It is 6:00 a.m. on a Tuesday morning and I hear our neighbor's shovel scraping against the sidewalk.  I know it snowed quite a bit last night but am relishing these last few minutes in bed before you kiddos wake up, the day starts and I inevitably have a shovel in hand.  School started back yesterday.  Ella, you came home with your weekly spelling list and Vivian with a backpack full of stencil drawings (a favorite of yours).  It's hard to believe it's a new year already.  2014 ended on a high note.  The holidays this year were full of activity all of which you guys really seemed to connect with.  Skating at  Millennium Park and a dinner over looking Michigan Avenue holiday lights, dancing the Nutcracker, cookie baking with Mimi, a meaningful visit with Santa (didn't detect any fear or hesitation this year), and ringing in the New Year until the wee hours (with no tears, no meltdowns, just fun with friends).  Girls, you are getting older and I'm loving where we are at.  The last few nights, high on New Year energy, I've begun putting the final details on our California road trip.  We will be traveling down the coast with your aunt, uncle and your baby cuz, Madelyn.  And an itinerary has started to firm up as we look toward Portugal this summer.  There is even a surprise trip to Disney World one month away.  Life as parents has certainly been rewarding as of late and I can't wait to share these new adventures with the two of you.  The clock keeps ticking and am realizing it is time for me to face reality.  The meteorologist forecasted six inches last night...wish me luck.