Cassidy's First Christmas, Part 1

The adventure started Monday. We made the decision not to fly to Tucson Christmas Day due to Cassidy's cold (and maybe mine too). So we decided to go big in Bellingham, taking two rigs filled with a snowmobile, 3 dogs, and presents. Being able to snowmobile around our house won't happen very often so I had to include the picture! We got loaded up and headed out, arriving Monday night after some slow going due to the very messy, slick roads and lots of traffic. Tuesday the gang showed up for some sledding in the snow. It was a big hit, especially after the boys figured out that if they rode backwards they wouldn't eat all the powder. It was pretty amazing to see over a foot of snow in the hayfield. The girls got big kuddos for going first, and even Lisa took a turn.
Tuesday night we all gathered for our new tradition of appetizers and games at Lori and Matt's.

(Thanks for the pictures Lori!)

Christmas Eve was the big family celebration with lots of great presents, wonderful food, and fun! Cassidy got some very cool gifts. Her two favorites being the puzzle stool that Grandpa hand made for her and the Dora push and ride walker. She quickly got the hang of of both, and had a great time being pushed around by cousins on Dora and then learning to walk behind it.

Christmas Day brought Great Grandpa, Great Aunt Mary, and Great Great Aunt Gloria, more food, and more fun playing cards and visiting. I even got a snowshoe in through the woods.

It was really nice to have the extra time and relaxation in Bellingham. We'll be healthy and off to Tucson on the 15th and it will be very nice to have not only Mom and Dad but also Bryce and Meg to celebrate Christmas part 2!

Play Day

I shouldn't have, but the new snow and sunshine were just to much and I caved. Cari and I headed to the mountains Saturday, despite our obnoxious to-do list, and it was AWESOME!! Even with a 12 degree starting tempurature we quickly warmed up with the climb to Raptor Ridge and spectacular viewsAfter the wonderful day in the snow we went home to have Christmas with our families. Sam cooked a wonderful dinner and then they spoiled Cassidy with some great gifts, including a "Search and Rescue" sweatshirt. Cassidy quickly got the idea that for once she could rip and tear and that bows can be just as much fun as the presents! She's all warmed up now for the big family celebration Christmas Eve in Bellingham....look out cousins, here she comes!

Winter Wonderland

It's finally stopped snowing, at least for a little while...It's 22 degrees (12 with wind chill) and we have 8 inches of beautiful snow! It's awesome!! Everything is so pretty and reminds us why we put up with the rain!

On the down side, poor Cass has not been able to enjoy the snow other than the first day. She has been a snot faucet the last few days along with a low grade temperature. It's been especially tough at night. We spent hours last night dancing in the living room with her simply draped over my shoulder and occasionally whimpering. For our active, anti-cuddle baby it was quite concerning. She is even having trouble eating, having to take "breathers". We took her to the doctor today and she officially has her first real cold. The doc said she has a lot of fluid on her ears and because we are hoping to fly to Tucson for Christmas gave her an anti-biotic to help clear her head. That along with a humidifier and an elevated crib mattress hopefully will get her cleared for take-off. We may have to go back in to the doctor on Tuesday to double check her ears if she isn't up to her usual energy/mischief, but chances are she will be ready to roll. You can't keep redheads down for too long....

Snow Day!!

Saturday night brought us about 3 1/2 inches of beautiful snow followed by sunshine! It's beautiful and supposed to stick around for a while. Cassidy enjoyed her first snow adventure, laughing at the dogs catching snowballs and figuring out not just one, but two ways to eat snow. She is a very bright little girl and determined, not to be deterred by mere mittens after her hands got cold!

Monday we got to go for a beautiful little hike in the sunshine. I think it took 10 minutes just to get bundled, but sooo totally worth it! I'm so glad she loves being outside. I'll never admit how many layers the poor girl had to endure putting on, but a picture of the tire man came to mind

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving found Cassidy and I back in Dayton, celebrating with family friends and making new ones. There were two other little ones, Lila and Denver. They all got along really well. Denver is 7 mo old and he and Cass thought it was very cool to have someone their own size around. Both did wonderful during the feast and had fun playing together. Neither wanted to take their naps, they didn't want to miss a thing! It was a great day with great people and many blessings for which to be thankful.

Friday and Saturday was spent giving waagon rides during Dayton's Christmas Kickoff. This was Dad's 4th year and yet again he and the girls were a big hit. He had full wagons every run while I ran the ground crew loading and unloading. Cassidy got to spend some great time with Grandma while Dad and I were in town and would make her guest appearances in the afternoon.

Santa even joined us for a wagon ride. Cassidy wasn't too impressed, but as long as we didn't make her sit on his lap she was ok. Maybe next year.....

Cassidy also entertained with some of her 4x4 crawling moves.