This is Why I Love to Live in Minnesota

SNOW!!!!

After above-average temperatures this fall and no snow at all in November, it had finally snowed for the first time on Friday night - we got a dusting, enough for me to bundle the kids up on Saturday morning and pull them around the yard on the sled.  (Rookie error - as soon as both girls were bundled up and I had my hat and boots on, Gizmo let me know she had to go potty.  UGH.)  Both girls were excited, because we really had no significant snow to speak of last year, and Gizmo's brand new boots were worn only once.  Because Gizmo is a growing girl, she got to break in her brand new purple boots and black snow pants today, while Gonzo used hand-me-downs (which are still cute as can be).  By the end of the day, most of the snow was gone. 

Until this morning.  A couple of inches were on the ground when I woke up, and the snow fell steadily all day long.  We went out to play this afternoon after naps (and after potty breaks), and I have to say that I don't remember having that much fun in the snow in a very long time.

Gizmo was really excited to walk around, and after Mitch gave her a few tips on walking in the deep snow, she was ready to venture around the yard.

Gonzo, on the other hand, had her doubts about this whole snow thing.

She eventually came around.

We spent an hour building a snow elf (the snow didn't pack well enough for a snowman), taking turns riding on the sled, making snow angels, and making "snowball soup" for our snow elf to eat.

The snow stopped early this evening, and when Mitch stuck the ruler out in the snow, we have about 10 inches of the fluffy white stuff.  Mitch certainly got in his workout today, shoveling the driveway three times.  It was so great to be outside this afternoon with the neighbors, who were out taking care of their own driveways and playing in the snow.  Our neighbor's dog, Moose, came over to play while we were outside, and he enjoyed catching snowballs in the air.  The temperature was not too cold - about 30 degrees, and so we were able to have fun without feeling too chilly.  It was truly a perfect afternoon in the snow.

We'll see our lawn again in March!

Thankful

We here at Fifty Below Zero might have had one of the most perfect holiday weekends to date.  We had a lovely Thanksgiving meal at Boston and Katie's house, where our children were well-behaved and enjoyed meeting Boston's parents, as well as playing with Mitch's side of the family.  It was a relaxing, wine-filled day (with a nap for Gonzo at Katie's, too - bonus!), and when we got home we were again able to put the girls to bed early and I was able to do some retail therapy Black-Friday style. (Side note - holy hell, Target was crazy-busy on Thursday night.  I have never shopped on Black Friday before in my life.  I was truly shocked that I had to wait in line to purchase my one doorbuster gift.)

Mitch and I had the day off on Friday, and so we took the opportunity to take the girls to the Children's Museum, something that we have not done ever as a family.  It had been since the summer since I had taken the girls, and so both were excited to see the new exhibits, which highlighted castles and science through golf balls (and giant exercise balls, which Gonzo loved pushing through a maze).  While Gizmo was sad that "George is gone" (they had a Curous George exhibit all summer long), both had a great time climbing through a giant anthill, learning about the life cycle of frogs, painting with feathers (and their own faces, too), and climbing through different habitats.  As a bonus surprise, we took the girls to Panera for lunch, where they were well-behaved and entertaining to both us and the people around them.  

While the rest of Friday and Saturday were spent in the house doing a major cleaning of the house and sanitizing of toys (we are hoping the germs are FINALLY out!), our family still had fun playing games, listening to Christmas music, and getting out the Little People manger in preparation for Christmas.  Gizmo has discovered the beauty of the Charlie Brown Christmas CD, and so if "Linus and Lucy" wasn't on repeat in her room, we were playing it on the piano upstairs.  Mitch put up Gizmo's tree in her room, but it is still waiting for decorations.  Mitch and I did some damage on Black Friday online.  We even watched a movie(!) Saturday night.  (Side note #2 - "Magic Mike" sucks.  Terrible.  Even with all of the almost-naked men, it was a disappointment.)  Katie was kind enough to bring out leftovers Friday night and unwind with a few beers.  

Today Mitch and I divided and conquered - I took Gizmo to church and Sunday school, he took Gonzo to the mall to shop.  We were able to build a fire in the fireplace this afternoon, and relax while watching football.  Gonzo learned to say her whole name this weekend, as well as sing "Happy Birthday" by herself.  I have food ready for part of the week, the house is clean, and Mitch is finishing the laundry as I type.  

We have a new visitor at our house until Christmas - Emma the Elf showed up the day after Thanksgiving on the mantle, and she has since watched over the girls from various locations in the house.  Gizmo was skeptical at first, asking me after a few moments of staring at her, "Mom, did you put her there?", but has since embraced our tattle-tale visitor who tells Santa of her naughty or nice status daily.  She loves wondering where Emma will be the next day.  I can't help but wonder if the greatness of this weekend was partly because of that Elf.  After one day, Mitch declared that Emma was coming out of her box after Labor Day every year if this good behavior is to keep up.  

There were countless small moments this weekend with the girls and Mitch that filled me with such contentment and gratitude for  all that I have in my life.  I am thankful that I have two beautiful, healthy children who amaze me every day.  I am thankful for a husband that I can still laugh with and still makes me feel special.  I am thankful for our jobs that are stable and provide, our house that keeps us warm on these colder Minnesota days, and for weekends like this, which make me feel truly blessed.

I

Back to School.....

Goodbye, summer, so sad to see you go;
Goodbye, summer, you started long ago.
We'll miss your lovely days, your endless summer nights,
Oh, goodbye, summer, goodbye.

We had a great summer here at Fifty Below.  Tomorrow the grind starts yet again.  There's something to be said for routine, right?

Gizmo's Birthday Weekend

Oh, Giana.  People use the words "spunky" and "spirited" when they meet you.  That is certainly true.  I fear you take after your aunt Kate a little too much at times, as you seem to love drama almost as much as her.  But you are kind and polite, sweet to your sister, and are smart beyond your years.

We had a get-together with family on the day of Gi's birthday, complete with tacos, presents, and cake.

(Yes, she did almost set her hair on fire.)

The following Saturday, we hosted a "snack bag" playdate, where you and a few of your friends played outside on your new swing set built by Papa and your new bounce house, among other things.

Happy 3rd birthday, Giana!

Now There are Three

Late Friday night Kim and Sarah gave me another niece, my parents another beautiful granddaughter, and our family another reason to love.

Reagan Louise Pokarney was born at 10:28pm.  Despite her and her doctor's best efforts, Kim was just not progressing in her labor and they performed a c-section to bring Reagan into the world.  She is not a petite thing, weighing in at 9 pounds and 7 ounces, and was 19.75 inches tall.  When I talked to Kim in the very early hours of Saturday morning, she just sounded exhausted, but everyone is doing well.  Reagan is already a thumb-sucker (is anyone surprised? Kim was a devoted thumb-sucker), and is eating and sleeping well.  

She could not be more beautiful and perfect.  I am so proud of Kim and Sarah.  They will make a great parenting team.  I look forward to the end of October when I can go down and meet my newest niece!

Spring Fever in Full Swing

This weekend has truly been beautiful, in every way it could have been. Both Saturday and Sunday we broke temperature records in the Twin Cities (it's been in the 60's!), and we were finally able to open the windows and get some fresh air in the house. Our day included cleaning, laundry, and a walking trip to the park with the entire family. Mitch and I finished the day with a date night (thanks Grama JG for volunteering after our normal sitter got mono!), where we had entirely too much food and drink, and it was wonderful.

Sunday we had "an adventure!" into Minneapolis to visit Aunt Katie and Uncle Boston. In the car, Gizmo gave Gonzo speech lessons ("Can you say 'Min-ee-app-ol-is', Gonzo?"). Gonzo happily babbled back. We had lunch at Panera, which, if you ask Gizmo, was the best part of the day, and then went for a walk through the park adjacent to Katie and Boston's apartment. We also walked over to the Sculpture Garden, where I viewed for the first time the Spoonbridge and Cherry. Gizmo and Gonzo happily rode along in the double stroller while Mitch got his workout pushing the two of them through the almost hour-long walk. After naps, we finished the day playing outside in the sand table.

The weather forecast calls for continued warm weather and record-breaking heat. Hello, spring!