Finally, warm weather!

After weeks of snow, ice, wind and bitter temperatures, Mother Nature gave the southeast a reprieve this weekend. As luck would have it, Hayes, Alison and Nanny were here to enjoy it with us.

Maddux had so much fun running around the backyard with us. Lately, his outdoor time has been limited to quick potty breaks.

Gymnastics Medal Ceremony

Emery has moved up a level at The Little Gym. She is no longer a Bird. Emery is now a Beast. I love the names of the classes. Her gymnastics school celebrated the graduation with breakfast and a medal ceremony. The medal ceremony is possibly the cutest thing I have ever witnessed.

Emery receiving her medal from Miss Lindy

Lining up to get on the podium

Running with a ball

I really do think Emery is going to be a vaulter. She loves the springboard apparatus.

Monkey child on the rings

Mommy and Miss Lindy helping Emmy "land surf"

Warming up on the floor beam. Emery can also do the raised beam, but I couldn't get any pictures since I had both hands at the ready should she fall. Girl is fearless!

Snow Day #2

Emery finally has her very own "no-man!" I've mentioned before that Emery has been REALLY into snowmen this year. It's adorable how excited she gets whenever she sees a "no-man" on television, in books, on a popcorn tin, on wrapping paper, etc. You get the idea. Now she has one in her backyard, thanks to Daddy. She asks to go outside every day so that she can kiss and hug her snowman. She also waves at him numerous times per hour through the windows. PRECIOUS. But now I'm having major anxiety over what to do when he starts to melt....yikes! But since that doesn't seem likely for the next several days, I'm just going to enjoy what time we have left with Frosty.

Snow Day #1 (more to come)

I was reluctant to believe that we were really going to get a bunch of snow overnight. I was certain that I would wake up this morning to a perfectly dry lawn. I was wrong. Very wrong. The meteorologists hit the nail on the head and Greenville got about 9" of snow! This happens about every 20 years or so. Needless to say, the entire city has been shut down. Ben didn't have to go to work today and Emery's well-check at the pediatrician's was rescheduled. We played in the snow and gave Emery's new snow suit a trial run for Steamboat. It passed with flying colors. Ben and I were cold and wet and ready to come inside and Emery was still begging to play on her swingset.

Kindermusik

Emery has been attending a Kindermusik class one a week since September. She adores this class and I find it very fun, too. The other moms are really sweet and their kids are pretty cute. I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive about this class because I am a horrible singer and didn't want to a) subject Emery to my voice and, b) embarrass myself. Turns out Emery doesn't seem to mind the fact that I can't carry a tune in a bucket and the other moms seem very non-judgemental. Or maybe they just wait until I leave to make fun of me. ;-) This week was Emery's last class with this particular group as she is moving up a level next semester. I am sad to say goodbye to her classmates and their mommies, but I am thankful that Miss Cindy will still be Emery's teacher. Miss Cindy is brilliant and great with the kids. Plus, she has a really pretty voice that helps drown me out. Ben's mom came to class with us on our last day and took some pictures.

For anyone looking for an activity to do with your child (I think Kindermusik goes from 4 months to 7 years of age), I strongly suggest this class. Emery has so much fun and has learned a lot. Girl's got rhythm!

Steamboat minus the kiddos

Ben and I enjoyed a quick trip to Steamboat with three other couples to kick off the new year. We had a great time....so much, in fact, that I didn't really stop to take many pictures. Thanks to Ben's parents for letting us use their incredible One Steamboat Place membership and to Casey and Reggie Bell, Tara and Fernando Calvo, and Ashley and Will Ragsdale for such a wonderful vacation. Oh yeah, and Ben turned 31 while we were out there. Happy birthday, Benji!

Ben and I making margaritas to take to the hot tub. Nothing better than that after a day on the slopes. Ben was so fond of this robe that he earned the nickname "Hef." And don't I look cute with my fabulous ski helmet hair?

Apres ski

Tara and Nando

Casey and Reggie

Going up the gondola. We had incredible snow, but chilly temperatures. Ben and I are heading back to Steamboat with his entire family in a few weeks. Can't wait to go back!