'TIS THE SEASON

These pictures were taken Dec 12 after the
last snow storm. It was beautiful and truely
looked like a Winter Wonderland.











The wind really blew all of the snow around in the back yard and the garden. We literally had none in the front yard. Didn't even need to get the snow blower out, really. But the drifts in the backyard were 5+ feet tall and the wind resulted in a hard crust on most of it. We picked up 3 inflatable saucers in anticipation of a visit from our younger grandchildren.


This past weekend we had Christmas with our Iowa and Kansas families. They didn't get much snow so the kids really had fun once they got here.

Bailey, Olivia and Carson were out at least 2 hours digging tunnels and hiding from each other.
















Cheeks were white and fingers numb when they finally came in for hot chocolate and warmed up while they watched our many birds feeding.













Everyone was able to get here sooner or later. Kayla and Kelsey had to work until 5, but it was worth the wait.



We enjoyed soup and cookies, then spent a couple of hours opening gifts. After the gift opening everyone stayed up late playing yatzee. We have a very competitive group and all ages played. Jennifer told me that she played Yatzee with Bailey and Olivia every night after school so that they could "beat uncle Mike". There were screams and prizes and lots of laughs.













The Sunday morning run took place even though it was about zero degrees. But our kids have this tradition of running whenever they are together. Unfortunately, Mike had to work and missed out, but Jennifer and Angie headed right out for a 4 mile run. Normally they go further, but after that long they were having trouble seeing thru the frost on their eyelashes!!!



















Tomorrow morning we leave early for Orlando, FL to spend Christmas with Brad and his family. Mike and Stacey are going with us and we are all looking forward to being together. Our plan is to arrive in Orlando by 4 or 5 o'clock on Thursday. We will be heading home on Monday and arrive back in Waverly Tuesday in plenty of time to cheer the Hawks on!!!!

It is my intention to do blogging on the way. I will have my laptop with me and will be able to keep in touch via email. Hopefully I will be able to download pictures OK.

Merry Christmas to everyone. We'll miss the snow (at least I will), but I'm sure there will be plenty left for cross country skiing when we get back.