Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Although this may not sound like the best (warmest) place to vacation in December it warms my heart to think of the time we spent together as a family! We had wonderful accomodations. It was two one bedroom condo units that had an adjoining door so we essentially had a two bedroom condo with two kitchens and full baths! There was a fireplace and we kept the heat near 80 the whole week! There was also a big tub for swimming with the girls in warm water. There was an indoor pool which we had mostly to ourselves. It wasn't so cold once you got in. We spent one day at the indoor water park that was on site. Frances was afraid to go down the big tube slide the first time but that was it...she was in love! It was much more fun to go with daddy as he carried her up all the stairs and mommy made her walk. We went in the hot tub that had a tunnel leading to the outside where it was snowing. Brrr! We went sledding on the golf course hills but only lasted about 15-20 minutes as it was really cold! We watched quite a bit of tv (mostly history channel, animal planet, and TLC as we don't have them at home). We truly enjoyed our relaxing vacation and hope to do it again next year (just maybe someplace warmer). I think we are looking at Branson in early summer. Here are some pictures!

job perk

Another great thing about my selling Usborne Books is the packaging paper! It provided great entertainment for four little girls three and under on a cold day!

set sail

My grandmother made a boy quilt and a girl quilt before Delaney was born. I really liked this one with the sailboats the best even though it was intended for a boy. We use it all the time for playing on the floor! Thanks Gram!

first and last

We went to the zoo earlier in November. It was the first time Delaney has had the pleasure and although it was our last trip there this year it will definitely not be her last! I just love taking my girls to any zoo! Being outside and seeing the animals is great! On this particular day the animals were in rare form. They were all very active and visible, even the lions and tigers! Look at this seal posing! (I am talking about the one on top of the rock)
Frances is always wanting to hold Delaney. It made for a nice picture in front of the penguins. I think Delaney was enthralled with the see through floor where the penguins can swim underneath.

The giraffes are always a sight to see!

Frances is finally excited to pet the goats and it appears that little D really liked them too! What a great smile! It looks like Libby enjoyed them as well (she seems to smile at everything)

It is so much fun to take Frances back to the zoo so many different times as she grows. She always finds something new that she likes. I am so thankful that I am able to do such fun things with my kids! (thanks mom for giving me a love for zoos!)

When I grow up...

This morning while talking with Frances she said that she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. We talked about what kind of doctor and she said a "belly" doctor (that would be like my OB/GYN). I told her that she would be a very smart doctor and her response was "Yeah, and real nice and I will be careful with babies." It was just so sweet to hear how she said it but also the first time I have really thought about her growing up that much. Sounds crazy but I realize it will happen in a flash. For today I will focus on enjoying everything about her being an almost 4 year old!

fall fun

This evening I was watching a friends little girl. Our girls had a great time playing outside in the leaves I quickly raked up for them. There are still many many leaves on the tree but I was able to make a nice pile for them. It was such a nice evening for Nov. 1st. It was 72 today! We were able to eat our supper outside without sweatshirts! Then after supper, the girls (all three) took baths, we read books and all three were in bed and asleep by 830! Wohoo!

Future in songwriting?

Frances created this song during her school party while creating this craft. She loves to sing this song over and over now!