Our funny valentines.

Cullen and Simone love Valentine's Day.  Whether the process of writing notes to their classmates, waking up to treats from Mom and Dad or the party at school - what's not to love?!  On Valentine's morning Cullen asked me how to spell "love" and then proceeded to go into his bedroom asking that we not disturb him. He came out with a valentine for each of us and enclosed in that Valentine was a dollar from his hard earned piggy bank.  What a sweet and generous kid!  Simone then went to the pile of saved art projects and gave Cullen a Christmas Tree from last December.  I suppose it's the thought that counts - right?

Builder, Architect and Engineer.

Cullen's favorite toy of the moment:  Magnatiles.  These super cool tiles fit together with magnets to allow for some inventive creations.  Cullen builds garages for his monster trucks, an airplane hanger for his planes and towers taller than his five-year-old body.  Simone sometimes joins him and screams can be heard if she "knocks down his work".  I'm not sure what this kid will be when he grows up, but he sure seems to like building, creating and inventing.

Dirk and Charlie took Cullen on his first ice fishing expedition.  Cullen called it a "wild goose chase" as there weren't any fish biting that day.  They'll get 'em next time....

Cullen and Dirk also have a new obsession with the Wii game Mario Kart.  While not a huge fan of video games, this winter has left us no choice!  It's actually been really fun to see the boys race each other and then team up together to try to beat the game characters.  If you are up for some competition, stop by!

Doc Simone

There's a new cartoon on the Disney Channel called "Doc McStuffins" about a little girl who takes care of all of her sick toys and makes them better.  Simone loves Doc and is frequently using her doctor tools to diagnose our family's ailments.  Sometimes, I actually think she enjoys giving us shots!  Hopefully her desire to help others will stay with her for the long haul.

Simone is quite the spitfire.  She is very dramatic.  Highs are high and lows are low.  Crying comes easily when frustrated or told "no", but she seems to recover just as fast.  Simone loves pretend play:  dolls, doctor, store, etc.  Ever since she was a baby, she can often be found in a corner with books.  She actually thinks she can read and tells elaborate stories to go along with her pictures.  She is very much a momma's girl.  Only I can read her books at night (if I am out of the house, Dad will do!). However, she demands that after books, her dad cuddle with her in bed.  Simone still adores Cullen, whom she refers to as "brother".  She is often his best friend and worst annoyance all at the same time.

Showing off their skillz.

Enjoy the videos of both kiddos in their skiing greatness.

Ski bums.

The Swanson Family has been putting on a lot of miles at Mount La Crosse this winter.  Not only is it a great, family friendly ski hill, but the St. Bernard room provides an awesome apres ski atmosphere!  Dirk and I both grew up skiing and it's been a special experience teaching our kids how to ski.  In fact, they both love it.  This year, Cullen has been into skiing jumps (a small one at the base of the hill) and the tree paths carved along the edge of the hill.  I have a feeling this kid is going to be a serious dare devil.  Simone loves to ski, but at the start of the season would only do so if we were skiing behind her, holding her under the arms.  After her 6th time out to the hill, I am happy to report that she will now ski 5 yards in front of me on the green Apple Bottom run.  Her progress this year has been amazing.  While they both still need plenty of parental support (especially on the chairlifts!), we don't mind because it gives us a new challenge on the small ski hill.  Our hope is that family ski vacations will become a routine vacation plan in the future.  (Note:  Grandpa Mike:  we may be visiting you to ski Lutsen before you know it!).

Cold Daze.

It's been years since the schools actually closed due to cold weather instead of snow.  Lately I've been  seriously doubting the theory of global warming.  As the cold weather rolled in, we did art projects, baked cookies, played games, watched movies and did played with just about every toy in the house!  On the warmer winter days, we've enjoyed sledding, skiing and visiting the La Crosse Rotary lights.  Even though we try to make the best of winter, Cullen recently confessed that summer is his favorite season!

The Christmas Spirit is Alive.

Our holiday weekend began with a visit from Santa Claus.  The Clarks and Sauters were over for pizza and all of a sudden the man in red walked up to the door.  The kids were beyond excited. Cullen asked for "a race car track" while Simone asked for "a rainbow and a gingerbread man".   As Santa left, Cullen slipped his official wish list in Santa's bag.  It's probably good that Simone's list didn't make it in his bag.  As I was the scribe for her letter, it went something like this: "Dear Santa, How are you?  How is your wife?  Is she pregnant?".   I couldn't help but laugh out loud as she talked!

 The rest of the Christmas holiday was full of excitement, over-the-moon kids and the magic of Christmas.  Going to a Catholic grade school, Cullen is also very aware that the real reason for Christmas is the birth of baby Jesus.  In fact, both kids have a new fascination with religious Christmas songs: "Away in the Manger", "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Silent Night".  And both little ones sang their hearts out at the Christmas candlelight mass.  In fact, they also both managed minor injuries due to wax burns on the fingertips.  We had a wonderful Christmas day, just the four of us.  We hung out and played with toys from 6 am - 7:30 pm.   We had great Christmas celebrations with the Swanson and LaVigne families.  We are truly blessed.