fun in snow

A week or so ago, we had some snow.

We got about four inches.

This winter has been pretty mild for us here in NJ.

I mean, its been cold - we just haven't had a ton of snow.

Anyway, we had a blast taking Riley out to play in the snow.

It was a different kind of play compared to our time in VT - because it wasn't as cold outside.

She was really into eating snow this time around! 

Here are some pics from our snow day.

A video of Riley in snow...

helper Riley

Riley is absolutely in that age (and has been) where she just loves to help.

I really try to let her help out at times.

(With cooking, cleaning, picking up, etc.)

I can't always - I mean, lets be honest.

If she helped all the time...things wouldn't get done.

It takes a lot of patience when little one's help out.

I do think it needs to happen though!

And some things are easier for her to help out with than others.

My patience is tested daily anyway, so what's the big deal?  Ha.

Really, I just love seeing Riley happy and if helping makes her happy - bring it on!

 

Here's Riley helping us make "calzone rolls."

 

Riley saying "cheese."

Riley with flour on her face and Daddy in background.

 

 

Here's Riley helping ice mini cupcakes.

(and, yup...that's can frosting - a big fat whatever!  ha ha)

 

 

 

I don't get pictures of every time Riley helps - obviously.

 

Just the other day she helped me and Grandma Pat ice some sugar cookies for Valentine's Day!

 

She did an awesome job.

 

As.  Always.

 

 

I love my little helper!

 

(And yes, we eat too much sugar - if you haven't figured that out yet.)

heart day

Did you have a nice Valentine's Day?

 

I hope so!

 

We enjoyed the day very much.

 

Grandma Pat was able to be here to share some of the day with us.

 

Aaron and I enjoyed a nice lunch out - by ourselves!!

Riley

Grandma Pat and Riley

 Riley loved this little umbrella my mom brought her (a hand-me-down).

 

It was not raining in these pictures, by the way.

 

I'm sorry to say though that the umbrella is going in the trash.

 

The thing is completely messed up as of today.

 

Sorry Mom, it was a good try!

 

It's OK...we'll buy her a new one.  ;)

 

Happy "heart" Day to you all!

 

XOXO

our winter vaca

Last week Riley and I went to Vermont to spend a nice vacation with my parents.

Unfortunately, Aaron had to stay home to work.  (We'll get him to go some year!)

We had a blast.

We always do.

It's a very relaxing winter vacation.

Vermont was freezing cold but it didn't matter because we had a fire in the fireplace every day!

We enjoyed sledding and some cross country skiing, too!

As long as we were bundled, we managed OK.

Even then, Riley couldn't be out for too long on those -3 and 0 degree days. 

Here are some pics from our week!

Riley and Grandma getting ready to sled

Riley

Riley loved rolling around in the snow!



our snowman and Riley

snow angel

indoor activity...making necklaces!

my dad cross country skiing

Riley on the iPad

Riley and a little snowman

my mom, dad and Riley

Riley and I

Mommy and daughter...with a gorgeous view behind us!

Here's a couple quick videos...

Riley and Grandma's first time down the hill. (Listen for Riley's little scream...)



Throwing snowballs...



Riley's first time down the hill by herself.




Thanks, Mom and Dad for another great vacation!

XO,

and Riley :)

my videos...update

Hey guys,

I wanted to let you all know that I'm making changes to my YouTube settings.

If you've viewed any videos of mine on the blog - you would see they are uploaded to YouTube first.

Initially, I kept my YouTube page open to public - thinking it'd be much easier for family and friends to find my "channel" and view any and all of my videos of Riley and our family.

I decided to make things more private, starting today.

If there are any videos you view on my blog that you would like to have a copy of, please email me.

I'd be happy to share the link with you or you can share straight from my blog too.

Just know I want to keep our videos as private as possible if you do share with any other family members or friends.

Thanks for understanding!

dancing...sort of.

Riley is a little dancer.

She's shy about it too, though.

I was dancing with her until I decided to tape her.

She wasn't really in the mood to dance once I had the camera on her.

She just wanted to look at herself in the camera.  :)

I still wanted to share it with you...enjoy!

 

a new year?!

Wow, a new year already?!

I've hardly posted anything lately.  I'm sorry.

I looked over our Christmas pics and really didn't find many worth posting.

To post pics on here isn't easy because I have to re-size them first.

Anyway, we didn't take a lot to begin with.  And the ones we do have are boring - of the tree, us opening presents, and some are blurry and just not good.

So here are a few...just so you all know we did celebrate Christmas, just like you!

Hannah, Riley, Aaron and Emillie

Riley before going to Christmas Eve service.

I love this one even if it's blurry.

Santa came!

Well, there ya have it.

Happy New Year!