February

Only 3 months behind!!! Check out that snow!

Way back in February we asked Anna if she might possibly want to try out a toddler bed someday, you know not right away, but maybe for a couple of naps...no pressure.

Anna, "Throw my crib AWAY! Put it in the GARBAGE! Give it to the GARBAGE MAN! NOW!"

Ryan couldn't get the bed up quick enough for her. She and Claire helped with assembly. Now she wants to move out of the toddler bed into her "big bed". We are holding firm on our trade offer -- pacifier for big bed. If history is any predictor we will crumble on this stand long before she does.

I have fully committed to living in Wisconsin during the winter (it took only 36 years). My mantra this year was "Embracing Winter". Claire and I were determined to enjoy snow, ice, and cold no matter what. I dare say we even enjoyed it.

Snowshoeing. My 40 lb partner did much better on the 5ft tall drifts than I.

Claire became an excellent downhill skier this year. Here she is helping her instructor set up the course.

Making each turn.

Ice Skating. Some indoor activities! Anna working on some Packer-green cheese curds.

Anna is a pro at feeding cousin Liam.

Claire and Bucky.

"Best Sisters"

Andres-Meyer girl hug.

January

Christmas

Yes, I'm about 3 months behind posting pictures. While you enjoy your Shamrock Shake you can check out our Christmas pictures.

Santa made a house call again this year. The kids have gotten savvier, this year they had gift requests. Claire felt very strongly that Santa would get her the dessert maker in the Target ad, even if her parents felt it a poor choice.

Claire and I saw a dress rehearsal of the Nutcracker at the Overture Center. The rehearsal was the perfect setting for Claire to see the show. She loved hearing the director's loud comments to the dancers "SMILE, you are having FUN", and it made the atmosphere much more casual and totally fine for a 5 year old to constantly ask questions. Claire was inspired to preform her own dance in the lobby.

Claire and Anna were part of our church's pageant. Anna was a sheep (her ears fell in the toilet and she made sure everyone knew). Claire was a cowgirl (all of the traditional ho-downing had her turning pale and green by the end). But, they did have fun and we have some very cute pictures!



Yazawa and Meyer cousins celebrating. How cute are all these girls???

Extended Hunt family celebration. Check it out, now that there are littlier babies Claire and Anna are shoved to the 2nd row! I did not notice this until now...changes will be made next year!

We continued celebrating in Door County, breaking in Peg and Jim's new house. I think they had been in the house for 7 days when we barged in. They were more moved in at 7 days than we are at 6 years. Look, Peg even located measuring spoons!



Some photos from Christmas morning at our place.

Santa came through on the dessert maker..."see Mommy!" For the record, Santa, it doesn't seem to work very well.


Grandma Cathy having a sweet moment with the girls. Grandpa Shimbo...asleep...well, it is his busy time of the year. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Tree Farm

Halloween

Pre-Halloween apple picking with both sets of grandparents, Aunt Cari, and cousins Brynna and Makena. Perfect apple picking weather!



Eugster's Farm visit with Aunt Cindy and the Hubers. How hilarious is a plastic cow you can milk???





Trick-or-treating in Michigan with Aunt Angela, Uncle Casey and Cousin Liam. We had a fantastic time until Anna puked, prematurely ending yet another Michigan visit. Anna keeps talking about going back. Today she asked if we could go to Michigan instead of Target...if only it were that close. We miss you guys!

Halloween night with the Billmeyer and Andres Families. This was the least blurry of my 5 photos with all the kids together. Dress up, permission to beg for candy; can you believe they were excited?! Next year I need to remember to get a photo of the adults, too. We all stepped up our costumes this year. Except for Ryan who wore the same T-shirt as last year (under a sweatshirt!) and deemed himself Spiderman. My plan is to shame him into wearing a costume next year.

Claire is 5!

A fun family party. Check out Ryan's awesome last minute cake save. In my hands the cake was turning into an "after" picture. As in "after" the castle was stormed.

Claire received replacements for her beloved ruby slippers. She has not given up the old pair, "I LOVE them!"

A costume party with Claire's friends. Lots of super heroes, fairies, and princesses attended.

Our yearly birthday trip to American Girl Place in Chicago.