A Winter Cousin Reunion

As I write this blog entry, it is 75 degrees outside and feels more like a summer evening than a winter's night.  It is definitely an odd time to update the blog with more snow memories.  But picture of Callie and her cousins playing in the snow are cute no matter what the season or temperature.  Becky, Jon and the kids came up after Christmas this year and, after they spent some time in Williamsburg and after Jon flew back home, Callie and I picked them up and we all went to the lake for a week.  The first few pictures are of a quick outing to the aquarium that we went on a few days before heading to the lake, while Becky was still with the Schumachers.  They came to our house first and Brighton and Will immediately invaded Callie's playroom and took over all her toys.  She just watched from the side and wouldn't interact with them.  When Monday morning came, I asked Callie if she was ready to go pick up Will and Brighton and she shook her head vehemently and whined her little "no" sound.  But she quickly warmed up to them and missed them so much once the week together was over.  It snowed just an inch or so at the lake, but it was the perfect amount of snow for sledding as you will see.  We also celebrated Becky's 30th birthday, met up with our cousin and met their new little baby, went to the mall for a not so fun shopping spree with three whiny kids, visited Grannyroo and went on walks and "tractor" rides.  It was a great week full of squealing, tickling and chasing (the kids, not the adults!) and we all can't wait to get back together again.  

 One day these girls might be too scared to get right up in the face of this crocodile, but they weren't a bit afraid that day.

 Brighton's snowball eating had some rather nasty consequences later.  It wasn't always pure snow.  She seemed to prefer it to have leaves and dirt mixed in.

 This was how Callie preferred to be pulled back up the hill.  We called it "the injured skier" position.

 A big hug for Callie from Will.

Ready...Set...Go!  

Last time these girls were together, they looked like this...and they interacted but weren't quite best buds.

  

 Six months later, they really enjoyed being together and started what we hope to be a lifelong bond.  Brighton was very protective of Callie, holding her hand and shielding her from the wild, tickling Will-monster.  And Brighton regularly stated aloud that she loved Callie and even referred to me as her Callie-mommy.  Notice, in the bath picture, how different their skin tones are!

Here is a cute video of them chasing each other.  The growling noise is the garbage disposal.   When Callie started giggling, Brighton thought it meant it was time to chase each other.

 Grannyroo was having a very good day and enjoyed being near the girls.  Will has hit the stage of being frightened by older people and did not enjoy being there as much as his cousin and sister did.

Callie also learned a new skill at Nana and Papa's house.  She figured out that steps were best descended on her belly.  Brighton is at the bottom of the stairs playing with the light switch which explains why the light in this video keeps changing.

Blizzard on the Bay and at the Beach

Here are some of the photos taken by Steve and Michelle and my parents as they explored the snowy wonderland of our Christmas blizzard.  Steve and Michelle were able to get out to see what the bay looked like in the snow and Mom and Dad were staying at that ocean front so they got to explore down there.  I would have been more jealous of their opportunities to see the sand and ocean in the snow except that since we were farther away from the water and more south them, we got twice as much snow as they did.  And I don't think I would trade our 15 inches for anything.  If you want to see pictures of Callie in the snow then check out my previous post.

 Michelle on the path to the bay (up ahead).

 Snow covered sand dunes.

 You can see the ships in the background.

 The Turtle Cay Resort where my parents stayed.

 Either snow or sugar covered palm trees.

 The courtyard at their resort.

 

 Makes you wonder if this guy is aggravated at the uselessness of having to clear snow while it is still coming down or is he happy he finally gets to use his snowblower.

 Strange natives of the polar region.

A very confused little beach bird.

Callie the Snow Princess

I love getting snow down here because it makes me feel like I am back in the 'burg.  We have had a great snow season so far this winter and, being the snow baby I am, I want even more.  The day after Christmas brought a blizzard like this area hasn't seen in years.  Second biggest snowfall in 100 years, actually.  We had 15 inches at our house.  Mom and Dad were snowed in at the ocean front in a cushy hotel suite with a fireplace.  They enjoyed their time there, walking on the boardwalk and seeing snow on the beach.  Matt's parents and sister were also snowed in at the bay in her condo.  (I will post images from the bay and oceanfront next).  Callie was initially hesitant about diving right into the the deep, fluffy white stuff, but after a few minutes she "warmed" up to it.  The deep snow lasted several days so she was able to play in it on multiple occasions.  The local weatherman predicts that we are in for one more late season snow storm, so maybe Callie will get more use out of her snowsuit this year.  I think I am the only person in Hampton Roads actually hoping for that, though!

 View from our front window.

 "I don't think I like this, Daddy!"

 Poe begged to come out with us and then immediately regretted it.  Ollie and Chester watched from inside.  This is Oliver's "That cat's an idiot" face.

 Poe eventually made his way to the tray we put out for the cameras to sit on.  He is looking at Matt and meowing in desperation.  We did eventually let him go back inside!

 Throwing snow at Daddy!

 Loving the snow now!

 A quick visit with Tigger before going inside for a nice, warm bath.

 Callie's next time out was much warmer thanks to a new snowsuit from Grammie.

 Just look at those adorable frozen cheeks!

 Building a little snowman with Daddy.

 Much more excited to be in the snow this time!