Inspired...

Sullivan was feeling a bit inspired today and wanted to go paint pottery.  We tried talking Quinn into joining us, but she had other plans.  

We each painted jewelry dishes.  Sullivan painted smiley faces on hers and mine had a sunflower...

We had a fun time painting and chatting and tapping into our artsy side today.  Now we wait to see what the final product will look like once it is fired.

Hung Up...

It's been nearly 5 months since we moved in, and as a general rule, we are settled in.  That said, we continue to tackle projects around here.  One project that has been hanging over our heads is Sullivan's clipboard wall.  If you remember, her wall in Indiana looked like this...

After some serious deliberation, Sullivan wasn't sure that she wanted her clipboards up anymore.  She said the wall was too busy, too colorful, too chaotic.  That idea broke my heart because I love that clipboard wall.  So we put our heads together and replaced all her quotes with designs we created with cohesive colors and that softer look she was hoping for.

After hours of designs and some elimination of designs/quotes that we didn't like, these are the 32 designs we settled on...

The next part was the hard part... Ryan had to install those 32 clipboards.

Tessa decided to take on the role of supervisor.  Thankfully Ryan didn't need much supervision, because Tessa was sleeping on the job.  Some supervisor she makes!

I have to say that I LOVE the finished product... it is a beautifully, more sophisticated approach to the clipboard wall that I love so much.  

Sullivan is beyond the moon happy with the wall, but is already planning the next great project in her room!  In time, dear Sulla!

 

Southern Winters...

Last week the weather forecasters were calling for snow on Friday.  Everyone was in a frenzy and grocery stores were emptied in preparation.  As Friday approached, the weather was supposed to roll in during the late afternoon, early evening hours.  That didn't stop the school system from closing their doors and giving the girls a three day weekend.  

At 3:00, the weather looked a little something like this at our house...

As you can see,  it was terrible weather.  Hard to travel in, and definitely cause to cancel school.  

In their defense, the snow did hit that evening, long after the school day would have ended.  We woke up to the most beautiful 2-3 inches of snow.  

Drone footage of the neighborhood taken by a neighbor...

The weather warmed up and the snow started to melt.  The streets are definitely drivable today (dry in most areas) and it is business as usual.  Or is it...?!

This afternoon we got the message...

You read that right.  The snow melted.  The streets are cleared.  Life is back to normal.  But school is closed - making that a four day weekend for the girls.  I guess that is what living in the South during winters has in store for us.

Some Nights...

 Some nights are good for popcorn, Legos and a good movie...

If you haven't seen Disney's Encanto yet, you are missing out!

The Week of Quinn...

Last week Quinn had finals for her first semester classes.  That means she was home by 11 o'clock each day.  It was such a great week spending the afternoons with her and we managed to fill up her time.  

One afternoon she went to the eye doctor.  She was thrilled to get updated contacts... oh the simple joys.

Another highlight of the week, thanks to Auntie and Uncle's Christmas gift, Quinn was the recipient of another set of holes in her head.  

Quinn was beyond excited to get a second set of ear piercing.  I may be biased, but I think they look fabulous!

The week was also filled with Quinn driving... you read that right!  

Quinn started (and subsequently finished) her driver's education Behind the Wheel training this week.  Now we just have to wait for her DMV appointment in late February to officially get that permit!

The week of Quinn was filled with lots of happy.  If only we could have these afternoons together every week!  

Special Visitors...

After leaving SD and driving back to Indy, we had special friends follow us from Indy back to NC to visit us.  Sullivan's best friend, Maddy, along with Maddy's mom and Grandma Sue came to stay with us for a few days.

There was lots of time hanging out.  Just look at the smiles and the laughter from these two.  Melt my heart.

We toured the town and showed the ladies our cute town.  We couldn't pass up the new creamery that just opened up... it lived up to the hype!

We placed lots of games...

We rang in the New Year and were happy to welcome 2022 with some great friends..

We didn't make it much past midnight, but I can attest that we did in fact stay up for the ball dropping.

We played mini golf at our favorite spot...

Someone MAY have gotten hit on the head by a flying golf ball from another group nearby.  Poor thing.

Despite the golf ball (pun intended) on her forehead, we made the best of it and had a great time.  And maybe for the first time in forever, I won!  Wahoo.

One evening, Maddy, Sullivan and I took in a movie and saw Sing 2.  The movie was fabulous but my company was even better.

The time was short but we made the most of the time together.  These girls are thick as thieves and the best of friends.  I'm so happy that the hundreds of miles that now separate us haven't separated their friendship.

Christmas with the Cousins...

As tradition has it, we started the week by celebrating Grandma Jane's birthday...

One evening we took a party bus around town to look at Christmas lights... a few may have gotten a bit car sick, but it was still a blast.  It was great to have everyone in one spot celebrating and taking in the lights together.

The annual Christmas pajamas did not disappoint this year...

While the pajamas themselves were a big hit, the confetti stuffing in the gift bags was an even bigger hit...

Lots of fun, lots of mess, but lots of memories made...

Cousin time and family time throughout the week was good for the soul.  It was low key but full of fun and laughter.  

Lots of puzzle time...

There was game time and movie watching...

We spent time just hanging out...

And lots of time spent on Crew's new gift... the Oculus, a virtual reality machine.  

Christmas morning started early.  Before we headed over to the Kempers, the girls opened a few stocking stuffers.

Present opening started early, but was so filled with joy and squeals of excitement...

Christmas day flew by in an instant.  The presents were unwrapped, the day was spent lounging in pajamas and playing with new toys and gifts.  Our bellies will filled with amazing food and our hearts were full.  We were together celebrating a great holiday with the ones we loved.  

Sadly the week flew by just as fast but the memories and time cherished for time to come.