Catch up. . .

Well first of all. . .I missed a "Happy Birthday" post to my oldest DD, who recently turned 9! We had our first ever slumber party with her new friends from school. We (of course) went to Chuck E. Cheese and then came home and did some fun crafts, played HSM Dance Wii game (girls all screamed when I pulled it out!), and ate yummy junk food. They had a great time and it warmed my heart to see my little girlie having so much fun. She also got her ears pierced (sniff!) and now looks like a pre-teen. Man does it go so quickly! Love you so much baby!

right after getting her ears pierced!


So this weekend we had an ice storm that left us without power. We're a city of about 212,000 and they estimated that 102,00 were without power! It has left a destruction unlike any I've ever seen! I have never seen so many tree branches and trees downed before. Many of our family is without power too, and we all kind of rotate houses as our power comes and goes until the weather decides to calm down. Today it was high winds with below zero temps. Our power went out again today as a result. In spite of the aftermath. . .it is a site to behold to see the beautiful iced tree branches! Last night we carried on our tradition of eating at Clara's Pizza King with the kiddos. We usually follow this by going to the Fantasy of Lights - a fun Christmas display of lights that you drive through. Unfortunately, the power was out there too! So, instead we drove around town at other working Christmas displays and took pictures of the beauty that nature left behind. It was so much fun and then we drove around in an area addition that never disappoints with their lighting displays. The kids were just as happy and we made another wonderful memory together. Here are some of the pics we took. . .

Merry Christmas Wreath


The well-known santa and his reindeer display


view from the old Wells Street bridge - gorgeous!


My fave. . .daddy and 'lil Z


view of the city. . .


lastly - iced covered branches. . .


Hope everyone else is staying warm and cozy! Winter has certainly made her presence known here! Lol! Warmest regards,
Amber

What a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday we enjoyed! I can't believe it's already over. We went up north to Ann Arbor to visit K's older brother. We stayed in a hotel, so the girls got to swim. Little man and I had some fun with the photobooth feature on the mac. . .here are some of the pics we took!

Fishy face


Throwin' kisses


Goofing off




We had some really good family time. On Friday, my lovely husband drove me to Ikea! I purchased these little lovelies. . .I also snatched these. It was a wonderful afternoon. It wasn't even very busy, so we breezed right through. We met up later that evening with all the cousins at Chuck E. Cheese, and of course the kids had a ball. . .except for one of mine - who hides under the table or up in the tubes the whole time Chuck E. is walkin' around. =( We were supposed to head home that evening, but my brother (who lives in Jackson - just 45 min. south of Ann Arbor) ended up staying in town over the holiday - so we stayed with them one night too! That was a nice surprise. We have the greatest times with them. Always eating, playing games, and watching fun movies. Of course Meg and I always squeeze in an improptu Target trip with of course, Starbucks to follow. Finally settled in back at home and are unpacked and got all of the Christmas decor up. Soooo today I am enjoying my festive house and cleaning while listening to Christmas music. So thankful for my family and that we are nearly a year away from the flood that devastated our home. How good God is to us. What are you thankful for?