December

It really feels like December around here.
First, we're in the middle of a deep freeze, that is actually much more February-like.

Here's Quinn and his friend Satoshi playing outside when it was -7!

Can you tell I took it through the window? There was no way I was going out there. Quinn actually hates the snow and cold, and normally won't play outside in these temps but his friend got him to do it.

We put the girls' cozy carseat covers back on last week and they were thrilled! They love these things, but sadly this will probably be the last year they fit. They should totally make these for adults - I would love a warm zip-up blanket on my car seat.

It also feels like December because we made our annual visit to Downtown Macy's to see Santa and the Elf village! There was quite the line this year, but the kids persevered.

As you can see, Penelope dressed up for the occasion.

When we finally made it to the Elf village, the girls were wowed by the whole event. They believed all of it, and couldn't believe we were so close to the elves.

Quinn still believes in Santa, but his believe in the Elf village has diminished a bit. That said, he still loves to visit and go through the routine of it all.

Finally we saw Santa. Now, we just saw a Santa last week at the Mall of America but this is the "real" Santa in our book. Quinn and Penelope kept their requests (candy and a ball) but Zahra changed hers from a "big big bird" to "swiper" (from Dora)

Finally, it "warmed-up" a bit so we were able to spend a significant amount of time outside. It was 15 degrees after all - balmy!

Quinn gets sick of the snow very easily, but the girls love it. I had to bring them in after an hour because I was freezing. They were born in Minnesota don't forget, so I wouldn't expect anything less.