Snow! (And The Other Wonders Of Spokane)

Madeleine (L) and Emily (R) checking out Bapa's inflatable critter collection...

Our visit to Spokane has been one of significant events for Madeleine and Emily. On December 19th they were given their first haircuts by Laurel (a veteran of their mother's childhood). We were rather excited in the lead-up to the event, stoic during the actual trimming and proud following its conclusion.

Emily's first haircut, given by Laurel.

Madeleine's first haircut, also given by Laurel.

Emily walking up the sledding hill (the key to wearing them out is to have them walk back up the hill, repeatedly, under their own power!)

Madeleine pulling her sled up the hill.

Emily painting sugar cookies.

Madeleine painting cookies.

On the 20th the whole family had professional photos taken for the first time since the girls were three weeks old (MUCH less stressful this time around). Somewhere around this date we also took the girls to the dollar store so they could buy gifts for parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents. We are working on the idea that you give gifts as well as receive them.

And on the 23rd the girls attended a family brunch hosted by "Aunt" Camilla and "Uncle" Tom (actually their mother's aunt and uncle, but let's not get picky) and attended by second cousins, etc. The girls did a good job minding their p's and q's. When it was time to leave I said to the girls "let's roll" and Madeleine got on the floor and began rolling around. So, after picking our child up off the floor, we left thankful that there were no major meltdowns and that the "fa-fa" (fancy) "restda" (restaraunt) was still standing.

On Christmas Eve the Pajama Elf brought the customary new "payams" to the girls. Emily and Madeleine were thrilled to be able to open a present - at last! Obviously Christmas morning was a hit and we'd like to thank family, friends and Santa for their generosity. One of the funniest moments was when the girls were absolutely thrilled to give each other the gifts they bought for one another so long ago in Williamsburg. It was also pointed out that while they are currently thrilled to receive new clothing....unfortunately, we don't expect the enthusiasm to last.

We have also had fun going sledding, making snowmen, going on walks while being pulled in a sled, painting cookies and completing every craft imaginable with Aunt Liz.

On the evening of the 29th Emily "Newton" Schreiber learned that one should not be too enthusiastic about hoisting a leg over one's crib railing. She also learned four adults will come flying into the room to hear her story about "I fall out of bed". We were informed "Mama and Memy need really big girl beds" and "We growing up lots now" When she was placed back in her crib there was some concern expressed that it "might happen again" and it was pointed out this was not likely if young ladies were to stay on their bottoms and/or lie down. Madeleine was clutching the end of her crib when we got to the room, terrified her ejector seat would also activate without warning....thankfully, it didn't!

Our entire family sends a warm welcome to Miss Stella Esther Snider, who arrived on December 29th, and heart-felt congratulations to her parents Julie and Jim.