What a winter!

It's only January 12th and I feel like we have been dealing with winter weather for FOREVER!  Upon our return to Iowa from Minnesota, we were greeted by a snap of some very cold weather.  So cold, that I had two days of no school.  Actual temperatures dropped down to the -20's with wind chills of -30 to -40 degrees!  CRAZY!  We took advantage of the cold weather by doing activities we'd rather not do when it is nice outside.  Cleaning out, rearranging, packing away old toys that Vinnie has outgrown.  While it was a bummer to delay my return to school (and even more of a bummer that I will now have to go two days later in June), I certainly made the most of it!

This weekend, things warmed up, making it a little more manageable to be out and about, and giving us the opportunity to finally get outside and play in the snow.  Vinnie enjoyed this.  I think he was most excited about all the clothes he got to wear, especially his Lightening McQueen snow boots!  A thin layer of ice on top of the snow made it a little difficult to get around, but he managed and had a lot of fun.

After a good day together (he was content in the cart while I grocery shopped, went down for a nap, and altogether ate well), we decided to celebrate a good day with a very special "moomie night."  Out came the blankets, mom threw some cookie dough in the oven, and Vinnie enjoyed "Turbo".  I tried to watch, but got bored and ended up reading a magazine. ;-)

Today we spent some time running around town, collecting the necessities for some awesome Valentines and picking up diapers.  I hope to start working on his Valentines after he wakes up from nap.

It amazes me how much Vinnie has grown up in the last month or so.  No longer a baby, he enjoys the things "big boys" enjoy.  As he plays, I hear him jabbering and putting together stories and make-believe and it is evident that his imagination is growing.  He is patient to complete art projects and is starting to pay attention to coloring "in" the pictures of the color books, rather than just scribbling over the top.  He could look at books for hours, and I am noticing that he remembers bits and pieces of favorite and familiar stories and is piecing them together on his own.  He remembers everything!  So much, that sometimes it makes my job all the more difficult.  He is smart, and demanding to be challenged and engaged, and I am finding now that if I don't...he gets naughty.

What a blessing he is...even with all of his tantrums and battles, we make each other better and learn lessons together every day!