Snow and more snow!

Dallas had no real winter weather until the bitter end of the season, then we got walloped with two big snow storms back to back at the very end of February and the beginning of March.  The March snow storm brought up to six inches of snow in some parts of the Metroplex.  (I was less than a week from my due date and had visions of driving to the hospital in a snow storm.  Little did I know, Hattie had no plans to go anywhere!)

Snow Day #1 (which was more of an ice storm, really):

We live on a hill, and people always underestimate it in snow and ice.  Some fool gunned it trying to get up the hill, spun out, crossed the road, jumped the curb, and hit the utility pole in front of our house, tearing up a chunk of our lawn in the process.  Some neighbors called the police, but the guy took off.  Here's Chris chatting with a cop and a fireman.  (Having a police car and firetruck parked in front of our house was pretty exciting stuff for Scarlett and Max, as you could imagine.)

Making snow ice angels.

Hello down there!

Snow Day #2 less than a week later:

The kids and I decided to head down to the golf course to check out the scene.  (Note that I was 9 1/2+ months pregnant while the kids trekked and I waddled around in this; I deserve some serious "trooper" brownie points for that one.)

Next snow day we'll have another little snow bunny with us!

Scarlett's turns FIVE!

Scarlett's big birthday present this year was a playhouse.  It has working windows, a cute cedar shingle roof, a window box for flowers, and is even painted to match our house.  Here's Scarlett, Max, and Hudson watching the guy who built it set it up.  The always nosy Winnie had to keep close tabs on him and had forest green touch-up paint all over her ears and nose when it was all said and done.

Here's our little cupcake on her big day.

Helping Mommy put together the table and chairs for the playhouse.

A few more shots of the brand new five-year-old with her brand new playhouse.

When Daddy came home it was time for more presents and dinner at (where else?) Gloria's -- Scarlett's favorite.

Showing off her cups, plates, and silverware for the playhouse.

Scarlett's 5th Birthday Bowling Bash

On the agenda for Scarlett's fifth birthday -- BOWLING!  We had her party at Bowl & Barrel, a bowing alley/restaurant/bar across from NorthPark Center.  

Bowling ramps, bowling pin bottles filled with lemonade, and bowling shoes in the appropriate sizes were ready and waiting for the kids' arrival. 

Five years old, hard to believe!

Cookie party favors.

How great is this cake?

Scarlett has no idea who Justin Bieber is, which is probably for for the best.  Still funny, though.

Goofing off with Daddy before the guests arrive.

They're here!

Scarlett and Merritt.

Smiley Blythe.

Cousin Jordan and Jennifer.

Moral support from Merritt.

How cute are these little ladies?  Stella, Scarlett, Merritt, Riley, and Naomi.

In stark contrast to the ladies' orderly photo above, here are the boys from Scarlett's Pre-K4 class in all of their crazy, karate chopping glory.

Mimi and Papa Tig.

Amy and BB.

Aunt Brenda and Grandma.

Sweet spontaneous hug from Maxwell.

Merritt decided to get in on the action.

I have no idea why BB is doing "the claw" above Scarlett's cake.  By the look of it, neither do Max or Scarlett.  

It has long been established that Scarlett does not like a room full of people staring at her and singing happy birthday.  Yet we do it every year.  You're welcome, Scarlett.  I look forward to your scowl at your sixth birthday party and every birthday after that.

There's that pretty smile.

Sweet friends.