Friday morning found me driving to Duluth to pick up my two favorite nieces for a fun filled weekend up North (and a hopefully relaxing weekend in Duluth for Nick, Jamie and Asa)

Of course I had to sneak in some cuddle time with Asa before we left. He was fresh home from a visit to Alina's school where she was able to show him off. It was fun for us to reminisce about Nick taking Amy to show and tell over 24 years ago.

We tried to leave shortly after 4 only to find the roads were not great for traveling. Those of you who know us Shermer's know that not much will stop us however having precious cargo and information from Dad that the visibility further North was less than 2 car lengths found our car making a U-turn. An evening spent with the entire Nick Shermer family was not a bad night for me.

Shortly after breakfast Saturday morning we tried again. Snow was still coming down but we were able to make it just fine to Grandma Karen and Grandpa Mark's house. The girls couldn't have been more thrilled.

Auntie Amy and I headed out with Koryn, Alina and our friends Alaina and Lucy for a little Winter fun. At first the thought of going sledding at Grandma Shirley's sounded like a great time for everyone- after trying to plow through snow above our wastes up hill it seemed only the little ones were having all the fun. The laughter soon returned when I tried to push Amy down the hill on the sled to pack down the run and ended up laying face down in the snow. This wasn't so bad- trying to get up... was terrible. My feet were above my head and as I tried to put my hands down they couldn't reach solid ground. I couldn't get my feet underneath me and I really just could not get up. Amy was so helpful- she laughed and made me roll over to get the camera out of my pocket and take a few pictures before helping me up. After that workout I am not sure we needed any hot chocolate to warm us up but we sure had earned it.

On Friday I had found some train letters, an engine and caboose, along with a few paint colors at Michaels. I thought this would be a fun craft and gift for the girls to give to Asa.

Fun it was. I have to say it turned out great and even more fun was to be had afterwards while doing hand prints with Koryn. The first bit of paint on her hands was accompanied by some pretty large eyes and a question on her face. When I started painting her hands and then just dipping them into the paint and then onto the paper her giggles filled the room. I did not anticipate her insistence that Auntie Christie and Auntie Amy make hand prints as well but hey- hands squishing around in paint is not so bad- especially when it brings a sweet little girl such joy.

Sunday we were treated to a trip made by Mom, Dad and Asa to come get the girls and hang out for the afternoon before leaving. Yes pass the baby around was the next game we played. He is so tiny. I know we always say that- but with Koryn and Alina getting so big you really do forget just how small they are. I loved that he was awake for a bit longer this time.

My time with these three little (getting big) ones is something I treasure. They make me laugh and smile so hard that my stomach and face hurt. Yes this is my second post including these three- and you can bet it will not be the last. I am and forever will be proud Auntie Christie.

Love you Alina, Koryn, and Baby Asa