Fun while waiting for Xmas (plus, new vid)

Inside or outside... Warm or cold... Rainy, snowy, or sunny... we sure have found ways to fill our time as we wait for Santa to come. Seriously, the weather (and I can't help but talk about it) has been ADHD. One day, it is dry fluffy snow, the next day it is rain, the day after the temperature hits the upper 60s. Yesterday, the wind was gusting over 40 mph with downpours followed by sunshine. And tomorrow, an arctic blast will be inbound. Speaking of arctic blasts, our former homestead of Glasgow Montana has been dealing with what - even for them - is one heck of a deep freeze. With what started as a blizzard with 10 inches of snow and wind gusts to 40 mph, their temperature has been below zero since the 13th. There was a time a few days ago when there was a 95 degree difference in temperature between Glasgow and Charleston! Hang in there, Montana friends!

Last week, Autumn and Evan took full advantage of the snow. And of course, it helps to have a hilly yard! The sledding was so good, they went all the way through the backyard to the fence.

When the weather decides to be rainy, that means indoor fun, too. We have a bathroom cabinet with mirrors that open to face each other. You can imagine how much time that eats up!

And several days ago when it was warm, we went to Rotary Park in Huntington for hiking and biking. It offers wonderful views of the city (not too mention a large frisbee golf course). Check out the pic below - you can click on it for a larger look.

Finally, I wanted to mention that it has been a very slow process trying to catch up on videos, but one has finally been added. Michiganders, Chicagoans, and Montanans, maybe this will help take your mind off of the snow! It's a video of our quick July trip to the Outer Banks of NC and Virginia Beach, VA. The mini-version is on the right with the other videos, but here is a full size one:

More videos will be added in coming weeks as they become available.

We are eagerly looking forward to Grandma Laurie and Uncle Joel coming down for Christmas Day... and then our big trip to Michigan between Christmas and New Years' to see lots more family.

Happy Holidays!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Christmas fun and snow! We got our first dose of it last weekend in Ohio where we celebrated Grandpa's birthday as well. Now it's a snowin' in West Virginny! We are planning to get some sledding in down our hill tommorrow a.m. before the snow melts. Santa was foiled by the snow and made a surprise early visit while we were in Ohio; the kids were beside themselves with glee! We are excitedly enjoying these days, getting gifts together, cards ready to mail, and the house decorated for our Christmas visitors, Grandma Laurie and Uncle Joel! The kids are also excited about two upcoming esteemed vocal performances in which they will be starring, at church this weekend and at preschool later in the week. Hope everyone is finding time to slow down and look at the Christmas lights and catch snowflakes on their tongues, which we are so thankful that Autumn and Evan inspire us to do!
Autumn told Santa she would like a Pikachu for Christmas.

The kids attack Grandpa on his birthday!

Evan requested a Wii for Christmas, and let Santa know that Daddy wants one too!