Snowed In!

 This was the perfect time for us to be snowed in!

 For Christmas, Madi received a bunch of games and activities she could do while indoors!

 So we cleaned out the game closet to make room for the new games/activities. 

Maci will enjoy these games now.

 Madi played with the nails from her stocking.  She didn't keep them on long.  I don't think she's a big fan!

 Then it was time to bundle up to play outside in the snow!

 The sled she got a couple of years ago finally came into good use!

 Through the window I saw her making a snow angel!

 Then she wanted to sled down the snow drifts out front.

 While Daddy shoveled the walk.  And helped get countless people's vehicles unstuck in our alley entrance.

 I think she was outside more than she was inside!

 Wheeeeee!

 I stuck some of those hand warmers you shake up in her gloves and boots to keep her warm.  She tied them to her hands when she was back inside!

 Outside again!

 Finally time to build a snowman!

 More shoveling for this guy!

 Then Madi made her own snowman while Daddy went into work for a little bit.  She also made another one out back!

 And we couldn't forget snow ice cream!  She made four of these bowls to put in the freezer to enjoy later!

 We went to Market Street on Tuesday and Walmart on Wednesday.  We picked up water proof boots for Matt while we were there.  Madi loved wearing them around the house!

 Being snowed in also gives you time to finish projects around the house like hanging new family pictures!

 Thursday morning was Matt's first full day at his new office.  He's already loving it!

 Madi and I watched Christmas movies then went to the library and Chickfila to meet Aunt Shelle, Uncle Cody, Uncle Rod, Grandma and cousins for lunch and to play!

Then we stopped by Matt's new office and joined him while he had lunch in the Bistro downstairs.  It was neat meeting some of the people he works with and to see where he is during the day!

Our Christmas 2015!

 Christmas morning, Matt and I got up early so we could exercise and shower before early-rising Madison even thought about waking up! 

 Madi's whole Christmas could pretty much be summed up by info-mercial gifts!  Almost everything she asked for was from a As Seen On TV commercial.  Stuffies, Bright Eyes Pet, Colorama, . . . 

She also wanted a silver vest to match mine.  I found a pretty close one!

 I had to drink coffee out of the "World's Greatest Mom" mug she bought me at their school Christmas store.  :)  She said "now you have your very own first mug, Mom!"

 Grandma and Grandpa gave Madi the mermaid blankietail that she loves to lounge around in.  I think Chicke likes it too!

 We also gave her 4 different board games since we play a lot as a family. 

 Matt said this may have been the best Christmas yet.  He was really surprised by his humidor and cigars!  Plus his robe, bluetooth and wallet weren't too bad either!

 Twister was the first game of the morning . . .

 I think she won!

 Then we played Clue during breakfast.  This was one of my favorite games growing up.  I'm surprised how well Madi likes it too.  We've already played 6 rounds so far!

 She couldn't wait to paint the birdhouse Grandma and Grandpa Heider gave her.  Now we need to get some bird seed, she said!

 Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Rod came over for Christmas lunch and a few rounds of Clue and train!

We spent the rest of Christmas day relaxing together.

Madi wanted a rainbow snack (tomatoes, clementines, cucumber, and blueberries) while we played another game of Clue!

Our Christmas Eve!

 Day 24:  Fred spent his last day with us sharing part of the Christmas story.

 We enjoyed a quiet morning breakfast and a little typing practice for Madi while the bacon was cooking.  :)

 Grandma joined us on some last minute shopping to Sprouts for fruit and veggies.

 We all met at the theater at 1pm to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks:  The Road Chip!

My camera flash was obviously too bright for Madi!

 We filled up on popcorn so we weren't quite ready for dinner. 

The kids always want to ride in the horse drawn carriage rides at Kingsgate so we headed over there after the movie was over.

 Waiting in line . . .

 All set to go . . .

 Sisters!

 Grandma and the grands!

 We had to pet the horses when we were finished riding!

 Then we went to dinner at Red Lobster!

 After dinner it was back to our house for some ugly Christmas sweater cookie decorating!

 Some were definitely uglier than others!

 Some friends gave us this cutely decorated Santa cake too!

 Once the cookie decorating was complete, we played Christmas pictionary and Christmas charades.

 I'm not sure who won but we all had quite a few laughs at our lack of artistic ability!

 FINALLY . . . it was time to open presents!

 Everyone sure must have been good this year!

 Madi was excited about the long shirts Aunt Shelle gave her since she loves wearing leggings every day to school!

 We left some ugly Christmas sweater cookies and water for Santa, Fred and the reindeer to enjoy!

 Madi wrote Santa a letter letting him know that she's been good this year and who each cookie was for so they wouldn't eat the wrong one!  

Everyone headed home and we settled in for a wonderful Christmas Eve evening just the 3 of us!