Winter Weekend

evidence of first 2009 snowfall on our holly bush

After a 67 degree day on Thursday, we had quite a change this weekend with much colder temperatures and our first snowfall of the season. There were lots of wintery and Christmasy things going on around the Gould house:

Friday, Ella and I visited Rob's office where she "send [sent] emails" on his computer, colored pictures, and "drank special soda." She must think this is what he does all day at work (that would be nice)! After work, we headed to the old Wanamaker's store (now Macy's) for their Christmas light show. Ella enjoyed the music and checking out the tall, decorated tree (and going up and down the escalators). We had Ella's favorite dinner (pizza) before walking along Broad Street to get back to our car--the city was lit up.

Ella next to the tree


looking at the presents under the tree
She asked, "Can I open these, please?"

part of the light show


inside of the beautiful Wanamakers' building

Saturday, we did some Christmas shopping before the snow started falling. I didn't take any pictures, but it was a beautiful snowfall--big, heavy flakes (and even better that it didn't amount to tons to shovel).

Sunday, after church, we all went outside to play in the snow. Ella really liked the snow this year and her favorite parts were "making dog prints in the snow" (footprints) and throwing snowballs at Rob and me. When she got cold, we came inside and read some winter books and made Snickerdoodle cookies (thanks, Paulette, for the delicious recipe--yum)! After Ella's nap, we finished our weekend by buying Christmas gifts for underprivileged kids through our church's Angel Tree program.

Ella shoveling snow
(her way was to shovel it from the yard onto the driveway and sidewalk)


Ella and Rob busy shoveling
(notice who's missing from this work?? :) )

look at my new mittens and boots


throwing snowballs at Rob


very funny---a snowball got stuck to Ella's mitten when she tried to throw it...
at first, she couldn't figure out where it was because she didn't see it land!


"Hey, Mommy...Look at me...I'm standing in the street!"


cute hubby doing all of the hard work


Ella "making doggy prints"


Black-Eyed Susans amid the snow
(we also had Spring bulbs starting to push through the ground last week)


some of outdoor Christmas decorations


snickerdoodles



winter-themed book basket


riding shoeless through the house
(She thought running into us at full-speed was hilarious..."Here I come!")






Thanksgiving post to come soon......