familySmilestones: January

January has never been one of my favorite months . . . after packing up Christmas, it has always felt like a long 31 days of bitter cold and lots of snow to "get through"! To be honest, I find that it's usually a good month to hybernate. January 2012 has been a different story at our house!

Thanks to an unusually mild January, it was actually 50 degrees on Pinky's birthday. Imagine that! We spent the afternoon outside enjoying the beautiful weather . . . without coats, mittens, hats or boot. AWESOME! I take that back, we did make Bella wear a hat . . . if you call a bike helmet a hat . . . when she cruised around on her new 4-wheeler!

Pinky's birthday party included friends and family (complete with a surprise visit from Grandma and Grandpa); Minute to Win It Games; a butterfly cake; and as many of Pinky's favorite treats and snacks as we could (M&Ms, fruit loops, gold fish, pizza and chips & dip).
In addition, Pinky has started swimming lessons, which means for the last 4 Saturdays (and next 5), we have had the chance to enjoy a nice warm swimming pool, where Pinky is becoming more comfortable and confident in the water. Lessons typically include singing familiar songs incorporating lots of action: kicking, reaching, twirling, splashing, dipping the ears, and blowing bubbles! If you ask her about lessons, she'll quickly reply "ring around the rosie." Evidently one of her favorite songs in the pool.

We've used our shovels a few times this month, but to be honest, I find the few inches of white fluff out thereto be quite lovely . . . I'd much rather look at a little white snow than dead grass . . . and it's way more fun to play in. Pinky enjoys playing outside any chance she can get.

January was a busy month: Birthday party, outdoor adventures, swimming lessons, and visits with family and friends. Hybernation was not on the list this year!