Lil' Miss Tolerant Chloe

Chloe, our rescue dog from the streets of Watts, is one amazing pooch. Not only is she a fabulous distraction for the kiddos ("Where's Chloe? Who wants to hug Chloe? Who can find Chloe? What does Chloe eat? Why is Chloe insert verb here?") and an efficient post-meal vacuum, she is also an exemplary model of tolerance. Maybe we could all learn a little something from Chloe?

Anders and Jorja find absolute joy in "dressing" Chloe.

Snow -- Part 3 When You Ain't Got a Sled

Presented with another day of snow, the little ones and I decided to travel the neighborhood via sled, ahem, wagon. Insert Winter 2009 Shopping List: sled, mittens, insulated boots, and a Winter Warmer Hip Flask. Jorja spent the majority of her time insisting her seat belt be removed, Anders spent all of his time insisting that the wagon keep moving faster and faster, and I huffed, puffed, deflected neighbors' "I bet you'd move faster if you took those wheels off" comments, and cursed myself for not wearing footwear with some semblance of traction.

Snow -- Part 2 With Mittens

This time around I managed to cover all twenty of the kiddo's fingers. While embarking on a "Let's Riffle through the Children's Closet" nightmare adventure, I found two sets of infant thumb-less mittens. I brought them out, slipped them on, and the kids happily pranced around the house (and later the yard) without the use of their thumbs. And in those thumb-less mitten-wearing moments, the fur-bearing animals of the household breathed a sigh of relief in knowing they were in the midst of a fur pulling hiatus.

Snow

Prior to throwing one of my potted plants onto the sofa, tossing my watch into the poopy diaper pail, and repeatedly hurling sippy cups at the dog, the kiddos spent a bit of time romping around in the snow. Jorja blazed around the snow with the confidence of a seasoned outdoors-woman, while Anders spent the first 10' thoroughly upset because the tips of his beloved alligator boots were covered in snow. Insert Gailyn here as she swoops in and teaches Anders how to stomp the snow off his boots. Armed with his newly acquired boot stomping abilities, Anders was able to navigate the snow knowing full well he could make his alligator boots "reappear" at any point in time.

Jorja zooms around the snow with ease.


Anders gripping Gailyn's fingers.


Anders and Gailyn post-boot stomping practice.


It seems that one of us isn't as prepared as EVERYONE else for the snow and freezing temperatures. A hat certainly would've been comfy.

There's Just Something About Rain Boots

Kickin' it in rain boots this afternoon despite the absence of rain.

The Santa Train

On Sunday morning, the morning after our return from our trek south for the holiday, we headed east to ride The Santa Train and meet Santa and all of his little helpers. The actual train rides to and from Santa and The Gang were awesome -- it was the waiting in line to board the train, the waiting in line to visit Santa and The Gang, the waiting in line to get hot cocoa and cookies, the waiting in line to use the restroom, and the waiting in line to re-board the train that made me question the age appropriateness of The Santa Train. Regardless of what you might be waiting in line for, it just isn't fun with 16 month old twins.

Anders beckoning us all to "Get A Move On!".


Jorja, fresh baked cookie in hand, checking out the trains.


Jorja, fresh baked cookie in mouth, feeling the queasiness of too many sweets.


Anders soaking in the views from the train.


Joe, our fantastic 6 year old friend, hanging with Anders.