The basement's done!

Christopher has been working so hard these last few months, but he's gotten the basement almost done! He has just a few tiny things to do, but his bar is built, his bookshelves complete and he even got the steps stained this past weekend. Everything looks FANTASTIC! Here's a glimpse of his handiwork.

In the meantime, we've been having fun, despite the craziest winter in a LONG time!!

We were supposed to have my grandma, aunt and parents over for lunch but snow cancelled so just my parents made the trip.

Madeline has a new favorite food--hash browns!

Having breakfast together before grocery shopping. We were going to eat in McDonald's but it was honestly so cold we decided to just drive-thru it.

We did tot time at Chik Fil A and had a lot of fun. I spoke with a woman for awhile who was really nice. On the way out, Maddie randomly asked her for some hash browns. She laughed and bought her some. I of course tried to refuse but she said Maddie was just the sweetest, most polite little girl. Then, I found out this woman was a regional director for Chik Fil A. So I let her get the hash browns.

Enjoying her hash browns. This was after our lesson on taking food from strangers. Or asking strangers for things. 

This is an old pic I found on Chris's phone. Thought it was too cute not to share. Maddie adores her big cousin.

The girls doing their lessons. HAHAHA.

Maddie doing her art. I've already faxed samples to the El Prado and The Louvre.

Even though we've been making the most of the bitter cold and snow, we've still gone a little mad.

Come on Summer!! 

SLEDDING!!

Kyle and Danielle came over this weekend and brought their sleds. I wasn't sure how Maddie would do, but she LOVED it.

I want a pink snow suit!

Come on Mads, get ready!!

Not sure WHAT is going on in this picture, but I'm hoping it's not a kiss!

Kyle and Hudson went first.

Then Maddie and I.

Stella went NUTS. She watches over the girls so she was a little wild trying to keep us all safe.

It was so much fun....until Maddie and I WIPED OUT!

She didn't cry or anything. She just jumped up, dusted herself off and was ready to go again with daddy.

We had left Sydney inside in her swing so I went in after two times down the hill. I told Chris to keep an eye on Madeline. I peeked out the window and she is on THIS CONTRAPTION BY HERSELF. I guess this is why a girl needs a daddy. Because I would have not let her on that by herself until she was at least 16.

After sledding, we ate some chili and the kids took a bath.

Maddie told us she was wearing a dinosaur diaper. So, of course, Hudson put on a bear diaper.

And they waddled, screaming through the house.

Worn out!!

Time for your check-up...

Last week, I took both girls to the doctor for their four month and three year check-ups. Everything was just dandy!

Sydney girl

Weight: 12 lbs, 10 ounces (20%)

Height: 24 inches (30%)

Maddie cakes

Weight: 27 lbs (11%)

Height: 35 inches (6%)

I have a sinking suspicion that one day Maddie will be looking up to her little sister!!

Playdoh mani's and the winter blues

Jeepers. It is cold. Cold Cold Cold! Unfortunately, Maddie is a lot like me. We both go STIR CRAZY after too long indoors. We have been snowed (or iced) in a few days and boy have we done it all!!

Given ourselves playdoh manicures...

Painted

Played doctor with Sydney

Fortunately, her blood pressure and heart beat checked out great.

Yes, in case you are wondering. Sydney is the most patient baby of all time. She literally sat there while Maddie gave her a full check-up. 

We made some puppets!

We did construction paper mosaics.

I literally pulled THAT out of nowhere. Remember doing those in school? Turns out, Maddie just wanted to play with a glue stick. So, I cut up a bunch of construction paper and she glued it on the page.  

We were fortunate one day for cousin Addie to come over. Madeline loved playing with her and has asked me about 5,483 times if she was coming back. 

Little Sydney is doing great--growing, growing, growing! She was sleeping about 8-10 hours a night and then we tried to stop swaddling and it got a little cray cray. Last night she slept from 9-4 (arms out of the swaddle, but legs in) so hopefully we can get her back up to great nights! She does like to take a little evening cat nap...no matter the spot!!

She's getting really adept at using her feet for things.

We had one nicer day and we took Maddie to the mall to burn off some steam at the play land. Except, they got these really cool chairs so she just proceeded to play on them. 

Whenever we do venture out, we bundle Sydney up!

We are really looking forward to summer in the Hughes house!