Annika's new favorite game - Blockhead. I think the high five is a celebration of being called a "blockhead" by Grandpa.
The men preparing to go ice fishing. They returned 3 hours later telling tales of the ONE BITE that got away.
I knew we shouldn't have tried ice skating. Annika made it around the ice one time last year, but not this year . . both girls lasted one step and then started crying. At least it only cost $1.
Lauren's first ice skating experience.
I love snow!
Uncle Jay had a great sled that fit 4 cousins. . . Annika, David, Alex, and Sarah.
Annika and Lauren's new train table (complete with 2 giant choo-choos), courtesy of Grandpa's expert woodworking skills.
After all the jokes about how am I ever going to find a winter jacket big enough to fit over my giant belly, my Mom was kind enough to make a fleece cape for me - with style! Thanks, Mom!
Finally - those darn squirrels have met their match!
Lauren holding her 4 month old cousin Danielle. Lauren loves giving hugs and kisses to babies - hopefully, it lasts!
Annika writing her name in Grandpa's birthday card. This is the best she's ever done so I had to document it.
Daddy often comes home from work talking about what he has read in the New York Times (how he spends his free time during the day). A few weeks ago he mentioned an exceptionally positive children's book review on "All Around (the) Town" or something similar. It's a German book that the kids love looking at - I highly recommend it. Yes, Lauren was sick with a cold over Christmas and, yes, Annika's socks don't match and she is still in her pj's.
Annika decorating a frame as Christmas gifts for family and friends. 
Lauren and I went to see the Rose Bowl Clydesdale hanging out at the Botanical Garden before his trip to Pasadena. Notice Lauren's eyes - she was more than a little leary of the giant horse. 
Karl entertaining the kids at Kingdom Group with "Don't Break the Ice." What a great Daddy!
The Fearsome Foursome hanging out watching the "Sheep Show" (Max Lucado's Crippled Lamb) while Mandy, Sage, and I baked cookies. Sometimes it's just too much work to include the kiddos with the cookie making! 
Our church had their first annual children's Christmas program this year. Notice where Annika and Lauren are - right next to/on top of Daddy (the only parent up there). . .
A visit to Daddy's office. He's changed offices so many times in the last year that he hasn't bothered decorating. . .The highlight for the girls was ice cream from the vending machines downstairs. 
The girls really enjoyed interacting with the nativity this year. Grandpa and Grandma Pollack gave them a Fisher Price set a year ago and it was a big hit. I had to put Baby Jesus on top of the fridge until Christmas b/c they fought over him too much (of course it only took a couple of days before Mary was being fought over). I noticed one day that the "adult" nativity set looked a bit different than I had remembered it. . . 
Once again these pictures are in reverse order. . . my apologies. Annika and Olivia are enjoying the cake and ice cream. Annika is definitely a big fan of both (Note the empty plate that has been scraped clean!). 
Last year Annika was afraid of her candles. Way to go, Annika!
Mandy put her creative juices to work and gave both girls homemade skirts made from Daddy's dress shirts. The girls loved them. The birthday hat Annika has on is another of her creations. Thanks, Mandy!
Just in case you didn't hear, I am FOUR years old. This is an annual picture tradition with Ashley. 
Making my birthday cake with Grandma. Licking the beaters is the best! 
