Snow day....or Not!

So, once again the weather reporters of Wisconsin have gotten me all excited for a wonderful day at home with the kids. Once again, it didn't happen! UGH! On Thursday we spent the entire day at school teaching/learning. Tim came to school with snow clothes for Emma and a bundled up Lucas. He bundled up Emma and took the kids sledding at the beach! It's nice to have that so close to us at school. I closed up my work at school and headed over to join them. The kids and the adults had a blast slipping and sliding down the hills. Lucas threw "snowballs" and rode around on the sled being pulled by Mommy or Daddy.

Otherwise it's been a good week getting back into things at school and at home. Tim was fortunate enough to go to a Packer's Play off party at the New Berlin Ale House. He had a blast. Emma was happy to be back at school and seeing her friends and teachers. Lucas has taken a new found interest in the potty. We put him on it when he requests, wait, nothing happens, and then we throw a little party. He is so very proud of himself! I am back into the swing of school and my work-out schedule at home. I'm back at working on my goal and will make it!

Here's some pics from sledding.

December 31st and January 1st

This year for New Year's we decided to have some fun. We got together with friends of ours from college and took our two families to see the Harlem Globetrotters! This was an amazing time. This four year olds loved everything about the night. Lucas loved it whenever they were playing basketball and Maddie loved the music that was being played. Of course the adults had a good time as well. Afterwards we came back to our house, had lot's of good food, played the Wii, and put the kiddos to bed. The next morning was filled with lounging in jammies, sitting in boxes, eating a great breakfast, and of course more Wii. That night Grandma and Grandpa Lorenz came over for dinner and more Wii. It was a wonderful time that was had by all!

December 26th

While we were still in Illinois, we got to enjoy some beautiful landscapes. Emma wished and prayed for snow for Christmas, knowing that I couldn't promise that, I led her to wish for some other things. We have since asked Emma to start wishing and praying for these things on school days. The weatherman had forecasted 1-3 inches of snow. By the time lunch came around we were under a winter storm warning and the snow had been falling since the night before. In the end it snowed from the 25th until the 27th. We were able to enjoy an entire foot of perfect fluffy snow. Emma had all of her snow clothes and loved playing out in the gorgeous snow while daddy and papa shoveled. Lucas on the other hand preferred to watch it from the inside, playing with a bit of it in a bowl.

December 25th

On Christmas Day, we get up early in the morning, pack the van, get the kids loaded up, and head south to Elgin. We had a wonderful brunch and then a great time exchanging gifts. We quickly dressed the kids and then headed to Naperville to my grandparents condo. It was a little tight there with all those people, but Lucas found a way to try out Carlo's new scooter.

December 24th

On December 24th we gather at Grandma and Grandpa Lorenz's house. By we I mean all the aunts and uncles and cousins. In the picture above you can see that there are a lot of cousins. We have 7 kids, 7 and under! It's a great and noisy time had by all. We had a wonderful dinner, opened presents, went to church, and came back for more treats and fun. It's a wonderful night and a great way to celebrate Christmas!

December 23rd and Cookie Time

On December 23rd, it is our family tradition to have a "fancy" dinner, open presents, and have the neighbors over afterwards. Emma and I also decided to bake some cookies that morning. We had a great day and always enjoy. The kids had a blast playing with their new toys and books. Lucas even insisted upon putting on his new pants, over his jeans that he was already wearing!

Emma's Christmas Program

On December 14th, we gathered at church to watch the preschool and kindergarten Christmas program. It's always a special event and a great way to kick off the last week before Christmas break. Emma did a great job and loved singing her songs and telling the story of Christ's birth. It is such a joy and priviledge to watch our daughter grow up in the love of Christ!