A couple of fun weeks...

We flew in yesterday from Ohio. While we couldn't wait to see DH, who had been in Greece (photos soon) with his father these past two weeks, I was dreading saying goodbye to my family. I hate goodbyes. I hate them so much that I start worrying about the day I leave from the day I arrive. That's not good, huh?Anyway, we had a wonderful time opening Christmas presents, playing in the snow, spending time with loved ones and throwing my parents a surprise 30th Anniversary party.My sister and I have always loved the American Girl dolls but they've always been way out of our price range. So last year we decided that we would not get birthday, Pascha or Christmas gifts for each other. Instead we'd save all that money and get each other an American Girl doll and we'd give them to each other when I came to visit. {I think this is the rule for us now} Let me tell you I felt like a kid in a candy store as I flipped through the American Girl catalog, already worn out from months of browsing!It was so hard to choose! I ended up choosing Ruthie because I think she's really cute and because I have an aunt who passed away several years ago, who I love dearly, and she was named Ruthie.Geri chose Nellie because she already had Samantha from when the doll line first came out and they're a pair. She likes to collect them with their proper friends and collections, which if you're a collector makes sense. I, on the other kind, don't really care about their collections, I just choose the dolls and accessories I like.We sat around that night with moose munch, popcorn snowmen (recipe will be posted soon) and hot chocolate and had an American Girl marathon. We sat around in our pajamas all night watching Samantha, Felicity and Kit's movies while brushing their hair and giggling like schoolgirls. There's nothing like sisters...

Here we are with them!

My parents and grandmother also bought us a few accessories for them. I got Kit's winter coat, typewriter and school bag. Geri got Samantha and Nellie's winter coat and mitten sets. As expensive as the dolls are their accessories are fairly reasonable. If we ever have little girls they'll have a nice collection when they're old enough {like thirty ;)} to take care of them.We had so much fun playing in the snow. Ace went out as soon as we got there and everyday thereafter, except the 2 days we all had the flu (not fun). Lucky cried at first but once we took him inside he cried to go back out. My brother came out to help save what was supposed to be our snowman. It was 10 degrees out and because it was so cold the snow wouldn't pack and we had trouble rolling it into balls. He turned out pretty cute though, if I do say so myself. :) Here are some pics:We all looked forward to the mugs of hot chocolate overflowing with whip cream and chocolate sprinkles that awaited us when we went back inside!

We also celebrated my parent's 30th Anniversary, which was a few months ago, by throwing them a surprise party. My parents still act like two lovestruck teenagers, it is the sweetest thing in the world. My parents have shown me that you don't need everything to be happy. Through all of the difficulties they've faced in their life, they are always so happy and full of love.We bought them matching champagne glasses and little cake with a wedding topper. They never had a big, fancy wedding and even though the party wasn't big or fancy either, it didn't have to be. We were surrounded by friends and family and the love they have for each other penetrated the room and touched each one of us.Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad! Thank you for showing us that fairy tales do come true!

Ace was sleeping when we took this photo (and for most of the party). The boys both just got over the flu and I was still vomiting when we got there. (Sorry if that's too much info for ya') :)The day we left Ace must've said goodbye to Mr. Snowman a dozen times. I told him next time we're there we'll be enjoying eating cotton candy and apple dumplings at the county fair... See you then Ohio!