The Domes

Ah, we had a fun weekend. We weren't all perfectly healthy, as Abigail started with a runny nose, but we felt good. It started on Saturday with a little trip to Ikea, where it's always awe-inspiring, crowded, and you pass by people speaking a foreign language. Call me weird, but it reminded me of Disney World.

After church on Sunday we saw ice sculptures and active artists participate in Wisconsin's State Snow Sculpting Competition in downtown Racine. It was very cold, so we just took one loop around the 10 large sculptures-in-the-making. Some were real wonders. 

Then on Monday, MLK day, Ben had off work so we went to the Mitchell Park Domes. 

 The first dome is the tropical jungle. I soaked in the warm humidity and admired the beautiful environment. Lydia wanted her picture taken in front of the purple star-shaped orchids.

This tree makes 'sausages!'

Abigail & I enjoyed the waterfall.

 Lydia continued her scavenger hunt in the second dome, a desert oasis.

Can't forget about mid morning snack time! Goldfish never disappoint.

 

On to the third dome, the floral gardens with seasonal display. Daddy and Lydia followed the trains as they traveled the railways in the circus town.

Abigail had a laugh in the gardens.

Neat circus elephant

And that's our fun weekend to kick off a fun new year and good health! May a fun year and good health be yours too!

growing...

Look! Abigail's hair is long enough for pig tails now! The fun begins. I really love this stage. She's playing a little more independently, sleeping better, and big enough to give a solid hug to.

She loves pulling up on things and standing, so we're working on walking. She's into peek-a-booing around things now, like this door. I remember Lydia got into this around her first birthday too.

Two of a Kind

 

One of the girls' Christmas gifts from Grandma Jan were these matching handmade knit snowman sweater outfits.

Abigail looks like a cute baby here. She has 6 teeth now even though you can't see any of them
She's into saying "mah!" a lot.

Lydia likes to say "cheese" and forget to look at the camera.

Christmas Eve & Following

 When we got to Grandma Jan & Bruce's house, Abigail found all the pretty decorations right away.

 Went to kid's Christmas Eve service where they invite all the kids to dress up as part of the nativity scene. Lydia was up front for a good while as an angel.

Back at the house, we had dinner and exchanged gifts with the step family and kids.

Before bed, Lydia put out carrots and celery for Santa and his reindeer.

 

A white Christmas means sledding! Lydia was timid last winter, but not this time! She was moving her body weight to go go go! Bruce helped her get back up the hill.

We went to Grandpa & Kathy's on Christmas Day. Had a nice time with Addie, Kathy's parents, and Dan & Kaitlyn.

 

 

After a few days at home, we went to Sarah's to exchange gifts. Abigail had fun playing with the step between rooms. Then we went to Grandma Linda's house and I woke up totally sick. Thanks to Stacy for pulling the girls in the sled in the snow and Mom for giving me a rest. When we all feel good and healthy again, we're going to take a Fun Day!