Cold Toes

Today Chalyse's friend Royce was playing outside and she wanted to join him. It was about -19 but no wind so we decided to brave it. We got frost on our eye lashes but it actually wasn't too bad. Of course we only played for about 30 min with a five minute intermission half way through to warm up. We pulled Chalyse around on her sled and rolled down the snow hill. Right before before we came in, though we decided to go out a few hundred yards to take a picture by a whale cemetery. It took a little longer than expected and about half way there Chalyse started to say she was cold. We got her inside and warmed up quickly and there was no harm done but her little toes got pretty cold. She was so sad. We weren't sure if it was more because her toes were so cold or because she didn't want to come in.

Some Pictures:

This is all natural curl. It makes me SO happy every time I see it. Sorry, I had to brag a little. I always wanted a little girl with curly hair.

Yumminess

Here are our latest favorite new recipes:

3 Cheese Rotini:

1 lb cooked turkey
1/2 bag frozen broccoli
16 oz. uncooked garden rotini

Cook pasta according to directions on box.
Grill turkey and broccoli until turkey is hot and broccoli is tender, salt and pepper to taste.

Sauce:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 cups milk
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup Monterrey cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Melt butter, add flour. Stir in salt and garlic. Slowly add milk. Cook on med heat stirring constantly until thickened. Add cheese and heat until melted.

Serve turkey and broccoli over rotini and topped with sauce.



Pink Pie:

(measurements are approximate)

1 can Cherry pie filling
1 regular can drained pineapple
2 cups whipped cream
1 pk cream cheese
1/2 cup coconut

Combine all ingredients and place in 2 graham cracker pie crusts. Top with almonds, whipped cream and a cherry

Chalyse and the Hunny Tree

Chalyse had a fun Birthday.

She got a new bike/car from Mom and Dad



We had a "Winnie the Pooh and the hunny tree" party.
Only our closest friends came which was what we had originally wanted so it was nice. We had one other little kid Royce.



We played pin the tail on Eeyore...





...help get Pooh and his friend through Rabbit's front door and a game where they would throw their balloon up to the hunny tree.





Then they got to "break" a bumble bee pinata. They didn't really get the idea and I was a little apprehensive about having them break it anyway because it took me SO much longer to make than I had anticipated so Mandy held it up and when they would hit it she would throw candy down. Of course now I have this pinata and I have no idea what to do with it.





Chalyse got 3 new dolls (from 3 different people) and some fun new dolly things. We have been playing dolls ever since.

Snow!

I was reading on Cathy's blog today about how much she loves the snow and how excited Emily was about it. It is funny because I have never been a huge fan of snow. I think it is pretty but much too cold. I guess I could have a better attitude about it like Chalyse. Every time she climbs up to look out the window she excitedly yells "snow!" Yep it's still there Chalyse. It probably will be until at least May.

Our most recent trip to the beach

Last week we went to see the sea ice. It was probably about -5 but the wind was blowing pretty hard across the ice and it was stinging cold. We didn't stay long. Just long enough to take a few pictures. Here they are:












In other news Ellora is proficiently scooting and often gets up on her hands and knees. She also is clapping...or rather likes to hit her fist together but sometimes she gets her palms.

Chalyse still can't say Ellora which is funny because she can say everyone else names. She struggles with her L's (she calls her self Meese).She was calling her "Coke" the other day. I'm not really sure why.

Chalyse is getting ready to have a birthday and let me tell you I'm a little nervous for her party. We wanted to have small party but you know how it goes. If you invite this person you have to invite that person and it is the custom here to have huge birthday parties. We ended up inviting all the teachers (about 20 people) and a few other of our good friends. It seems that everyone in the village knows and loves Chalyse so I am worried they will all find out and show up which would be fine but our apartment isn't that big. I'm sure it will be fun no matter.

My New Parky

Here it is! My beautiful new parky made by our good friend Emily. She gave us a really good deal on it.



Ellora loves to climb inside and go to sleep. It is so warm and cozy.









I can even fit both girls in it (one in the front and one in the back) for those super cold days.

New Parky

The parky took a little bit longer than expected to finish due to pneumonia...Emily's (the lady who made it) daughter was sick with bronchitis that developed into pneumonia. She's doing better, now. It is beautiful, but we'll have to steer clear of members of PETA. It has a wolverine ruff and and trimming, but the rest of the coat is quilted. Stay posted for pictures...