McDistance

Audrey and Violet show-off their matching doll pajamas.

There is more sun in the sky each day, and it is helping with the constant barrage of snow and ice and freezing temperatures we continue to face.  Next week promises a string of days with temperatures above freezing, which is the first I can remember in quite a while.

Here are the girls playing with snow in the kitchen, as it was too cold to go outside and play.  At the time of this picture, they were also listening to the  Frozen soundtrack.  Brrrrr.

My mother is visiting from Alaska.  She is making a journey from visiting her brother in Central America and then taking some time to see my sister in Washington, DC.  She took the train from DC to us, so I am happy to let her have the chance to sit and rest and see her grandchildren.  We haven't seen her since this summer when Audrey and I were in Haines.

Audrey and Violet still demand a ride on Sandy, the mechanical horse, every time we are at the grocery store.  Rid 'em cowgirls!  

The last week or so has been filled with watching the Winter Olympics and trying to muster enthusiasm for the events.  I have little tolerance for commercials, so the way these games are edited and presented for public consumption have been frustrating, to say the least.  I truly believe that watching mainly events where the United States is in contention for a medal is beyond egocentric and really does not present an accurate or fair portrayal of the Olympics.  I am all for cheering one's own country, but I also like to see the best in the world perform and compete, no matter what their nationality.  Oh well, I am sure McDonalds and all of the other sponsors will take it into consideration after another four years.

Making cookies at Granny's in South Bend.

The girls are enjoying spending time with their grandmother.  It reminds me that we live far away from my side of the family, spread across the country.  There are both positives and negatives about this.  Of course it is difficult to not be able to visit whenever we like or have family over.  The holidays are also difficult, as there is a feeling that there are only so many pictures of our daughters we can send.  It is nice, though, because seeing family makes us appreciate how special it truly is to be in the same room together, even if it is only for a brief time.  As time moves forward, I realize more and more the importance of being able to reach out and take the opportunities to spend time together, or to find the time to visit or communicate.

Audrey and Violet watch a movie with Attle on her first day of visiting.  

Either way, I find myself here, on a Sunday morning, surrounded by family.  I am happy...content.    The coffee is brewing and the day that lays ahead of us is endless in possibilities.  It is ours for the taking, and whatever we decide to do is just fine by me.  The thing about it is that we are together, now, making the most of the opportunities that surround us...maybe some McDonalds later when we watch the Olympics and cheer for the USA.  :-)

-a

Audrey sporting her fake teeth Attle brought as a gift.  I'm glad to have a dental plan through work!  

The girls on Valentine's Day with some little gifts.  

A Violet among the Roses on Valentine's Day.