All told, we probably had well over a foot of snow on Christmas, though it seemed like more because it piled up in drifts around the house. The Seattle area is not well prepared to handle that much snow. I worked from home for a couple of days, rather than brave the icy hills, and that way I also had more time to spend with family. Most of my coworkers appeared to do the same, so it wasn't a problem. My parents took the ferry over from Whidbey Island and stayed at a nearby hotel for a couple of nights - we always worry that these kinds of storms will knock out their power. It's the kind of thing that was really fun and exciting when we were kids, but it's a nuisance or a danger as we age. In any case, it was nice to have them nearby and to avoid making multiple treks back and forth to the Island in the snow.
With the weather outside so frightful, we had a delightful fire every day and tried to come up with fun, indoor activities for Aidan and Maren. Here's our Boo in her cute T-shirt, "Patent Pending." It was a gift from one of James's co-workers, since James has become a point person for intellectual property issues in his group at Boeing.
Maren with her Grandma.
It was fun to observe how much Maren just adored her cousin Aidan. When he would walk into the room, she'd turn and stare and smile at him, and if he left her line of sight, she'd frown and start to cry. Part of the fascination was probably the fact that Aidan seemed completely aloof about the whole thing. He was very sweet to her most of the time, giving her hugs and kisses. He still (understandably) doesn't want to share his parents' attention with Maren, or toys for that matter. Here's a short clip with Maren and Aidan both trying to play with the same rattle toy.
But most of the time he was incredibly gracious for a 2 year-old. Sheila, Aidan, Maren and I took group baths in our big master bath each night. At one point, Aidan wanted to climb into the crib with Maren, so we tried that out. Maren can pull herself up to standing on her crib side rails now, and she's getting steadier at standing every day.
We also tried having them both sleep in Maren's room for a night or two, but that didn't work out so well. Maren is such a light sleeper and fusses for a couple of minutes each night when we put her in her crib. Aidan is a helper and would try to make her feel better by talking to her. The result was that Maren would fuss and Aidan would "help," and so on, in a cycle that went on for too long and left them both too tired.
Aidan was also battling a cold, so we spent some snuggle time on the couch watching cartoons. Here's Aunt Sheila with Maren and Aidan.
Aidan and Maren sat in the kitchen in their booster seats and entertained themselves with utensils while Sheila and I cooked dinner one evening. Whenever Sheila and Chris visit us lately, though, it seems they volunteer to do most of the cooking - and we gratefully let them! 
Reading is another fun indoor activity. Here's Maren checking out Bob the Builder.
As for exercise, she's pre-crawling, and bench pressing her new "car"!
On Christmas morning, we took it slowly and didn't start opening presents until my parents had eaten breakfast at their hotel and we'd had breakfast at home. Aidan was excited to open his presents, and he helped Maren open hers, too. Here we are opening some gifts from MargaPops (Roberta and Bill Hurtt, I love how Aidan says it as all one word) - thanks for the cute pink mittens for Maren, and all the other wonderful gifts! We are sorry we couldn't all be together this year!
Sheila and Chris gave her this outfit, complete with baby leg warmers that are all the rage these days. Such a fashionista already! She even accessorized with her little farmer, part of a barn and animal set that looks like a starter dollhouse.
Here are the moms and kids. Aidan is so talkative now, and his vocabulary is really amazing, and ever-growing!
We're gearing up for a mellow New Year's Eve at home. After Maren goes to sleep, we're going to have our own little marathon of "Lost" episodes on DVD. We're a season behind, but we're still hooked! Happy New Year from the Schallas!
Grandma and Maren
Grandpa and Maren. She is such a happy baby.
We would like to thank Grandpa Schalla for all of the hard work helping us renovate the hallway.
