Blizzard 2012

As if the snow the other night wasn't enough, we were in Blizzard Warnings all day today. With all of my family here (most of them), we couldn't wait to be snowed in together. We love to play games, have some drinks, and just relax! But first we couldn't wait to play in the snow :)

To see all of the pics CLICK HERE

Aunt Kim & Kinley 

Kinley and her 2nd cousin 

We made my grandmother bundle up and come sit by the fire with us :) 

All of the cousins (minus 3) and the new 2nd cousins? 

Presents from Kinley

I wanted to have Kinley give our family something special for Christmas besides the cliche handprint ornament (sorry if you did that - I do like it, just wanted something different) Anyways, I stole this idea from a friend . . . no need to reinvent the wheel right? We put Kinley in the bath tub with some water based finger paint (make sure you use water based if you plan on it coming off!) and colors to properly match their houses and let her go to town with the mattes. We purchased some frames at Michael's that had a very thick matte and let her do it herself :) Just as I suspected, it was a success (if you don't count the paint all over the walls, bathtub and myself).

Kinley's Christening

Today was finally the day that we had Kinley Christened. We have been wanting to do it for some time but really wanted our minister who married us to do it (which meant it had to be in Indianapolis). Therefore, coordinating our schedules to do so became complicated. However, today we finally were able to do it and she did wonderful! She is such a ham, of course she loved being in front of everyone :)

Kinley's First Snow Day/Night

One of my favorite things about coming home for Christmas is snow. I wanted it to snow this year so badly for Kinley. We bought her a snowsuit and kept our fingers crossed that she would get to use it. Luckily, last night we got about 2 inches. Not much, but I didn't want to risk not getting pictures of her in her snow suit :) Here a few of my favorites . . . 

CLICK HERE & SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM FOR MORE PICS :)

'

Who doesn't love Christmas lights?

Another favorite tradition for our family is the John Deere (Reynolds Farm) Christmas Display. We love to snuggle into our pajamas and pile into the car to drive through the display. This year was so much more fun to have Kinley with us. Honestly, she is only 10 months so I really didn't think she would know what was going on or even stay awake during the ride over. I was so excited and surprised to see how excited she got! 

Now it REALLY feels like Christmas :)

I love Christmas time, spending time with family/friends, winter, snow etc. But it always officially feels like Christmas once I am with my grandparents. We have had every Christmas with them since I can remember. Last year I was unable to travel due to being too far along in my pregnancy. Immediately after Kinley was born in the end of January, my grandfather passed away. Due to my grandparents age and now my grandmothers age, an 8 hour car trip is not possible anymore. Therefore, every December for the last few years we pick them up by plane. 

I was extra excited today because I was able to go see my Pawpaw's grave. Since Kinley was so young (about 2 weeks old) when my grandfather passed, I wasn't able to go to the funeral. So as bittersweet as it was, I wanted Kinley to meet him and know how special he was to me and always will be.

Those of you that know my father, know that he loves to fly and does so as much as possible. His name to Kinley is "Poppy." Kinley surprised him with a special shirt to wear for our trip today thanks to Monogramme Maison and their super cute custom clothing :) 

Doing a little reading before takeoff :) 

 Visiting Pawpaw 

My favorite moment . . . . Walking up the columbarium I was trying to explain to Kinley how special her great-grandfather was to me. Before showing her where he was located she immediately reached up and touched it and rubbed it by herself.