Longing for summer

January and February are often tough months for our family. The holidays are over, but winter is not. It's cold (though not as cold here as some other places I've lived). It takes twenty minutes to get everyone bundled up and in the car to go to the grocery store. Inversions settle over the valley and we have high pollution levels in our air for a good portion of these months. Playing outside is limited. These circumstances often lead to some stir crazies. The Boy is not taking this lying down. Last month I purchased some flip flops for him (yes, I bought flip flops in January because last year I waited until March and they were difficult to find). He has been asking to wear them nearly every day since then. I keep telling him it's too cold and, as proof, that there is snow on the ground. Today, we had no snow in our yard. It is still a brisk 40 degrees outside, but he pointed out that with no snow it was probably warm enough for flip flops. We compromised. He got to wear his flip flops inside today and he couldn't be happier. Weather forecast for tomorrow? Snow and 32 degrees. At least it should clean out the air!

Little Ainsley Lou Who...

...who is not quite two!

But at nearly 17 months she finally has enough hair to put it up. And while this particular style makes her look a lot like a Who, it keeps her hair out of her eyes!

Ainsley is already quite the clothes horse. She tries on several outfits every morning. This is how I find her every day after breakfast...
and this is how I find the kids' rooms...

but she is such a sweetie...
She loves to rock and read stories. She will actually rock her baby doll, sing to it and feed it a bottle, but I can't seem to get a picture of it to save my life! She loves graham crackers and bananas, rubbing food all over, well, anything, and chasing The Boy. Just thought you all might like to know :)