Some Fun Firsts...

Last Saturday our church did a Drop n' Shop. You drop off your kids for five hours and go shopping. They have tons of games, crafts and bouncy things for them. It is their Christmas gift to the parents. They have been doing it for the past three years, but this was the first year that we have been able to take advantage of it and take advantage of it we did!

We weren't ready to leave the girls for five hours, but the boys were pretty excited to go. This also is the first time they have been away from the girls for an extended period of time since they have been home (4 1/2 months). On the flip side it was the first time Monte and I have been alone with just the girls since Africa.

We decided to bring the girls to Build-A-Bear. They love the boys' animals from there, so we thought it would be a fun place to go. They were pretty overwhelmed at first. What child or parent isn't the first time? Once they choose their bears they started to like it more and ended up having a blast.

Here are some pictures of our trip to the very crowded mall!

Daddy helping the girls pick out their bears.

Getting the hearts.

Before the stuffing went in.

Washing their bears!

Showing off their bears for the camera.

Yesterday I woke up to a very loud, excited Isaac telling me that it has SNOWED. I don't remember the last time I watched a weather forecast, so it was a shock! We only received a little over one inch, but it was enough to go out and enjoy it.

Obviously this is the first time that the girls have seen snow. The boys opened the door and grabbed a handful so their sisters could touch it. I just love how thoughtful they are with their little sisters. We all got bundled up and headed out! I did warn the boys that their would be no snowballs fights. The last thing we needed was a girl to get a face full of snow during their first snow experience.

The girls really loved it. They both surprised me with their reactions though. Hannah stayed out longer than any other child. She is my little helper and would normally rather stay inside and help me around the house, but she couldn't get enough of the cold stuff. Chloe is my little tom boy and loves being outside ruffing it with the boys. She was the first child in from the snow, but it could have something to do with the promise of hot chocolate. They call it coffee.

Here are some pictures. I didn't get a lot, because I was living in the moment! It was a great day...