Dress Up

This is nothing new... but here are some pictures of my little princesses dressing up!  I think this particular day Daddy was the prince and there was some dancing going on at the ball. 

I love that the three-year-old imagination always involves Daddy as the prince...  perfect!

Rest Time Relaxation

For the last several months, Claire's 'naptime' has turned into 'rest time.'  She has to stay in her room for at least an hour and is allowed to play quietly.  She usually falls asleep about half of the time.  On the days she doesn't sleep, though, she goes to bed extra early, so I don't mind too much!  :) 

Last week she hadn't fallen asleep allll week, which was unusual for her.  On Saturday, after she had been in her room for awhile, I realized that it was quiet and wondered if she had actually fallen asleep.  I went to check on her and found this:

Nice and cozy on her recliner!

Sometimes it's hard

Yesterday Emma was having one of her typical 17-month-old tantrums about who knows what.  Claire was quite concerned.  She walked over to Emma, starting rubbing Emma's back, leaned down to her, and said, "It's okay, honey.  Iiiiit's okay.  I know.  Sometimes it's hard."  Emma promptly stopped crying and turned to Claire for a big hug.

Emma has been really into getting hugs and comfort from Claire when she's upset lately.  It is soooo sweet.  And Claire never turns her down.  So thankful these girls get to experience such sweet sisterly love.   

Even though I don't love snow...

...my kids do!  So, I decided to embrace the snow-falling-all-day-long day for the sake of my girls (and because, really, what other choice do I have??).  We stayed home (and in our jammies!) all day long, had a festive lunch, and even ventured outside for a few minutes after Daddy got home.

Snowman sandwiches for lunch!

Don't judge me on the lack of perfection... this was a total spur of the moment idea! ;)

SNOW!

Pure joy.

Arizona!

Last week, Justin's company held their national sales meeting in the gorgeous Scottsdale, Arizona.  Justin got to be there for four days, soaking up the beauty (in the midst of a very busy schedule). 

We decided that since one plane ticket was already paid for and we could get the corporate rate to stay a few extra nights at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, that we should make it into a little getaway.  It was fabulous and wonderful and I'm SOO glad we decided to go.

From the balcony in our room, overlooking the golf course.

We heart palm trees.

 We had some seriuosly amazing food while we were there.  One of our favorites was True Food Kitchen... all natural, organic ingredients and oh so tasty!

Enjoying my natural refreshement (that's what they were called!):  ginger, agave, and soda water.  Delish!

The pool... and more palm trees.

Relaxing in the sun... we both got some serious reading in!

Ready to hit the town!

Who doesn't love a Starbucks iced coffee?

This guy played at the resort every night at sunset.

Gorgeous!

Last dinner out!

Such a wonderful, refreshing, and relaxing time!  And a HUGE shout out to Grammy and Babu, who had the girls for 4 nights and almost 5 days!!  What a treat!!! 

Happy 2012!

A couple random pics from the end of 2011...

...thankful for another year!  Looking forward to seeing what God has in store for our family this year!