"Love is a many splendored thing!"

It has finally been mild enough to spend some quality time outside. The beginning of February we had a ton of snow, but some nice sunshine to enjoy it too. Lily loves running around in the snow and the fresh air has been glorious!

Fresh tracks in the new snow.
Anna and Matthew came over to play and teach Lily to break the ice sheets- Karate Kid style.

Getting some early use out of this year's new sand play set. ($5!)

Digging in the snow is hard work.

Smiles in the snow!

1st icicle- mmm-mmm good!

Swinging in the winter is so cool!

Lily and Melina got to take the balloons home from a very special hat party for our fabulous friend Emma. (She is currently kicking cancer's butt!)

Melina and Lily dancing around the mall.

We were so excited to meet AnnieandGrace at the Children's Museum for a playdate. It was a sweet idea to pick up a membership. The girls loved the water table and Lily had a great time watching over the little girls.

Lily and AnnieorGrace, looking out into St. Paul.

ECFE girls were there too for some fun!

The MN Zoo had the fabulous idea to bring in an enormous pile of sand on President's weekend. Lily had been asking about going to the beach, and since Bjorn vetoed a trip to Florida, I figured this was the next best thing. Lily loved it so much, we ended up going two days in a row.

Lily digging with Sam.

All the kids with their giant pile of sand.

One day I pulled into the circle to find Bjorn and Lily scaling the giant snow pile in the center of our circle. With all the snow this year, the thing is massive! It will be May before the ice is all gone.

Climbing, and climbing...

They made it!

King and princess of the hill!

Every couple of weeks we have a Saturday playdate with our ECFE friends. Recently at the zoo the kids all lined up to catch a look at the dolphins. And to stick out their little patooties.

Snack time at the zoo for our little animals.

Here's hoping for spring SOON!

"For auld lang syne..."

"Should old acquaintance be forgot..." 2010 is out of the gate- off and running! Old acquaintances certainly have not been forgotten, as we had the chance to spend New Year's with an old and dear friend. Molly and I go way back. We played tennis and skied together in high school and try to see each other at least once a year when she comes into town from LA, he very cool home for the past 13 years. The past few years we have also been able to spend time with Shmulik, Molly's fabulous fiance. They came by my parent's house and brought their "little one", Toby. Lily was absolutely smitten. It actually had me entertain the idea of possibly having a dog someday. Possibly.


On New Year's Eve the 4 of us went out to the Mediterranean Cruise and spent several hours talking, eating and laughing.

Lily and Toby

Our friend Jaston celebrated his 3rd birthday at a fabulous place called "Pump It Up". It's a large indoor warehouse filled with inflatable fun. Lily and Bjorn had a great time in the blow-up basketball court.

I'll let you decide who had MORE fun...

Of course Anna has been over to play- and they have had a great time in the "coloring house" Lily got for Christmas.

Many might not know that we've been teaching Lily the art of the short-con through the "shell game" or cups. She will soon be swindling people near and far with her trickery.

Check out the 2 year old who can find the candy every time!

Lily's 1st milkshake.

"Delicious!"

One afternoon when we came outside Lily promptly dropped to the ground and exclaimed "I'm making a snowman angel!"

The imprint

Our little snowman angel!

This fall Lily got herself a "big girl bed", and she loves to sit and read on lazy Saturday mornings.

We also love to snuggle with her!

Over winter break we decided to get a membership at the Children's Museum, a very worthwhile investment. Lily loves it there, and we also have several friends with memberships that we can meet and play with.

Lily and Bjorn on the bus- Dada rides one every day!

She really likes to wear her tutu, everywhere!

Hope the new year has been good to you!

Smiles all around!