We Made It

...through our first Michigan winter! It felt long. Everyone agreed with us. It felt cold. Bitterly cold. And it was.

 Getting to know this blue-eyed boy filled a lot of our time, day and night! 

 We ventured outside when the temps were above 20 degrees but never for long - Lucy wanted to stay outside longer, Michael was (usually) in tears within 3 minutes of being outside (Texas born?!) and we had to go out during Gordon's naps - he wasn't a fan of the cold ether.  

(We have better hopes for outside play this upcoming year... proper coats and boots have been purchased)

 We had a lot of PJ days in the house (more than I'd like to admit). 

 This kid didn't complain about staying in his PJs all day. :) 

 When we did venture out of the house - one of our favorite places to go was Impression 5, the children's science museum here in Lansing. They have such fun indoor (warm) activities for the kids to do. Always a fun way to get out some wiggles and run around. 

 Gordon - the third wheel on a few date nights! :)

 Painting was a favorite activity of the kid's - here they wanted to paint paper bowls to make leprechan hats (what? - where'd they get that idea I'll never know. I love their creativity.)

 When the snow started to melt we raced outside as fast as we could!

 Lucy and I went to our first Play together with some friends of ours, it was a Jr High production of Pinkalicious. Here's Lu with her sweet buddy Lorelei, all decked out in PINK! 

 Snuggling with this kid was a highlight of the winter. Body heat? Happy heart? Yes. 

The kids dreamed of the summer-time! Playing "beach" was something that happened often.

Another indoor activity: Fort building! Our living/dining room and kids bedroom were often commandeered for this creative play. :) 

I made these cool "fort blankets" out of an old sheet and a few baby blankets - they've made the actual "fort building" process much easier for the kids! :) All it is is a button hole and ribbon - try it!

 Snuggling in blankets was encouraged - passing time in the winter cuddled up on the couch was wonderfully relaxing. Especially when there was a book or two involved.  

Mommy and Daddy's bed was also a fun place to cuddle up as a family. These kiddos... so sweet. I love how they love each other. 

 We explored the Fredrick Meijer Gardens during their butterfly exhibit in the early spring during a visit to Grand Rapids. 

 Michael insisted on wearing his rain coat, which was 3/4 sleeved length on him! Ha!

 It felt heavenly inside the humid and warm room where the butterflies were. Haha - never thought I'd say that humidity was heavenly. :) 

 During that same trip to Grand Rapids we also visited the Children's Museum - it was a fun day. 

 The arrival of spring gave everyone in our family a renewed excitement about life! The winter blues aren't a joke friends! (vitamin D is on the strategy list for this upcoming winter!) 

I'm writing this in late October and as our second Michigan winter approaches, I'm gearing up for it with a sometimes pessimistic but trying to be optimistic attitude. We'll visit the library and Impression 5 often - and bible study is a weekly time to get out of the house. I feel more settled in our house this year and don't have an infant in the house anymore. I feel a little more confident in our routine and my ability to corral three kids out of the house. We'll survive, I'm confident of that. :) Do you have any make-it-through winter tips?