In some ways I am loving this winter El Nino weather, but the lack of sledding bums me out a bit. I would have loved to bring Ruby out to experience the snow since this is the first year she is developing lasting memories. Yesterday, it was so warm that I decided we could go walk at Turnbull. So good to breathe the fresh air after being stuck inside for weeks. Although it the water was covered in ice and there was very little wildlife around us, it still had a beauty all of it's own. It was a short walk, about 1.5 miles.

Elsie has been all about clapping these days, she claps more than ever. She is also dancing to the beat of music by rocking back and forth or bouncing up and down. I have noticed lots and lots of laughing and playfulness coming out too. Mike is loving how her interaction is increasing everyday. Yesterday, Mike was taking a bag of almonds and putting them on top of his head to get her to laugh, and when he put them down on the table she took the bag and tried to put it on her head too. She is definitely mimicing us more and more, especially to be silly or get a reaction.

Ruby is sure growing up, she is trying to do more and more on her own. I keep catching her taking a chair to the snack cupboard and taking things down. She also uses it to get her crafts down from the closet or on the book shelf. Usually when she goes to use the bathroom, she needs help with her pants to get them back up. Yesterday she didn't even ask for help at all and was trying to button/zip them on her own.

Mike is starting to feel better after a bout of leg pain. It just keeps coming back yearly since 2006. So scary, it is almost debilitating at points. I am so thankful that he is feeling much better today. It is hard with the girls, they just love goofing around with him and rough housing.