Christmas Tree

I think this has to be the latest we have ever had a tree up. It definitely won't dry up before Christmas. Another Fraser Fir from down the road.

Piano Recital

Vanessa had her piano recital at the local church. She played "I'm getting nothing for Christmas". She did very well. We tried to get her to choose "All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth" but she didn't want to. It would have been a good fit as they have not come in yet.

Fun in the Snow

The girls had a great time in the snow. We don't know how long it will last so we get out there as soon as we can. Everything including the dog. 

Meet Karl

Karl is our elf on a shelf. He is here to observe the behavior of the children in this house and make reports to Santa every night in the month of December. Karl moves to a different spot every morning when he returns and it is the girls responsibility to find him. The first night we had him, he did not move. We figure it was because we had not named him yet. We named him Karl after the woodsman who saved St. Nicholas's life as a boy in the woods leading to Syria. It is a story told by Ben Cartwright of Bonanza in the Ponderosa Christmas Album circa 1959. He tells the story about Karl and why we put candles on the Christmas tree.

Rarer Than A Blue Moon

It was so cold last week, that the ponds and lakes around us actually froze enough to skate on. It was the first time I have ever skated outside on a frozen lake or pond. Heather and Vanessa had to get skates from the store quick as their feet grow so quickly and this is a once in a fifteen year phenomenon. Today was the day. It was so cold that the flash and focus wouldn't work properly. A lot of fun and great family time.

Holes and Cracks

Heaters are working overtime these days. It is definitely cold outside. The pond was frozen with at least 5 inches of ice. Good thing it was thick because I ended up slipping on it and falling right on my butt. I rolled over and laid there for a few minutes. I did leave a big crack. I went out to take a picture of the woodpecker (red breasted sap sucker)  I saw earlier putting holes in one of our trees. Saved the camera of course when I fell. Heather took her dolls out for a skate a little later.

Celebrating 40 in the Best Kind of Way

I got together with some of my great friends and family to celebrate turning 40. It was so nice to have everyone come out. The restaurant was good and the company was even better. I must admit I got spoiled. There was a definite theme of wine and chickens. Thank you everyone for making it a great night!