Winter Whirlwind

When I imagined how I would spend my winter break from school, I envisioned myself basking in free time, reading books,painting, baking treats, and doing fun Christmas activities with my kids. Basically, doing all the things I only wished I could do when I was a working mother.

As always, things didn't really turn out as planned. Sure it was better than working, but busy none-the-less! Here is a recap of life lived at the Dolton residence in the chilly month of December.

1. Decorated the house and forced my kids to awkwardly pose in front of the tree.


2. Took a whirlwind trip to Sheridan to visit the Ruybals. Kids played, Moms got manis and pedis, Dads hunted.



3. Chased my crazy little boy around as I tried to bake cookies, feed Natalie lunch, change his diaper and put on his hat and mittens to play outside.


4. Made and delivered Christmas treats... something I've always wanted to do, but never had time.


5. Family fun night. Things got a little crazy after the old home videos came out.


6.Celebrated Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa D. and Uncle Derek.


7. Got a little excited over Christmas presents.




8. A lot of toddler mischief in the air.




9. Enjoyed 15 minutes of peace on Christmas day. The boys were briefly entertained by a cartoon, while everyone else seized the opportunity to frantically open gifts. Before we knew it, the crazy running, screaming and tackling resumed once again.

10. A little B ball.

11. Attempted family portraits.


12. We got it.


13. Natalie read A Christmas Carol to the entire family. Just kidding.

Family Portraits!

We woke up this morning to a balmy 0.6 degree temperature. I could post about how we've been passing the time staying warm, but instead, I'm going to post these pictures taken back in October when the days were longer and much warmer!

Ryan had a conference in Denver, and we were able to spend some time with he and Alicia one weekend in October. My parents had Nate and Liz take portraits of us all. They turned out great!

And Now it's November

I've been spoiled with beautiful warm fall weather. Staying home with my kids has been such a blessing. We've spent our days playing in the park, going for long walks, visiting friends, and doing practically everything outside. It wasn't until this recent weather change that I realized our daily routines were in for a big change! Now we pass time with activities that keep us warm and busy inside.

Here's what we've been doing:

Making black forest cookies




Painting



Brother and Sister reading books together (Dillan's idea to have Natalie join :)



Despite the colder temps, we still make an effort to get outside. Here is Natalie bundled up for one of our last evening walks around the lake before the time change.



Here are a two pics of Dillan trick-or-treating with his cousins in Old Town on Halloween. "Treat-Treat!" Is a phrase Dillan learned quickly.

The Smell of Doughnuts in the air!

A few weeks ago, my family celebrated a tradition that we've done for years. Every Halloween we get together at Grandma Dolores's house and we make and eat spud-nuts (doughnuts with mashed potatoes in the dough.) For anyone who has tasted Grandma's doughnuts, you would understand how this is a family tradition we will never let die. Not only are these doughnuts fluffy and succulent, but they are always paired with a hot bowl of Grandma's homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles. Thats how my family does things- always delicious, always homemade.

Dan, Ryan and Alicia joined Grandma in preparing the dough all afternoon. Making doughnuts is an all day event. Later that evening, the guys fried and glazed the doughnuts while the ladies watched the kids. It sounds like the men had it pretty rough, but trust me, they were the ones to sneak a taste of the first doughnut. There is nothing like that first taste!

We had a wonderful time and I enjoyed sharing a tradition of my childhood with my kids.

Playing cars with Si while we wait

Tossing the ball

Hanging out with Grandma

So happy to finally have sisters!

Dad, ready for some doughnuts
Grandma uncovering more to fry
Ryan Fryin

Men at work

Why does Jordan get his own pan?
Ready to eat

Dan putting on the final touches- a little extra glaze.

sNOw Thank you.

A big "No Thank you" to playing in the snow from Dillan. ('No thanks' is a new favorite phrase. He's discovered that when he follows the word 'no' with 'thanks' he is more likely to get his way.)

20 minutes rounding up the snow gear.
5 minutes getting myself ready.
15 minutes chasing after Dillan, persuading him, and holding him down to get his clothes on.
4 minutes rounding up his special toys he cant live without and placing them in various pockets.
2 minutes prompting him out the door.

1 minute in the snow before he started to cry.

Oh well! He eventually lightened up once he discovered the edible qualities of snow. He watched me shake the snow off the trees and told me "Good Job" every time the snow fell.

A picture says a thousand words. By the way, yes, he did have gloves, but insisted on not wearing them.

Grandpa's Pumpkin Patch Party

Last Friday Grandpa and Grandma invited the cousins over for a party in the pumpkin patch. The party was complete with apple cider, molasses cookies, and special pumpkin picking buckets. We had a great time and they boys did a great job harvesting pumpkins!