It has been really cold here in VA (I'm not complaining, I actually enjoy it) and with that comes lots of ice. Ella asked me the other day, "Mom, when we move back to WV are we going to visit Blacksburg?" Then she explained that she thinks the ice is beautiful here and wants to see it again next year. Here are some pictures of Ella's beautiful ice.




not really of picture of ice, just thought it was pretty and I get to see this scene every time I take a jog...beautiful

My sister-in-law, Lisa, has done a great job blogging about Ella and Luke and their cousins Arden and Thomas recently. You can view her blog here http://www.lisabetterthan.blogspot.com/. Thanks Lisa!!!

If you don't know already, we have a springer spaniel named Fonzi (aka Arthur P. Fonzarelli). He has given lots of fits in times past, but overall he is a great dog. Seriously, he is the biggest lap dog ever and puts up with Luke's early morning hugs like a champ (Luke's hugs are more like jumping on Fonzi and squeezing him). Anyways, here are some pictures of us having some fun altogether. I hope you get a laugh!

Seth's birthday is on December 28th. We celebrated in NC. The kids, including cousin Arden, made Seth a banner and put their own "masterpieces" on it. We ate donuts for breakfast in place of a birthday cake...that's what Seth wanted because donuts are his favorite. For dinner, I took Seth to Ruth's Chris steakhouse. We've wanted to go to one since our days in Morgantown and finally were able too. I have to admit my expectations were higher and was slightly disappointed (don't get me wrong...it was tasty). Anyways, we enjoyed some great conversation and went to a movie after dinner. Seth is a WONDERFUL husband, easy to love, and I keep falling more in-love with him with each passing year.

We got a chance to celebrate more of Christmas with Seth's family in Charlotte, NC. One day Uncle Tim and Seth took all the kids to a really cool place with lots of slides and various other fun things. I think Tim and Seth had as much fun as the kids . Here is the proof...

Yes, I AM BACK (especially for Aunt Susan)!!!! I really have no excuses other than I got out of the habit. Anyways, I'm excited to get back on the blog train.

Luke opening up his drum set...he was so excited!!

Ella opening one of her presents from her Nana

Every Sunday morning Luke shaves with Seth (pretends). Ella thought it would be a great idea to get Luke (yes, my kids buy presents for each other) a pretend shaving kit. I thank her idea was great and Luke loves playing with it.

On Dec. 23rd, my mom, me, and Ella traveled to Belpre, Ohio to a Lee Middleton doll outlet (yes, I forgot to mention we made a trip to Ohio as well). This was one of Ella's Christmas presents. There was an actual nursery where the dolls were set up and she was able to pick one out. The employees, dressed as nurses, filled out the birth certificate, took a picture of the new mom (Ella), and had Ella sign papers that the baby was hers. Ella named her baby "Julie", after one of her friends. I'm really glad that my little girl is still a little girl!!!