not so scrapping weekend

This weekend, I set off on one of my "suite retreat" scrap-booking weekends.  I began doing these with Julie's sister Laura a few years ago.  This weekend I invited Tracy to join me with Laura.  It was a horrible to day to drive Friday.  The trip to Columbiana (that usually takes me 1.5 hours) took over 2.5 with several cars off the road.  Tracy laughed as I would yell "ahhhhhhh" when switching lanes in the snow.
Tracy thought that "scrapbooking" was a code for a girls weekend away and I teased her when I found out she didn't bring anything to work on.  I planned on working on getting this blog ready to print for 2012.  So all I needed was my laptop.   When we arrived, would you believe it, my laptop didn't make it.  I somehow managed to leave it in the garage right before we left.
So, instead of working on what I had planned.... we did indeed make it a relaxing, girly weekend.  From visits to the inn's hot tub, to a Twilight movie marathon, to mani's and pedi's at the local mall, to great meals.... our weekend was fun and a comedy of errors.  In some ways, I know that God works in mysterious ways, and it was His plan that I not have my laptop this weekend.

scared during the drive!

we don't STOP in Columbiana.... we WHOA!

 NOT our room................................ and what our room looked like!

 

 girls being silly!

NOT

Rockin' Ever After

What a special treat we had for the ladies and little loves.  The Sikora girls went out to Disney On Ice to see Rockin' Ever After.  This year's show featured Ariel, Rapunzel, Merida and Belle.  Of course Mickey and Minnie made several appearances.  The show was amazing and the skaters were really spectacular.  The girls were entranced throughout the show and were caught waving and yelling for their favorite princess!  What a wonderful afternoon!

starting the year off right

So far this year has started out amazing!  We have already had some great times with family and friends that are close to us.  We enjoyed the last of the snow after the holidays with the Millers.  All the kids had some much fun!  We love how the kids get along and it's nice watching the boys a couple of times a week.

 Isa and Kyle had their school field trip to the ice rink.  Gabi was able to come along, and given the girls new ice skating skills, they did great!  I have to say that this year was so much easier.  The girls and Kyle were so independent on the ice.  Fun times!

Isa and one of her teachers!

 Fun times with friends and cousin Chloe!  Love how all the girls enjoy dressing up!

 Celebrating at our neighbor (and Will's buddy) Evan's Angry Bird birthday party!  All the kids had fun and it was fun helping to make the cupcakes!

 Will also lost his 3rd tooth this day!

 

hasta luego Abuelita

Isa said it best when Abuelita left... "see you Sunday".  =)  To the kids, even though Abuelita is physically farther away, she is always close to their hearts.  We had a fun time with her this past month.  I giggled many times listening to Will give my 72 year old mom pointers on Angry Birds.  We loved how Isa HAD to have Abuelita sleep in her room with her!  Abuelita couldn't believe how much older (and temperamental) Gabi was!
As for us, it was nice to have her here helping out.  Tob and I got out many times together and with friends.  I was able to help out several times in Will's classroom helping his teacher with the end of year gifts for the parents.
Now,  I actually had to do my own laundry this week... after a month of Mami doing it for us!  I do not like laundry!  We were blessed to have her stay and visit with us this December.  The kids miss her already, and are trying to convince me we HAVE to get back to Florida! =)