The driest winter ever!

Really, it's Winter?  We have way less snow than I have ever seen during a Utah Winter!  Last night we finally got a decent storm that dumped 12-18 inches in the mountains.  Too bad that only gets the ski area bases up to 42-48 inches!  Usually, we are skiing some nice snow by now, but we haven't bothered to go up since November.  Oh well.  Maybe February will make up for it!

Another day in Paradise

Ah yes, vacation.  Still no snow, but grey and gloomy.  This does not lend itself to fun outdoor weather.  Today is Andrew's 3rd birthday!  He is getting so big, and he is growing up so fast.  He makes us laugh every day.  His sense of humor is infectious as is his huge smile!  Hopefully, we will think of something fun to do after nap today.  We celebrated with a cake and friends last week, so just family time today.  I still can't believe my baby is three!  Time flies....

Vacation!

So, Winter Break is a nice time to relax and regroup...in theory.  Seems to be a time to catch up on laundry and keep the kids busy this year.  No snow to ski on, but it's cold outside.  Doesn't make for good hiking weather or playing outside weather!  We got to go in November, but that's it so far.  Maybe we will get a big storm and head up to the slopes.  Otherwise, more laundry and cleaning awaits.....

Well, 2011 is almost over! What a year!

So, with 2012 fast approaching, I am entering the world of blogging. It's about time, and maybe behind the times, I think. This year has been filled with some great times as a family, but nothing terribly new, for a change. Our children are getting older, cuter, and keeping us very busy. Our work is the same, and also keeps us occupied.

We had a great trip home to Central NY this summer, and the kids got to play with their cousins, and we got to spend time with our family and friends. We always wish we had more time to spend. We stayed on Oneida Lake, and we enjoyed going to the beach and swimming, as well as having family and friends over for bbq.

Luckily, we got to go camping a few times, as well. The kids love camping and sleeping in the tent. Our first outing with Andrew was at Snow Canyon in St. George, UT. The nights were so cold, about 36 degrees, and the wind was gusting heavily. The kids slept well, despite the crazy weather. Our next few outings were much warmer at night, and lots of fun. I think next year will be filled with fun camping!

So far, we haven't had much snow. We went skiing once with the kids. Sophia did well, and Andrew preferred to play in the snow. Hopefully, we will get some snow to go skiing soon! The year was filled with great times with our friends, and we had a wonderful Christmas at home. We miss our families, but it was good to call and talk to them. We opened presents and went to the park, then enjoyed a ham dinner at home. We are looking forward to this week off to recharge and get ready for January!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all of our family and friends. May 2012 bring happiness and prosperity to you all!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  Hope yours was fabulous!

The kids!

Sydney enjoying the tree

Christmas light bliss!

New headband amongst the presents!

Our other babies.....

This year, we lost our wonderful Sierra.  She was a big part of our lives for 14 years.  She was our first baby.  Sierra got to camp and hike some amazing places.  She was a great friend to many a dog and human, and she will not be forgotten.  Sydney misses you, and we miss you!

 Sydney - our big girl!  She is 12 years old and doing great.  She still hikes and chases her ball, and she loves to go to the park with her family.  We know she misses her Sierra, though.