snowed in

Getting ready for the hill.
Crashing into bushes
Zaphira likes being outside.

We are officially snowed in. We had about 7" the other day, and Drew even got Monday off work. It was Zanthias's first time on a sled, and he had a great time. Thanks for the floor piano, Wilbur and Deborah-Zanthias really loves it.

Happy new year!

Tanner holding Zaphira while Zanthias looks confused
Tami and Zaphira
Sledding is fun! (even if putting on all the clothes to go outside isn't)
Pretty (and spazzy) girl
Hrrmmm
Jeremy and spaz Zaphira

We want to wish you all a happy new year, and to celebrate, here are some pictures from over the holiday break. We are busy making noisemakers and coloring posters.

video of Zanthias playing in the snow

Playing in the snow and 4 months

Snow in my face!
Snow slide
Zanthias caught this shot.

Zaphira was 4 months on the 5th. I can't believe how big she has gotten already. She's somewhere around 15 lbs, not sure how tall. She has a well baby visit on the 23rd, so we'll find out then. She's solidly in 6 and 6-9 month clothes already...which is always annoying because we have so many clothes for her that she didn't even get to wear them all! (please don't buy clothes for presents-I still have drawers full that friends gave me!)
It snowed a lot starting Sat. night so we went out to play on Sun. Zanthias had a great time, and was really excited to play in the snow for the first time.

On making things

You can never have too many quality art supplies! One of my favorite new stores is http://www.stubbypencilstudio.com/ they have a ton of great, Eco friendly, non toxic art supplies! I really want some Stockmar brand watercolors. It's the brand they use in Waldorf schools for wet on wet painting. I'll find some examples later and post them, along with some pics of Zanthias panting. He loves to create!

on gifts

Since we are currently renting, and don't see that changing anytime soon, we want to keep our possessions at a minimum. This includes things for the kids! Instead of gifts, we are hoping that you will donate to Zanthias and Zaphira's savings accounts instead. We have interest bearing accounts for them at ING. Thanks in advance! (And we're not depriving them-they both have PLENTY of toys and clothes, believe me!)

Dude!

Enjoying his first piece of Halloween candy (a sucker, his favorite)
Dory, Nemo, Crush and Squirt
Zanthias's favorite movie (until How to train your dragon) was Finding Nemo. He says "dude" for turtle because of this movie. I made everyone's costume except Zaphira's. Zanthias had a great time getting candy and then passing it out to the trick or treaters.