Well, tomorrow is March 1st. I hope I'm not jinxing everyone by saying this but, it seems our first winter in Chicago was pretty much non-existant. I am the last person who would ask for snow but in some ways it's too bad we didn't get more snowy days.
After the one major storm we had in January, Mike built an amazing snowfort in the back yard.
I think he had as much fun building it as Reese had playing in it. Both of them immediately started planning for the next big storm but alas...it never happened. 
Still, we have some great memories.
Even I will admidt that snow is a lot more fun with a toddler around. 
In fact, life in general is a lot more fun with Reese around. She is 22 months now and approaching what some people call the "Terrible Twos". It's a term I dislike because it just means they are pushing for independance and frustrated by their limitations and I don't personally consider that to be terrible. But I admit it can be challenging.
However, Reese is quite the opposite of terrible. She is a delight. She is very verbal and understands so much of what we tell her that we don't have as much conflict as expected. She also continues to be as mellow and pleasant as she was the day she was born.
She is also very funny and likes to entertain us. Sometimes she'll make up songs and sing, but mostly she likes to dance. (Watch to the end to hear her talk.)
She also enjoys cracking herself up.
So, for those of you who were certain we would run back to California at the sign of the first frost, I'm happy to report that we have survived our first "winter". Who knows what we'll have to contend with next year but for now,
However, Reese is quite the opposite of terrible. She is a delight. She is very verbal and understands so much of what we tell her that we don't have as much conflict as expected. She also continues to be as mellow and pleasant as she was the day she was born.
She is also very funny and likes to entertain us. Sometimes she'll make up songs and sing, but mostly she likes to dance. (Watch to the end to hear her talk.)
She also enjoys cracking herself up.
So, for those of you who were certain we would run back to California at the sign of the first frost, I'm happy to report that we have survived our first "winter". Who knows what we'll have to contend with next year but for now,
...bring on the Spring! (or maybe, bring on the swing?) picture taken today: 2/29/2012 - 60 degrees people!!!!!!!!
