The Grzemkowskis: Under Construction: 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

A Snowy January

The holidays flew by, but the month of January seemed to go even quicker. We have had a lot of snow in the month of January. Not a lot by Michigan standards, but a ton by Memphis, TN standards! Wesley has already had 3 snow days and has been excused early one day, because of snow.

The new year started out a little sad, because we had to say goodbye to Auntie and Uncle Mike.

It was also a disappointing day, because Michigan State lost to Alabama in the Capital One bowl. Here we are pre-game, ready to cheer for MSU!

Here's our house the morning after the first snowfall. I love how fresh and clean everything looks!

Evelyn is ready to go play in the snow. Do you see anything wrong with this picture?

Playtime!

Ready to warm up with hot cocoa, silly faces, and sleeping bags.

Back out in the snow, enjoying real snow cones!

Singing "Happy birthday" to Chloe. This first snow day was her 9th birthday.

Sleeping beauty!!!

Our second snowfall was smaller and much colder, so we didn't spend as much time outside. But, it was still fun!

Due to the cooler temps, we have had to improvise by bringing outdoor fun indoors.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Christmastime

We had a wonderful, busy, activity-filled Christmas season. It just flew by! We were able to spend time with our extended families, friends, and were even able to Skype with Aunt Stacy. However, we tried to keep our focus on the real reason for the season...Happy birthday Jesus! Below are lots of pictures, so I will keep the commentary brief.

The kids modeling their new Christmas pajamas. They were store bought, but I added the Christmas presents on the tops.

Picking out our Christmas tree.

The kids "rockin' around the Christmas tree".

Decorating the tree.

Showing off the snowman we built indoors.

Wesley modeling his costume for our church Christmas program. All of the children dressed up as superheroes.

Drinking hot cocoa and looking at Christmas lights.

These pictures were taken at Alpine village. This is a free event at a local church where kids get to visit Santa, watch a puppet show, see a live nativity, play in snow, and go to about a dozen little "houses". In each house they do a different activity (decorate Christmas cookies, make a candle, etc.) or get a gift (a book, candy, etc.). We have gone for the past 3 years and it is such a fun and heart warming time for all of us!

Wesley made this shirt when he was a year and a half. He has worn it every year, but I think this may have been the last year. It used to go down to his knees!

The kids at their school Christmas parties.

Movie night!

Making Christmas cards!

Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus! The kids made baby Jesus a chocolate birthday pie.

The night before Christmas eve we went to the Botanical Gardens for "snowy activities".

My favorite thing at the Botanical Gardens that night was this giant "Lite Brite" made out of all recycled materials. I told Phil he had to build one for our backyard. :)