We had a blast at Maplelag. It seems very obvious to me that we were using our junky little camera this weekend. The pictures aren't the greatest quality, but you can get the idea. We hope to bring the whole family to Maplelag soon. Anyone who likes to ski, doesn't mind being a little bit cold and enjoys God's beauty must check this place out. It is great!

We have been busy the last few weeks. Greg and I returned from a cross country ski trip to Maplelag, one of our favorite places in the World. We had a really nice time relaxing, eating out of the bottomless cookie jars and skiing. We got to bond with Steph and Keven, and even got to have some uninterrupted game time and conversation time. It was really nice.

I sure did miss my kiddies though. I know they were in great hands (thank you, Auntie Linda), but I didn't realize how much a child could change in two days! It was great to get home, get back in a routine and spend some quality time with my two beautiful darlings. I really don't think I could have more joy than I do when I am cuddling Chloe or playing "baby-dolls" with Brooks.

The weather is starting to be more appealing than the recent temps of 10 below zero. It has been great to get outside and play. Monday, Brooks and I built caves for his animals in the snowbanks. It was so much fun that Brooks even had his snack outside in the chair I made for him out of snow. He proclaimed to me that he "needed something for his legs". He was referring to an ottoman that I quickly made him out of ice chunks.

These two little bundles of joy melt my heart. I didn't realize that they are identical twins who happen to be 2 and a half years apart. I can't believe how much they look alike. I hope they are buddies forever.

Chins anyone?

Brooks drew us a picture of a person. It is pretty amazing. I love that the eyes and mouth are so big and that there is no body. Sorry that he is picking his nose in this picture but it was a keeper because of how amazed we were with his artistic ability.

Brooks reminds me lots of his Opa. He concentrates so hard on all his projects and has the cutest faces when he is deep into a project.

Brooks is starting early with the exercise. His Grandma Johnson got him outfitted in her workout gear and put him through a workout...OR did he put Grandma Johnson through a workout?

Sometimes I look at pictures and get sad. Brooks seems like such a little man to me. Yikes! I think he's going to be over six feet tall, running out the door to get to basketball practice, and driving my car in no time flat. He is such a beautiful child and I can't wait to see what God has in store for him. I already spend lots of time praying for him in hopes that his life is full of great things with little sadness and hurt.

Wow, that was deep.

Our little princess seems to be growing up WAY to quickly. She melts our hearts and now that she recognizes us and actually cries when we leave the room, our hearts are even bigger piles of melt on the floor!

Chloe doesn't sit up at all. I tried to balance her and get her to sit up, but this was the horrific result. She looks super sad and if you ask me, her body looks a little bit contorted. It did make for a funny picture though.

I was going to wait to start solids for Chloe as long as possible. I wasn't able to hold off very long with her though. She is just a little chunk and can't seem to get enough food. So far she enjoys rice cereal, green beans, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes and applesauce. So basically she enjoys anything and everything we've given her so far.

Life is SO good for our little Belle. Can you tell?

The expression on Brooks' face says it all. We had a blast at the Johnson Christmas. It was well worth the wait (due to the storm) and Brooks had a blast. I don't know who has more energy, Brooks or Grandma Johnson. Brooks was in Heaven getting undivided attention and having a buddy to play with him. We loved our time with Grandma and Grandpa and always leave their house thinking we need to see them more often. Maybe that should be our New Year's Resolution?!

Chloe seems to have eyes for her Grandpa. He is the one who holds her to get her to calm down. It is so very sweet.

Grandma made Brooks his very own Dum-Dum tree.

We had an awesome time and I am sure that Grandma had a good nap after we left.

If you don't know who this is, you may not have a 2 year old or you may have decided this guy is just a little scary. I just giggle when I look through pictures that Greg takes while I am at work. It goes like this: Picture of Chloe, picture of Brooks, picture of Chloe and Brooks, picture of DJ Lance from Yo Gabba Gabba. I think he's kind of weird looking...but whatever, Brooks LOVES him.

Christmas is past with one side of the family and will continue tomorrow with the other side. A huge snowstorm cancelled our plans and slowed things down quite a bit yesterday. It was pretty fun seeing so much white, but we are definitely looking forward to tomorrow and seeing the Johnson side of the family.

Christmas was relaxing. We had a nice ham dinner and hung out at Oma and Opa's house. The storm blew outside and we were all warm and cozy inside enjoying the family. Brooks did well and proclaimed that he didn't like Santa when it was time to go to bed. Chloe slept in Oma and Opa's closet (in a pack-n-play) and slept terribly. We had no clue, so Greg and I were well rested in the morning and Oma and Opa had tired eyes.

Brooks and Chloe both got spoiled rotten and don't need anything for a long time. It was fun to celebrate Jesus' birthday surrounded by family.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Sponge-Bob SQUARE HEAD!

We would like to introduce you to Chloe-Belle's pet Giraffe. She loves this toy more than any other toy she owns. Recently, we were in the Cities and a worker at a really cool toy store told us that this was "the best toy of the year" and "they can't keep it in stock". It is hard to believe because it is so old fashioned looking and so plain. The salesperson was right. This toy is awesome for a baby who is teething, learning to put things in her mouth, learning to hold onto things and learning to play on her own. I really think we should make up a name for her. We will think of one and let you know. Maybe Brooks could come up with a good one.