Yep. We got one. Not sure what the total inch count was but there was A LOT of snow over Christmas. So much that we didn't make it in to Topeka to see the extended family. Luckily we've got plans to head in on New Years Day so we can see everyone. Even with that disappointment it was an incredible storm. It was also the first real snow fall that Bella could enjoy so we bundled up and took advantage of the weather. It was a true joy to watch Bella play in the snow.Hope all the rest of you Lawrencians enjoyed the weather!
~Trish
After relaxing around the house we decided to brave the blizzard and head over to my parents. Since it kept snowing we ended up spending the night there as well. When we got there Bella was asleep so once she woke up we opened stockings and then tons of presents. 
Bella got her first Reeses peanut butter cup in her stocking, she loved it! 
Handsome Daddy and Beautiful Bella opening gifts. 
Even with all the wonderful presents, the baby spoon took top billing as Bella's favorite toy. 
Beautiful Nana is thrilled to have a new homemade rice bag. I'm not much of a seamstress but I can at least turn these puppies out for great holiday gifts.
After presents we played games, had naps and watched Nana play in the snow. Then Dad and I cooked up a great dinner and we played games until bedtime. It was certainly one of our top 5 Christmas Days. I can't wait to do another small celebration when my Brother gets here.
We had Bella's first birthday party on Sunday and were so lucky to celebrate with many great friends and family. Since our house is a little small for such an event we had the party at the Averill's. It was the perfect setting for the event with lots of room to play. My mom even pulled out my old toys and stuffed animals so it was kind of nostalgic for me. I sadly didn't have any Barbies pulled out since they all seemed to have disappeared......hmmm.....I wonder where ALL my Barbies went? Oh wait, my brother took them to use and abuse them in the name of sh***y puppetry. Note to Will: You owe Bella a crap ton of Barbies, I'd get started on that if I were you!
Opening presents is of course one of the highlights of a good birthday party. It always cracks me up how the older kids tend to take over the opening of presents, we had a blast with help from Megan, Grey, Evey, Jake and of course Mommy. Thanks to all for spoiling Bella with the great toys, books and clothes. 
Not sure what Clint was doing with that clapper.......
Jake gave Bella a basketball that matched his outfit, He was a big fan of that Toy and Grandpa Ric had a blast playing catch with Jake and Keegan. 
A House full of people, We are so lucky to have so many wonderful friends!!
It was fun to watch Evey help with presents since we've been to all of her birthday parties so far. She was also a HUGE fan of Grandpa Ric. When he disappeared into his office for 10 minutes or so she kept asking "where did that tall boy go?" They all loved the duck voice. 
Two of Bella's Fairy Godmothers, Tracy and Laura
The second highlight of any good party is the cake. Bella got her own personal birthday cake to demolish and she was hysterical. I'll take you step by step.Upon presentation, Bella wasn't quite sure what to make of it. 
"Is this ALL for me?"
"Okay, if you say so I'll eat it"
"Whoa, SUGAR!"
And then she went for it!
She wanted to share too, here's some for Nana, Grandpa Boom, and Mimi.
"Mmmmmmm.......Cake........"
All done
After cake the party wined down and we had fun playing with the Jones/Romero family. Evey and Bella played with Bella's new Pony but I think Evey enjoyed the Bow most. 
Three hot ladies! 
After everyone left the Neutebooms and Averills enjoyed dinner and football and Bella fell asleep to Poppie playing the piano and Nana rocking her while Mimi, Eric and I cleaned up. It was a perfect party.
