Stuck Indoors

Not a lot of excitement around here these days. I am struggling to even find anything to blog about, but I know our families love seeing/hearing about any and everything. Last Sunday, Callie had a cold. We were unable to go to church and thus were stuck at home all morning. I decided it was time to give Callie her first fingernail/toenail painting. We both enjoyed being girly. I did her nails, then she did mine---just kidding! Perhaps one day I'll let her do mine, but for now, I'll do my own. She did a really good job of sitting still and letting the paint dry.

The finished product! She was excited to show her Daddy when he got home.

Free-yet costly, breakfast

Last week at the mall of America, some people were handing out free coupons to try McDonald's new oatmeal. I was excited because I got 3 coupons and thought it would be a fun thing to do on Friday morning. Fridays are Charlie's days off and so we're always thinking of fun things to do as a family. So, I had made up my mind that we were going to get our free breakfast on Friday morning. Little did I know that it was going to be -19 F. Make sure you catch the negative! That's also the actual temp. not the windchill. I honestly don't think I've ever been outside on a day where the actual temperature is that low. So, what does it look like to venture out in that? Well, long underwear, gloves, hats, scarves, everything you can find to wear. It looks like jumping your car off b/c it refuses to start when it's that cold. It looks like barely being able to get the car door open b/c it's almost frozen shut. It looks like feeling your nose hairs freeze as you breathe in. Charlie actually felt his eyelids trying to stick together. Honestly what made us persevere was that we thought it would be a little adventure and it would make for a good blog post.


We made it and it was warm inside. You almost expect everything to just shut down when it's that cold, but not Minnesota. There were plenty of people in the McDonalds. Even a group of elderly people. I am constantly AMAZED at how tough the old people are here! I mean you just have to be. And, they probably all grew up here. I don't think a southern, elderly person could survive if they had to move up here. This place can be crazy.

Toddler Tuesday

It was toddler tuesday at the mall of America this past week. Some of our staff/church moms decided to go. Of course we couldn't resist walking through the amusement park. We let the older girls ride this dinky little merry-go-round. It cost $1 but honestly the ride maybe lasted 20 seconds. Anyway, the girls enjoyed it.

In the main part of the mall they had set up a coloring station for the kids.

We also attempted to participate in some "toddler yoga."

Here is Samm with Callie, Annie, and Maddux. With them is our friend Emily, from church, with her daughter Lily.

Callie's New Kitchen

Callie got a new kitchen for Christmas this year. We put it together the other day and this was her first reaction and her playing with it for the first time.

Videos of Callie over Christmas Break

Playing with her dogs, her new guitar, and speaking in Spanish (sort of). Also, some video of her walking around the yard with Gami.


Walking on the treadmill

Callie's Christmas

Callie really enjoyed her Christmas as well. She woke up in the morning and told everyone, "Come see my presents!" Of course she was talking about her birthday presents from the day before. She was even more excited to learn that she was going to get more presents on Christmas day. We definitely are going to have a spoiled child two days in a row every year.

This was her Dora guitar that she got from her aunt Laura

Of course she and Bebe had to play the guitar together

This was her Dora microphone that she can sing into. It plays the theme song to the TV show that she can sing along with.

We absolutely loved this outfit that she got from her aunt Lou.

Callie and Gami walking around the yard with the dogs in Callie's new outfit.

Video of Callie's Birthday

Pictures from down south

Callie and Gami

Callie and Aunt Laura

Callie and some of her presents

Callie's Birthday

We met Callie's Grandpa for lunch on her birthday.


This is a picture of the 3 of us on her birthday. Look at that smile.

She loved her Dora the Explorer table cloth. She was pointing out every character to all of her family.

She really seemed to love her Dora doll and her baby stroller.

At the table with her family

She loved her cupcakes

Christmas Pictures

Sorry for the long delay. We have been busy traveling to visit families and then we just got back from 5 days in Milwaukee for our Milwaukee New Years Conference. We will try to update the blog a few times this week with some pictures and videos of Callie.
These are some pictures that a co-worker of ours took of Callie in her Christmas dress: