Snowshoe

This past week we traveled to Snowshoe to get in a little ski time. We arrived to rain and left to over 8 in of new snow! We had a wonderful time but honestly don't know where the time went! We went home to Charleston for the evening first and then spent 4 nights on the mountain. It was fantastic!

In Charleston, Eric says 'hi' to Rusty (aka 'old dog')

He then decides to decorate Nana with stickers

On the mountain, giving Nana a wake-up call! What a good way to start the morning!

Marisa and Nana wave hello to the camera

Eric (in his long johns) tries on his dad's shoes

Ready to go outside!

Tim takes Eric for a walk on the slope Eric's favorite part of the weekend - the Magic Carpet!

He went 3 times in all, and loved every second (and threw a fit when we left!)
Sunset on the slopes, before dinner
I wish I could remember what they were talking about! Eric has moved from calling Dad "Papa" to "Papa Boo" (Bill).

Marisa and Nana went tubing!

Here comes Marisa down the hill - weeeeeee!

Chuck E Cheese and Valentine's Day

We hit a new milestone this month - we ventured to Chuck E Cheese! Our playgroup visited, noting that there was a "Toddler Area". The so-called area wasn't very big, but it had a slide which kept the kids happy. We then ventured out into the rest of the place and it was fun! A little overwhelming at times, and probably will be much more fun when they're older, but we still had a good time.

We then had a great Valentine's Day (despite Christmas PJs), where Eric got a new 'choo choo' from cousin Ashton. He takes it around everywhere and it has quickly become the best toy in the house (thank you again, A!).

Eric tried his hand at Skee Ball
And then got to ride in the car with Stewart Little

Valentine's Day, opening a few gifts
What a charmer!

Finishing the day by reading a book with Elmo slippers on

Grammy & ...Grumpy?

These were the terms that Grandma gave themselves when they visited with us in early February. We'll see if they actually stick! (or maybe we'll just stick with grandpa). :) We got to visit Graeter's and Eric had a wonderful time on the slides...over and over and over and over...

January

Can you believe it's already February? Where has time gone? Well, the last few weeks have been hard for us. Eric has been sick; turns out he had a bad cold that turned into an ear infection. At first the doctor thought it might be whooping cough (and here's my shameless plug - PLEASE have your children vaccinated! It affects all of us!), but it was 'only' a bad cold with cough. Nevertheless, Eric is now on medication and feeling much better....make that we're ALL feeling much better. :)

On to the pictures! January was a very fun month. We had a lot to celebrate: Eric's friend Elyn turned 2, we had lots of snow to play in, and have kept ourselves busy around the house.

Elyn samples some of her birthday cake. Yum!

The playgroup gang poses for a picture with their new conductor hats. (Elyn's theme was Thomas the Train)

Tim and Eric had a lot of fun playing in the snow. Tim showed him how to make a snowball and then we built a snowman.

"Im taking you down, snowman!" So, maybe we got a little cabin feverish in the last few weeks. Here, Eric demonstrates how to sit in a box....a shoebox. Should I put the lid on?

And here, Eric got into the stickers and decided to decorate himself.

We also introduced something this month that has caused a lot of anxiety for everyone involved - the potty! Right now it's just a "prop" in the bathroom. Eric will occassionally sit on it (pants on) but neither he nor I are ready to tackle that obstacle. Nevertheless, it's time he starts to wash his hands after he goes 'potty'. So now if he even sits on the potty he gets to wash his hands - a great prize. Hopefully that part will continue! Going up and down the steps and playing in water is great fun....

The potty stands alone....for now.