

...and she didn't let him stop until six. Cute girl. Even cuter husband.



We've had lots of stellar things going on the last couple of weeks. Possibly highest on my list has been the new dynamic between Trin and Mac. Their new favorite thing is to just head upstairs and play in Triniti's room. It's hilarious! They make up games, color, and yes...as the picture will show, they LOVE to dress up. This was the best pic of Mac I could get because he was too stinkin' proud of his outfit to stand in one place. Needless to say, this last week I ordered a bunch of manly man dress up clothes for my little princess. We now have a pile of capes, vests, hats, and even a Thomas the Tank Engine outfit! Spencer is very happy about this.


The story with the glasses and "obviously picked out by my pre-schooler outfits" is that Trin came home from preschool the other day claiming that she knew the entire Hanna Montana dance. What? I was not even aware that she even knew who that was, much less a whole choreographed show! Anyway, since then she loves to put together "rockstar" ensembles, and thus needed some rockstar glasses to go with. So, this was a craft project one day. She got some glam shades, and Mac just ended up looking kind of nerdy. Oh well.


More big news...we're closing on a house on February 19th. This will be the first of our investment homes, but it will be our primary residence for the next two years. Those of you that know me best know that a 2 year committment is huge for us, so yay! We have a plan! Also...guess what! Adorable kiddo number three will be here the end of July. Surprise! I think a family of five is as big as we'll get, but we're very excited!

Well, I'm pleased to say that our Christmas season went a little more smoothly than Mac's first trip down the hill, but I'd venture to say that it went just as quickly! Mid-month Trin had her winter dance recital, which went really well. Her class Christmas party shortly followed, and I might add that the party craft was pretty spectacular if I do say so myself. I put together some really cute stocking cut-outs for them to "sew." It's the little things I pride myself on these days, and being room mom happens to be one of them.

Anyway...the season was full of parties both to attend and to host. The kids loved helping me decorate the house and venturing out as a family to pick out the prized Christmas tree.

Christmas eve we ventured over the mountain in white-out conditions (with Spencer commenting on how "man...this is what Christmas is all about") to Grandma and Grandpa's house to spend some time with the Anderson side. Sara and Nate, followed us home for a sleepover of astronomical proportion and to share Christmas morning with us. It was a a flurry of wrapping paper and noise, but sooo much fun!

My parents showed up only a few days after to go house hunting with us and party the new year in. So, by the way, I should mention before the email goes out with yet another change of address for the Clawson family, we ARE looking for houses again. We're planning on flipping a few homes out here to make some sweet mula, so be forewarned!

Speaking of my parents, though, they also got the kids a super cool sled which has been put to good use.

December was dotted with other house guests of various sorts, and we were insanely busy, but we've been having a great time! I really did have every intention of getting an e-card out to everyone, which still may happen, but I hope everyone had a great holiday season. Maybe next year Trin's only Christmas wish will come true...seeing her bestest buddy from Phoenix. Ah hem, ah hem...