Back to School!

We started back to school this last week and I think it was nice for all of us to return to a routine. However, the boys had been getting up later and later during our holiday. To ease my job, we have taken to setting the alarm in their room to get them up and going. Apparently they like a loud obnoxious beeping more than their mother's voice at 7:45 am.


Luke hard at work.


"Mom, I'm working here!"

Crazy Indiana Weather

With in one weeks time we have had extreme weather changes. On New Years Eve, it started snowing and this is what the backyard looked like the next day. Cold, but so much fun!

On Sunday, one could say that the kids had "cabin fever". It had continued to be cold and damp, but was warming up and producing a heavy fog that didn't clear until 2:00 in the afternoon. This was what was left of the snow. Notice that the sun isn't anywhere to be seen! Not uncommon around here this time of year.

On Monday it started raining with temperatures in the 60's. We had tornado watches out on Monday night. With all the melting snow, warm weather and 3 inches of additional rain Tuesday, we have a new pond across the street!


The tree line shown is where the mighty Baugo Creek flows when not overflowing! It is still raining but tomorrow it will be back in the 30's with a chance of snowfall at night. Maybe next week we can put our swimsuits on!

My new nephew - Natty!

I finally got to meet my new nephew! He is an amazing four year old that has an unlimited supply of energy and a smile to melt one's heart. My favorite moment was when we went back to Nana and Papa's to visit them the morning they arrived. Natty was so excited about the snow that he could hardly wait to go outside. He didn't realize all the preperation that usually goes into playing in the snow, and went outside with his Crocs on! He comes tearing back in hollering "It's cold! It's cold! I'm wet!" The thought that snow would be cold and get your socks wet had never crossed his mind! He didn't have any problems when told later to put boots on before going out!








Welcome to the family Natty! We are so glad you've joined us!

Christmas with the Family

So, it's been a while since I've last posted. We have been busy with Christmas, family and now getting back to the routine. I've realized that I have been misrepresenting our Christmas experience when asked by others. My rote answer has been "Exhausting but fun". This may have put a negative twist on our holiday. After going through my pictures that I finally downloaded, I recalled many wonderful memories (which is why we take pics, right?!) and realized what an enjoyable Christmas we did have! So, I'd thought I'd share some of our moments! But, I'm going to have to figure out how to do a slide show! Any help would be appreciated!

Karate Kick-a-thon

The boys participated in their Karate schools kick-a-thon this Saturday. The goal was to have a great time raising some money for the nonprofit organization. The challenge - do as many kick in a three hour period as you can! There were competitions, brick breaking demonstrations, and pizza!


Here are the boys discussing some gaming secrets before the "kick-off"!



They took turns counting each others kicks. Here is Luke logging Jake's kicks. Jake would then get a break while Luke did his kicks. This was during a five minute kicking period - do as many kicks you can, any kind you like. They had to learn to diversify so their legs didn't get too tired!


Jake ended up with the highest total number of kicks out of all the kickers! 1,150!He was awarded a gift certificate to cafepress.com for karate apparel. Luke's total was 560 kicks! I am so proud of them for doing their best and making their best better! And yes, their legs are sore today!

Christmas

We put up our Christmas tree and getting into the Christmas spirit. We received a great advent calendar from church which the boys have enjoyed. It is always fun to get out the decorations. It is almost like opening presents! After 10 years, I have finally decorated a tree that doesn't look too homely. Thanks so much Rach! The boys were helpful in getting the decorations ready and handing them to me and were very good about letting me put them on!



Every year at least one of the boys, if not all, have donned the Christmas "stockings"!

Snow Day!

Our first good snow. I think we got at least 4"! These pics are for the Price family! We hope the snow is still here when you visit! Can't wait to see you!