Emma and Ani Love the Pizza Swing

Stillwater Ice Castle

Last night we visited the Stillwater Ice Castle.  The temperatures were in the 30s and the stars were out so it was the perfect night.  We were also very lucky to go when we did because the temperatures had been so warm in the last few days that the company was closing down the ice palace for a period of time.  We were the last group in before it closed.  Both girls were amazed by the dangling icicles and the immense size of the project. 

Analise was comfortable just walking around and seeing the fountains, colorful lights, and ice carvings.  Emma proved more daring and wanted to go on the ice slides.  There was a small slide that she could go on by herself as well as a large slide that Daddy had to go down with her.  For the large slide, the entire slide was covered by a tube of ice.  Mommy and Analise stood at the end of the slide and watched the two daredevils as they came down the tube.  Mommy should have taken a picture of that one, but forgot in all the excitement.  Analise was the first to find Olaf who was tucked into a corner of the castle.  When we tried to take a picture with him the seat was so slippery that the girls had a hard time hanging on.  So glad we went.  Hopefully, the temperatures will drop again so more people can get to see the amazing amount of work put into the display.

Christmas Traditions

This year we hosted Christmas at our house.  Grandma and Grandpa Walczynski joined us for Christmas Eve mass, dinner and present opening.  Our final gift this Christmas was for baby Jesus.  Everyone had to put a slip of paper in a wrapped box that said something they were going to do to be more like Jesus this coming year.  This tradition started because the girls were fighting days before Christmas Eve and Mommy decided to take away one of their presents.  In replacement, she put out the gift to Jesus box.  We plan to keep this box and have everyone add a thought each year.  No slips will ever be taken out of the box.  We also started the tradition of making omelets for Christmas breakfast and letting Daddy sleep in.  Of course board games and pjs will always make the tradition list.

On Christmas day, the Maas family visited our house.  Grandma Jan, Grandpa Bruce, Aunt Becky and Uncle Michael all stayed with us until Tuesday morning.  The girls loved doing puzzles, playing make-believe, playing board games and visiting the Children's Museum with family members.  The girls also got to go on some rides at the Mall of America.

We definitely have "girly" girls in the Maas household.  There aren't many four-year-olds and two-year-olds that Mommy knows who place clothes above toys, but these two love their dresses.  In the past few days, Mommy thinks the girls may have changed at least 30 times.  Pictures were almost impossible to get with multiple family members because the girls were always on the move.

Dance Recital and Winter Program

This year Emma danced to "The Little Mermaid" and "Turtle Rock" for her winter recital.  Analise proudly watched from the audience and even learned the words to some of the dance songs.  Both girls were extremely excited when Santa brought more dance lessons and new leotards for both Emma and Analise.  Now that Analise will be three in February, she can be in the same class as Emma.

The holiday concert with the girls Montessori school got canceled and rescheduled due to snow that never actually showed up.  The girls did enjoy learning lots of new holiday songs that Mom and Dad heard for the entire month of December.

A Visit to Duluth

Prior to the Christmas holiday, the girls went on a trip with their Grandma and Grandpa Walczynski up to Duluth.  They saw the Bentleyville light show and spent some quality time with other Walczynski family members.  The first photos show the girls visiting their Great Aunt Marchie at the Benedictine Health Center.  Emma and Analise have taken to dressing up these days and many  outfits are put on multiple times a day.  I am sure when Emma found a second or two to spare, she was "glizting up" the statute of Mary. Aunt Deb and Cousin Annie joined the girls during the light show and prepared a nice meal for them when they arrived. Besides the lights, there was smore making and tons of winter animal friends to greet. 

Rudolph the Red Rosed Reindeer

Last Sunday we went to see Rudolph at Stages Theater.  The girls loved the show, especially the "Bumble."  Both girls were originally afraid of the large monster that frequently appeared on the stage, but by the end of the performance, he was a favorite.  We are going to watch the TV claymation version of Rudolph this weekend to compare the movie with what we saw on the stage.  Mommy is sure that scenes will be reenacted by the girls throughout the Christmas season.  

Halloween Comes Early to the Maas House

Emma and Ani have taken to using their Halloween costumes every day for the past two weeks.  With princesses visiting daily, Mommy becomes frazzled and tries her hardest to keep the house in good order for their arrival.  While Grandma Jan and Grandpa Bruce visited, they also had a chance to meet the demanding princesses. The picture Grandma Jan took that has Mommy laughing so hard is displayed below.   It appears that Emma has decided to put a magic spell on herself so she can disappear, while Grandpa Bruce sneaks up from behind for a good tickle.

Grandpa playing the part of the prince with magical powers.  Of course all good princes listen to the full instructions provided by their princesses.