This year I bought my very own copy of Polar Express.   I should actually say I bought a copy for my kids (but really I think it is more for me).  I absolutely love that book and have never in my life owned a copy.  We didn't have it growing up, but I remember reading it in school and thought it was so magical.  I have always loved the part when they were on the train all cozy in their pajamas drinking hot chocolate.  Its one of those books that I want  to be magical for my kids and remember the tradition of reading it into their adulthood.  I planned the inaugural reading in my head and it was magical!  But the reality usually isn't as magical......sigh. We made hot chocolate and all cuddled up by the fire.  I started reading and my 3 year old was totally sucked in.  She was firing off about a million questions per second.  My 2 year old made it through about 3 pages and then was off running around.  Ah well - there is always next year right?  It was still magical.

It has been snowing at our house lately which is a magical experience for my littles.   They don't care how cold it is, they want to be right there out in the snow.  I think it is great.....except for the part where it takes 20 minutes to get them dressed and then they want to come back in after 15 minutes!  The funny thing about the cold is that I just don't think it effects kids like it does adults.  Even though it is freezing, every morning this past week my 2 year old has requested a smoothie.  Because it is harder to eat fruits and veggies in the Winter I have been all about the smoothie.  In the Winter we usually use frozen fruit.  Our smoothie of choice lately has been a Cherry Pineapple Smoothie.  It is citrus-y, delicious and packed full of vitamins.  And let's be honest - when the weather is cold, its grey and dreary outside, who doesn't want to be in Hawaii?  And if you can't be there, at least you can feel like you are eating something tropical.  

I use frozen cherries and pineapple in our smoothie.  I also add 1/2 a frozen banana for a bit of sweetness. 

Then I put in a splash of orange juice and yogurt.   Blend and enjoy!