Is winter over yet?

Well, we can't really complain, but for a 21 month old being outside is a fantastic adventure. With the cold, dark, wet days we have been out but it requires a long pre-outside routine and Anya is not always game for the whole uniform- hat, gloves, two coats, boots- etc. (And in all honesty I'm not the biggest fan of fighting with the wet noodle to get her dressed to spend 1o minutes out in the rain) BUT we do it- yes we are true North-westerners and enjoy (or tolerate) the great outdoors even in the dog days of winter.

We did escape the grey days a few weeks ago with a trip to Sun Valley, ID. It lived up to its name and gave us 4 gorgeous days of sun and cold weather. The most wonderful part of the whole trip was having Ahma and Bobpop there to watch Anya while Myles and I were able to play. This was the first time I have spent full days away from Anya with what seemed like no responsibility. It is amazing how much freedom it feels like to know I am not in charge of her day. THANK YOU MOM AND DAD!!!!!Unfortunately Anya got sick the second day into the trip and her coughing made for some early mornings but we all coped and managed to ski all day despite our lack of sleep.

After returning home I took Anya to the doctor and she had walking pneumonia. Myles had a sinus infection and I soon followed with a matching sinus infection. The four days of sun were much needed and left us all feeling rejuvenated despite our illnesses.

Updates in Anya's development- she made it on the weight chart at 3% during her 19th month check up. Hooray. She weighs a whooping 21 lbs sopping wet. Her vocabulary is mind boggling. She is speaking in sentences on occasion and loves to sing along to her favorite songs- some being- monkeys jumping on the bed, ba ba black sheep, London bridge, twinkle twinkle little star, and many more. She recites her alphabet and can count to two (we are working on that one- anything after two is just "more")

She continues to amaze us and make us laugh. She is extremely ticklish and loves to be visited by the tickle monster. She often blasts off into rocket ship mode and flies around the house.

Anya spends a good deal of time with her friend Harry and we recently had the whole family up to the cabin. Anya and Harry had a blast and really enjoyed their sink bath together.

Following in her father's footsteps she likes to wake between 5- 5:30am much to my dismay. It is especially gruesome on the weekends- by 9 am we feel we have had a full day. Sheesh.

She is down to one nap and the transition was a struggle and continues to be. She was napping for around 3 hours spread between 2 naps. Now we have a solid hour in the middle of the day- that's it. I have enough time to eat my lunch and check email and then the princess wakes up and wants to color, read, eat, or get naked and poke her belly button.

We recently had another PEPS get together and it seems like only the boys hang out so here is a terrific pic of Anya with her troop of boy- friends!