This is the Way We Roll

Once the holidays were over, things quickly got back to "normal".  If you consider normal using static electricity to stick balloons to a wall . . .

. . . or using those same balloons to show what it's going to be like when each of the girls are pregnant (If they end up all being pregnant at the same time I am in trouble!  And not sure why Kate decided she didn't need her skirt anymore and that tights were an acceptable substitute for pants!) . . . 

. . . or having an impromptu jamming session in the middle of Hobby Lobby . . . 

This shopping trip was actually hilarious because Academy Sports is right next door to Hobby Lobby and each of the girls personalities were very pronounced in each store.  You could hardly get Aly out of Academy sports while Lise was bored, but once we went over to Hobby Lobby  Lise was in heaven and Aly couldn't wait to get out of there.  Love how my girls each came with their own strengths and  preferences.  It keeps life interesting.

. . . or creating your own miniature bowling alley with your Littlest Pet Shops. . .  

. . . or making a totally creepy video with shadows.  Well, that's what passes as normal at the O'Gwin home anyway.

Winter decided to show up in January as well and between two snowstorms the girls got 3 days off of school.  Everyone was super excited about the white powdery stuff, except Aly, who was not excited about shoveling. (Actually that look on her face is because she wanted me to jump in the shower instead of taking pictures so I'd be ready to take her to her friend's house once she was done shoveling.  Priorities Aly, priorities.)

Thanks to borrowing snow pants and boots from when I was growing up from my Dad, the girls actually had some decent snow gear this year and so they were able to play outside for an hour or two instead of just 15-20 minutes before getting too cold.  And they certainly made the most of it.  There were snow thrones and tunnels, snowball fights and sledding, miniature snowmen and snow angels.  Lotsa good outdoor fun.  (And it was even sunny!)

 

When it was time to go back to school there was just enough snow left for Kylie's Kindergarten class to have a "Snow Day."  Here is a picture of the snowman they made.  Super fun. 

January was also full on swim season.  Aly did well but was still recovering from her foot injuries.  She swam in multiple relays and the freestyle, but the breaststroke was her favorite.

Also in January Aly randomly decided to get her ears pierced.  Peer pressure.  That's all I'm going to say.

Lise decided to try putting her creative juices into a new vein in January.  She tried out for an all children's cast version of Alice in Wonderland and made it!  There's a traveling company that puts the show together and it is quick and intense.  You try out on Monday, practice Tuesday through Thursday, and perform on Friday and Saturday.  Super fun experience for Lise to get to see if she likes the theater.  She was the 4 of Hearts and did a fantastic job!

Of course, the creative juices were still flowing at home as well.  Lise sketched these pictures of Mickey and Minnie free handed from looking at a picture on the computer.  Awesome!

Also, one day Kate and Kylie were complaining that nothing ever comes for them in the mail.  Next thing you know there is a knock and a package waiting at the front door for Kate and Kylie.  The contents included 2 stuffed animals, a letter, and coupons ("Leave Me Alone Lise" coupon, "Get one of Lise's Candies" coupon, etc.)  Having Lise in our home certainly keeps things entertaining.

And finally we are so proud of Lise for passing off her 13 Articles of Faith and earning a gigantic cookie!

Kate, of course, was up to her usual antics in January as well.  First of all, she discovered that her name is actually a mathematical equation.  Kate --> K8 --> 1< 8 (One is less than 8 = Kate!)

Next, she lost another tooth, but in her generosity decided to donate money to the Tooth Fairy fund instead of asking for money herself.

And finally, this is Kate's new tactic for "getting the air out of the bottom" whenever we put in a new garbage sack.  Gotta love the Kater Bug.

January has been good for Kylie as well.  She is having one bang up of a Kindergarten year, that's for sure.  For the 100th Day of School we had to make a T-shirt for them to wear with 100 things on it.  (And yes, I drew that watermelon slice with 100 seeds on it and am very proud of it, thank you very much! ;)>)  She got a necklace with 100 Fruit Loops on it, made a gumball machine with 100 gumballs and a host of other things.  (In February they are having a "Hibernation Day" where they get to bring in a sleeping bag "cave" & wear their PJ's to go along with Groundhog's Day.  The fun never ends!)

Kylie also continues to entertain us with some stellar quotes of the week:

The following is a conversation I had with Kylie during the sacrament -
Kylie - Is sacrament over?
Me - No, we still need to get the water.
Kylie - This is so long when you don't let me do anything!
Me - You're supposed to be thinking about Jesus.
Kylie - But I can't!  I can only think about butterflies!
Me - Well, Jesus made butterflies so you should think about how grateful you are that Jesus gave us butterflies.
Kylie - And Unicorns!!

And I overheard Kylie telling this to an adult.

Kylie - My Dad speaks another language.  Tortilla language!

Fun with friends over

Unfortunately January was not all fun and craziness.  Chris' Dad passed away on January 15th.  While not completely unexpected, it was very sudden and you're just never ready for something like that.

Carl was such a great Father-in-law and Grandpa to the kids.  I have great memories of his big bear hugs, him helping me plant tomato plants and install a drain at the back of my house while Chris was deployed, taking my kiddos on snowmobile rides and 4-wheeler rides, building amazingly intricate woodwork pieces including an entertainment center, hide-a-bed, shelving in the den, kitchen drawers, steps in the yard and more!, how obsessed he was with the soup and salad at Olive Garden (and the breadsticks!) and his good-natured laugh and how contagious it was (and hearing the bustless bust story! Ha!)  He is definitely going to be missed.

Chris' Mom with her 6 surviving children

Chris flew out to be with family and help with funeral preparations.  From what it sounded like, even though it was a sad occasion, there was much reminiscing, joking around, and retelling of funny memories.  Well, so maybe there was a little fun and craziness going on even there. The picture above says it all. But I think that's a good thing.  It is so, so therapeutic when something like this happens to just be able to get together with your family and know that everybody loves each other and laugh. And cry. And laugh again.  Whatever you need.  You know you've got each other and that sustains you.

Right after coming home from the funeral, Chris had to turn right back around and head out to a school in Kansas for Battalion Command prep.  Awesome that he had a chance to attend the temple there.  Can't wait to have my hubby back again.

Au Revoir, January! Hasta La Vista!  Until Next Year!