snow

We all went outside to play first thing this morning- warm clothes on over jammies- and had a great time! Conditions weren't right for snowmen, but perfect for snow angels, somersaults, and snow fights.

Gracie and I decided to have a Girls' Day and I loved it! We nearly finished our Christmas shopping (only two more gifts to go...I think!), went out for soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, bought a new ballet leotard for her parent performance this week, picked out her present for Luke, and even stopped off at Borders for a hot cocoa. Leaving our last stop, she smiled at me and said, "This day is really good because I get special time with you. Pause. And because I got a hot cocoa." The girl is crazy about her cocoa!

Ben and Luke enjoyed their day as well, but Ben was more than a little bummed out by Illinois' performance. The boys did just a bit of shopping too- Luke almost told Gracie what he had picked out for her within minutes of our arrival home...we'll see how long it will remain a secret. We're not the best with secrets around here; as Brian reminded me on the phone the other day, these are the kids who cry out "Here I am!" while playing Hide and Seek. 

The whole house is quiet. I'm off to wrap presents.