January Winter White

Winter white returns to our area.  We enjoyed warmer temperatures earlier in the week and watched the snow slowly disappear as the rain chipped away at it.  We were finally enjoying the grass, but today the grass disappears under another blanket of white.  

 A rare scene--our roads are covered in snow in spite of the plows being through our area several times this afternoon.  We've shoveled once and will most lucky need to shovel again when the snow finally ends.

Typically, I dread the sight of snow and wait impatiently for Spring to finally appear after what feels like 6 months of winter.  For some unknown reason, I'm actually enjoying the white snow this winter.  It truly looks beautiful as it hugs the branches and covers, once again, the grass.  I'd love to take the boys sledding, tubing--some sort of outside winter activity.  Unfortunately, the temperatures are predicted to plummet below zero tomorrow and the thought of outside activities will have to remain just that...a mere thought.  In the mean time, we'll enjoy the quiet, peacefulness of the winter white.

Shooting Hoops

Alexander invited Noah outside to "shoot hoops" and what followed made my heart smile.  Alexander was politely guiding Noah on the proper technique for shooting a basket and patiently showing Noah a lay-up.  The boys get along well, but their interests differ considerably.  So, it was heartwarming to see them enjoying time together.  Alexander promised to help Noah continue to perfect his game and Noah took his brother's promise seriously.  The next morning, Noah announced that he wanted to play basketball this winter--all it took was two brothers spending a little one on one together.

Noah, before the start of his first basketball game. 

The league requires "man to man" defense, so the boys are lining up across from the opponent they'll guard during play.

Noah, number 3, passing the ball to one of his teammates to resume play.

Racing down the court to stop a potential basket threat.

Noah rebounded and dribbled the ball down the court before passing to a teammate.

An attempt at two.

We thoroughly enjoyed watching Noah on the court.  Alexander has been true to his word and has attended Noah's practices and offered his advice and assistance.  Both boys are playing basketball this winter and I'm one happy Mom--absolutely LOVE watching the boys play their sports!
Go Number 3--we're SO proud of you!

Welcoming 2011

Good Friends

Celebrating 2011 with sparklers...

And more sparklers.

Preparing to launch the glow lantern just after midnight New Year's Day.  Our lantern brightening the night as  it rises higher and higher.

Happy New Year!

Lulu and Sophie exhausted from continuous play.

Happy 2011 to you and yours!

Sophie's Gift

 Sophie received a little something under the tree too!  Of course, "Mom" had to prepare the dog biscuits, but I'd do almost anything for my "Sweet Sophie Girl". 

A very patient Sophie, FINALLY ready to sample her treat.  She must have liked them because there were no crumbs on the floor!

Merry Christmas 2010

"Memories of long ago have kept us warm through the years;
Memories of today give us promise for tomorrow and good cheer;
We wish you and yours memories to share."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Trey, Wendy, Alexander and Noah

Christmas Eve

We were home a day before heading out on our next road trip. Thankfully this distance was much shorter--1 1/2 hours to Lima, Ohio to visit Trey's parents and celebrate Christmas Eve.

Wendy and Trey: December 24, 2010

Dee and Arlene wearing their Christmas gifts from their sister Cheryl

The boys opening their Christmas Eve gift

Haiden opening his Christmas Eve gift

Preparing for the "Right Family" Christmas story and then a crazy round of the "Twelve Days of Christmas"

Ryan, now 21, was our ring bearer when Trey and I were married. He's pictured with his girlfriend, Jenna.

Trey and his Aunt Cheryl have traded "candy jokes" ever since Trey offered salt flavored salt water taffy when their two families were vacationing at Disney World in the 1980's. This year Cheryl sent gross Jelly Bellys-some of the flavors include: skunk smell, pencil shavings, baby wipe, rotten egg and vomit to name a few. Trey and his cousin Tracy deciding who should try the next jelly bean.

"Here, try this!" Trey offers. Notice a poker face Alexander--he's not revealing the flavor, "just try it".

Poor Aunt Helen--unsuspecting victim to Trey and her daughter Tracy's jelly belly tricks. Tracy gave her a "baby wipe" flavored jelly bean and well, the picture tells the rest of the story.

Chris and Trey: December 24, 2010

Every year, I take a picture of Ryan and the boys. My boys admire Ryan and enjoy any time they can spend with him.

The girls, Shiha and Sophie, playing "tug of war"

Sally and Tracy

Alexander and Noah with Great G'ma Pace

May your day be full of peace, love and joy! Merry Christmas!

Visit to Hilton Head

Rather than visit during Thanksgiving, we opted to spend more time in Hilton Head and traveled South the week prior to Christmas. It was fun to see all the holiday decorations and to fondly recognize several items that Mom has displayed since I was a young girl. We were able to spend some time with Trey's family in Columbia, SC before arriving at my parent's home in Sun City Hilton Head. We were excited to celebrate Boo's birthday with her this year. She requested a special dinner which Mom prepared and we shared with my aunts and uncle too.

A visit to Harbor Town resulted in the purchase of "Hilton Head-opoly". We played a couple of "intense" rounds before finally agreeing to "end the game" after 2 hours of play.

Our favorite Sun City Hilton Head residents: Uncle Len, Aunt Gilly, Aunt Naomi and my parents

Noah worked hard during the month of December in school creating a "pop-up" book. He wrapped the gift at school and gave it to my parents for Christmas. Noah did a wonderful job writing his story as well as creating a "pop-up" element for each page. What a treasure for my parents to keep and enjoy!

My sister was a little disappointed when she recognized that she and Noah are now the same height! It was fun for the boys to spend time with Aunt Boo. I know she misses her "big buddy" and "little buddy" as much as they miss her.

My parents and the boys: December 2010

Ciao taking a break underneath the living room Christmas tree.

Our annual visit to Harbor Town and South Beach on Hilton Head Island, SC

Our new "Salty Dog" t-shirts

Mom and Dad, we love that we were able to spend time with you at the holidays and thank you for your Southern hospitality. We had a wonderful time and look forward to seeing you again this spring and/or summer. Love you both very much!!