A snowy Christmas day

We certainly had a white Christmas. We were supposed to get up to 18 inches of snow in the cities but a warm sector moved over the area and dropped the total amount of snow. Last night it rained and snowed and the snow compacted as it melted. It stayed in the low 30's all night. We got about 13 to 14 inches at our house, if you measured the new snowfall every hour. We had an additional five inches of compacted, wet heavy snow on the driveway, but take a look at the end of the driveway. There is about three feet of wet compacted snowplow snow at the end of the driveway.

The snow blower, which still leaks gas - thought I fixed that problem earlier - did a fast job of clearing the snow. Since it leaks, I put enough gas in it to get the job done. When it runs out of gas, I am done.

Merry Christmas.

Christmas Eve at Smenteks

Our Rugby trip was called off due to adverse weather conditions - a potential of 20 inches of snow and high winds and blizzards in North Dakota. Judy got off work at 1:00PM for the day. I picked her up and we killed some time at Costco and BestBooks. Apparently I was the high sale of the day at the book store. I had no intention to buy anything so I don't know why I bought several books, CDs, and DVDs. When we got to Smenteks, the boys were still napping. They were sleeping hard and did not want to wake up. There were dark shades on the windows and therefore very dark in the room. They love their soft, fluffy blankets. We tried to wake them up by throwing off the covers. That did not help. But after about 20 minutes, little smiles started appearing on their faces.

We looked at the Disney World vacation photos and played some games and then it was DINNER.

After dinner, it was time to have the boys set up the Fisher Price Nativity set.

Logan needed something changed so he got the supplies.

Judy and I wanted to leave by about 6:30PM because it was forecast to start snowing hard about that time. It was snowing all the way home but since the temperature was 32 degrees and the roads were just wet, we had no problem.

The boys were excited to open one gift on Christmas Eve. They each got pajamas and they were so excited and put them on immediately. I am glad some kids like to get clothes for Christmas.

Big Lake Band Concert

Brandon had a Holiday band concert last week, with lots of holiday tunes. He plays the slide trombone (what other kind is there?)

Here he is getting his grove on.

It was a great 22 minute concert. It took us more than double that time just to get there but was worth it. Good job Brandon.

Joseph had a birthday

Just before Thanksgiving, Joseph had his 8th birthday and it was celebrated at the Maple Grove Community Center in the play area. Several neighbors, friends and family were there to be there for Joe. It was kind of cold and the kids were bundled up with coats and hats, except for Gigi - she did not want to mess up her pony tails. Cute bunch. We waited until 9:00 and then hit the play area with a vengeance.

The birthday boy was decked out in his favorite sports team outfit.

Joseph was ready to extinguish the candle.

One

Two

Did not need three. Mom had made delicious chocolate cupcakes with a Star Wars theme. You can just see how good they were.

Joe finally washed it all down with some Orange Crush Soda.

He had fun reading the cards he got and opening his gifts from his friends.

Yippee!

Oh my goodness. Look at this one! Liam, one of the Smentek Star Wars fans, is looking on with envy.

We all had a great time. Joseph, we are glad you are eight. Happy Birthday.

Baby Jesus?

At the Primary Nativity picture taking, MJ said that ths was the baby Jesus and wanted a picture of her holding the baby Jesus but Judy needed to be in the picture also. You know the amazing thing about telephoto zoom leses is that you can include just what you want without the subject knowing. Well here is your group photo MJ. Oh and here is the other group photo, including Judy.

Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow

Okay, all you people that live south of Minnesota. We had a warmer than normal October and November. We made up for it today and for the next week. It was five degrees below zero this morning with a high of five above. We had a few inches of snow with about 30mph winds that put the windchill way below zero. Burrrrrrrr. It will continue for the next week with ten or more below in the morning. 39 degrees in Plano sounds nice. It's now time to put the coat and gloves on.