clever

If your children are anything like mine, they LOVE to play in the snow. When we had the 'blizzard of 2011' on Tuesday night my kids could not wait to get out and play Wednesday morning.

The thought of getting the kids' snow gear on, plus mine, makes my head hurt. By the time you get one child ready the other is overheated with all that crap on.

So it was time to get creative... bring the outdoors in!

I filled the sink with snow and let the kids have at it. They stood there for over and hour and played quietly!

p.s. disregard the mess behind Abby. When I'm stuck at home I feel a strong urge to bake.

Tip-up

This past Saturday morning, bright and early, Eric and 5 other guys headed north to meet up with 5 others already there, for a great day at Houghton Lake for tip-up time. This is the first year for these guys to spend some time fishing, snowmobiling and 4 wheeling, but tip-up has been around for over 60 years!

I was amazed at all the activities that go on during these 2 cold weekends in January. Just to name a few, there is a carnival, parade, fireworks, polar bear dip, family fun tent, beverage tents and so much more!

I was given limited details of their guys time away, but I do know that Eric had a great time and hopes this is a new tradition.

Eric remembered to take a few pictures with the camera, but most of his pictures were on his phone. You would not believe the sea of people and snowmobiles on the ice!!

More Snow

More snow = more sledding!!! This past Saturday we hooked-up with our good friends, the Dormans, at Church for some family sledding. It was cold and very windy, so we were only there for about an hour. I think the 'adults' did the majority of the sledding, but everyone had a great time! I think next year, I need to invest in another sled. One sled for a family of four is not going to cut it for very long.

Collin and Abby just chillin'

Sledding Party

Finally, there is enough snow to have some fun outside! We have been taking full advantage spending some quality time outside.

A few weeks ago we headed over to my parents for lunch, sledding, and 4 wheeling! Abby was a little leery about being pulled behind the quad, but seeing the other kids having fun... all about peer pressure!

Lori and Eli taking their turn pulling the sledders around the house.

Papa and Audra taking their turn being pulled behind the 4 wheeler
Me and the girls spending a great afternoon in the snow.

CD part 2

Christmas Day part 2 consisted of packing up at my parents, heading home, taking a nap, and then our family gifts. One of Abby's gifts was a car hauling semi truck. I'm not sure if she will get a chance to play with it. She 'made' Eric line up all the cones and help her put all the cars on.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Brogger Family. I am very excited to start a new year. Like most people I have a list of resolutions and goals for the year to come. I don't think I will post online what they are, I might just mention them to my hubby so he can hold me accountable.

Christmas Day 2010

Christmas Day started by sleeping in, piling the kids in the car still in their jammies, and heading over to my parents for a huge brunch with my siblings, spouses and all the kids.

After brunch, before gifts, grandma read the Christmas Story . Only a few of the kids took interest, but it was good for them to hear again why we celebrate this special day.

Papa and the girls checking out some of their new toys.

Christmas Eve 2010

We spent the first half of Christmas Eve relaxing at home, well most of us. Eric had to work in the morning, so it was just the girls and myself. I had a little baking to finish up on for that night so it was nice to have a quiet morning.

After the kids' nap, we headed over to Eric's moms house along with his sister Susan, Bobby and their kids for dinner, dessert and gifts!

Grandma and Meggie having some snuggle time!

Abby, Aaliyah and Megan at the kiddie table finishing up their dessert.

Abby giving the camera a quick smile.