Maddie & the Snow

Being Maddie's blog, she needed a little posting time.  She's had a lot of fun playing in the snow -- here's a couple pictures.

Visiting Mimi and Grandpa Jim

With Dad out of town for two weeks, Brooke decided we should head to Mimi and Grandpa's for a week (Maddie too!).  We had a lot of fun exploring their house.  I don't think anything was destroyed, and we tried to contain all the toys to the family room.  Here Brooke sits on the family room steps playing with her Little People Barn.

Sitting on the couch with Mimi -- I think in this instant she went on a rampage of throwing all the pillows off the couch.

Playing "creepy mouse" with Grandpa.

Looking out the window with Hank.  It's sort of funny how they're the same size.

Hanging out with Grandpa and Hank.  Hank, their "new" terrier, was very good with Brooke, though we weren't sure how he react if she pulled his tail, like she does with Maddie, so we kept up the caution at times.

Mimi gave Brooke a new toy: a xylophone/piano crocodile.  Luckily she hasn't driven us too crazy with it!

Last snuggles with Grandpa.

Happy Valentine's Day

Brooke sends out hugs and kisses on Valentine's Day!  She's dancing here in front of the backyard slider, watching Dad and Maddie outside shoveling snow (it's snowed everyday for the past 8 days!).

And showing off her pigtails while watching some Olympics in the basement.

Super Bowl Sunday

Brooke was excited to watch some football on Sunday.  "Hmm, I think the game is on this channel..."

To say adieu to the NFL season, Brooke and Dad insisted they spend the day in their Bears gear.

Brooke lounged around, using Maddie as a pillow.

During the first quarter, we even had some "touchdown" motions from her and yelling when the Colts scored (she didn't care who scored, just driven by excitement!).  Perhaps next year we'll get lots of touchdowns from the Bears, Hawkeyes and Irish for her to cheer about.

Winter Snow Storm

We got hit by 2 feet of snow in exactly 24 hours (noon Friday - noon Saturday).  That made for a winter wonderland, as the prestine snow quietly blanketed the yards.

It created some snow-bounding for Maddie, as she tried to figure out how to navigate her way into the yard.

Dad took to the snowblowing to clear off the driveway.

And Brooke got to try out the new sled she received for Christmas, down what is supposed to be the street.

Dad and Brooke stand by a wall of snow to demonstrate the depth of the snow.

20 Months Old

Here's Brooke at 20 Months Old.  We're reluctantly holding onto our "Hawaii-ness," thus why she's wearing a summery dress.