Big Snow Day!

We've had the strangest, most mild winter this year. January 20th brought our first really good snow of the season (maybe second, I can't remember...) and it was magical! The twins kept waiting for it to snow so they could play in it. Last year they survived for 5 minutes before crying and wanting to come back in, so it was so fun to see such a stark difference this year. They loved every minute of it and we had to coax them inside after a long time out there. Robbie played so cute with them, in true best dad fashion. Madelyn slept through it all, in true baby fashion. A memorable morning for sure!

 ^are you kidding me? Give me all the babies and toddler in snow clothing!

 ^throwing snowballs at dad...great form, Kate!

 ^Robbie was teaching them how they could eat the snow

 ^such delight in that sweet face

Kate & Olivia Turn 3

Our cutest twinners turned 3 and I just know I'm going to love this age. They're so fun and independent and they say the best stuff. Oh we laugh so much. They're potty trained, they're playing better together than ever before (and fighting more...), they're just becoming such grown up girls. They played in the balloons all morning and opened their gifts before Robbie headed to work. They loved their new backpacks and the tickets they got to the Aquarium! We met dad up for lunch at Chili's and went to the library after naps.

 ^the chunk had to get in on the birthday pictures too! I absolutely love this one of her.

We went with a classic funfetti cake and Robbie did the puzzle icing on the top. After these pictures, the girls decorated their cake with sprinkles and just beamed while sang to them. They are so loved!!! More than anything, that's what I want my kids to feel on their birthday. They're so important to our family.

Two days later, we took them to the Aquarium and they were kids in a candy shop. Madelyn especially loved the animals and was yelling and pointing the entire time. She about jumped right out of her stroller, cute thing.

Ringing in the New Year 2018

On Saturday the 30th we went with the Simons to see Coco in the theater. Lots of popcorn, a couple bathroom trips, a million snacks for Madelyn, and everyone did pretty well! G&G were such a big help with the kids, as usual. We missed the Pickles, who had just seen it for Margo's birthday. 

G&G Simons hosted everyone for a New Year's Eve party, where we had activity bags to open every 15 minutes for all the littles. Dress ups, scavenger hunt, bingo, photo props, snack, coloring, etc. We ended the evening with a skee ball competition and a balloon drop at midnight (8:00 for the kids). 

Happy New Year! Robbie and I feel so hopeful and optimistic about 2018. Look out, we're coming for ya!!

Bean Family Pictures

When Mark & Elissa were in town for Christmas (yay!!) we had family pictures taken! How I love these best friends of mine. It was fun to capture our family at this stage with lots of little ones. We'll definitely look back on these with fondness for years to come. Our girls' faces are so good. One day our children will smile for family pics.

 ^love, love this one of my parents