Being we're already three weeks into January there is obviously more, but this will get you through Christmas at least until I get my other photos uploaded. Can you say "busy?" ;)
Well our windows, which we were badly in need of (as evidenced by the layer of dust that covered the inside of the house during the last wind storm), came in. So far the ones that don't require scaffolding to reach have been installed- yay!
We decorated for Christmas-lights inside everywhere.
And then it snowed. We've had about two or three good snow storms but that's about it. It usually only lasts for a couple of days. The last one lasted the longest because it came with a cold spell that kept the snow from melting.
Cash came down with something the week of thanksgiving and then just when we thought we were in the clear Tupp and Pherse came down with it in mega form and took a whole lot longer to shake it. Weeks of quarantine at home during holiday celebrations was loads of fun, yet we were still able to make the most of it and have some good times.
First off- the Peanutcracker! Best. Thing. Ever! Mini version of the Nutcracker and the kids had a blast. Even Pherson was attentive through the whole 45 minutes and was thrilled with delight at parts.
We got to meet and greet all the dancers and the kids were treated like royalty.
Church Christmas party. We couldn't stay for the whole thing but thankfully our adopted family, the Fowlers, kept the kids and took them home after and babysat while we taught dance.
Pherson went up willingly but I don't think he enjoyed the experience. So much so that he passed on Santa at the Comstock Mining Christmas party.
The kids each got a t-shirt, there were goodies and we got to make sock snowman, write letters to Santa, decorate cookies, carmalize apples and have a good time.
We popped by St. Mary's Art Center having their Christmas craft fair afterward and the kids were given some coloring books while we looked around.
For some reason I got a bug in my bonnet and got a tad of crafting done along with Christmas presents this last month. These boring shirts have been sitting there, unworn. So I spiced them up with an idea I got off of pinterest.
Snowflake patterns from pinterest.
And I finally finished Cash's rat rod make over. The bike was blue with pink wheels if you recall. He's still getting used to the size but even pretends it's his bat mobile sometimes.
We were unable to go ice skating and looking at the temple lights with our friends due to the never ending low grade fever, so I packed us up in the car and drove around town to let the kids look at lights with some milk and cookies.
We even did a no holds barred gingerbread house this year.We made the dough and icing from scratch and used cookie cutters to cut out the pieces. And not we didn't eat it. Trust me, there was enough sugar bombarding us. The kids left it for Santa, who didn't eat it but left a note telling them it was so hard it would break their teeth. Instead it's fate was to be shot at by Cash's arrows.
Tuppy enjoyed her birthday, even if we didn't get to have a birthday party with friends because all of her friends were sick in one form or another. Instead we had cupcakes and donuts.
He is such a little man. Loves his pockets. He's talking so much more these days- it seems like every day there's a new word. Lately it's pockets, stop it, don't and "there you are!" The cuteness that is Pherse makes my jaw ache. And the way his golden locks curl combined with his devilish grin... I'm in trouble once he hits his teenage years.
So these are the coins Clay's been selling for Comstock Mining. He always carries one in his pocket and has sold one to nearly everyone he knows. Good job babe. ;)
Because we were going to California for Christmas we had Santa come the Saturday before we left. Pherson's hand-me-down train set saved us quite a bit and is already loved by all,
Tupp was at first amused with her bow and arrows but as she's just turned four I think it may be another year before she really appreciates it.
Cash is in heaven with his. He practices nearly every day and is really loving it- feeling like he's doing well and improving.
Our last Christmas event was singing Christmas carols with Miss Squeek Steele. It's a yearly tradition but there weren't as many kids this year. We enjoyed it thoroughly and Tuppy met a new friend. Tuppy also entertained everyone with her dancing which included, but was not limited to, Cape Breton shuffles.
We spent one day in California going to San Francisco to visit my grandfather. We had a nice little visit and then took the kids for a couple of quick adventures- the park with the cement slide (thankfully we just so happened to have a cardboard box in the car) and a nature museum for local wildlife.
Within a day or so Pherson came down with a fever and was no longer able to participate in anything or travel. We were already in a bit of a complex arrangement staying at a friends house (who had children) but thankfully we had a back up solution from friends who were out of town sharing their place with us. In the end it was either an ear infection, a bladder infection or sinus infection. Not sure which since I treated him for all and within a couple of days of starting treatment he was right as rain. We did make a run to the emergency room, but were never admitted as the fever had dropped and he wasn't as lethargic as he'd been. One is much more cautious with using traditional medical paths when one doesn't have insurance. And that's a whole 'nother story involving my severe dislike for the management of Clay's company.
Meanwhile, Christmas. Honey couldn't find her a pink rifle, but Cash got a red rider so now he can share his jimminy cricket with her.
Remote control cars all around at Gigi's.
And a nice time visiting with family. We headed home after a week and while I loved seeing our friends and family and didn't have enough time to do all of that it was so nice to be back where we feel we belong. It's odd, as I reflect on the transition that started nearly exactly a year ago, but we really feel at home here. Given the chance we wouldn't trade, we wouldn't go back. The freedom to be a stay at home mom, the freedom to homeschool, the freedom from excessive beauracracy in the comunity, the opportunity to be an integral part of this new found community....we love it. I still miss California at times, family a lot, friends a lot, and yet what we've found out here for our little family is precious and priceless. Thank you to all of you for supporting us, for easing the homesickness with visits and making this huge blessing a reality. We are so happy and wish that happiness for all our loved ones in this new year.
Hugs and kisses.
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