Heat wave...

Since it was such a heat wave today we just had to advantage of these temperatures...so out we went!

Snow balls, running, snowballs, cold hands, pictures...and more snowballs!

Somehow the slide was just as fun frozen & snow packed.

Sam takes one last slide down the hill...then we sat down for some serious hot cocoa. When it comes to hot cocoa making (and this time of year we are usually all out of our winter-time 'home made' stash, as we give most of it away at Christmas)...we leave it up to Rob; its an art and its GOOD.

So...I come home from church this morning to find home made English Muffin bread. Smelled great, looked great...but English Muffin bread? I wasn't sold. What the heck was it? So I tasted it. YUM!  It turned out so great, he decided to make 2 loaves of just regular bread during quiet time. I'm so glad I paid attention when he said I should pick up some yeast packets at the store.  Just in case it does turn into a hobby (fingers crossed!); I picked up some whole wheat flour for next time...so the carbs wouldn't be that bad.  

Noah Baker...Lawman. Reader. Superhero.

"Just remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels." ~Faith Whittlesey

An Arizona Christmas

An Arizona Christmas

Featuring: Rob, Amy, Sam, Madeline, Noah Baker, Mom (Grandma Millie), Rich, Matthew, Stephanie, Jackson Dean, Grandma & Grandpa Schau, Aunt Susan, Mike, Nick, Uncle Scott, Joyce, Kristen, Katie, Chipper Jones & Champ

And they are...off!

The park was a daily necessity, after all 58-68 degrees in December?!

Jackson Dean!

Noah Baker is big stuff & Sam finds a tumble weed (he brought a mini-one back to show his fellow 2nd-graders).Miss Madeline finds heart shaped cactus!

Matthew (post-hip-surgery) chasing after Madeline...

Jackson cheesing it up for Aunt Amy

Amy & Grandma

Aunt Stephanie & Madeline

Noah Baker is on the run in the Wild Wild West!

Grandma & Grandpa

Sam & his new Red Ryder carbine-action, two hundred shot range model air rifle (with 6000 BB's).

Grandma Millie & Madeline

Who knew you could have so much fun on a slide?

I got to meet up with Diana, the ultimate gal in my circle & my oldest friend. Despite our many blessings, the two of us have had quite a crappy year. She with the sudden loss of her mom and her husband being laid off. Me with the loss of our baby in March & strange MS brain malfunctions. It was decided we are overdue for a girls weekend. Maybe Vegas - Especially, since we were supposed to go when we turned 30! However, when 30 rolled around...so did the birth of Noah & Abbie. 

2010 we welcome you!

Madeline & Jackson

The view in RedRock (Matthew's house)...not too shabby.

Noah Baker says goodbye to AZ...ready for another 2-day adventure, heading back to the midwest. Snow and frigid temperatures or bust!

Scenery across AZ, NM, OK, Kansas and Missouri; all lovely in different ways.

Except Texas. Besides the overwhelming aroma of cow feces throughout the entire drive across the pan handle; a snow storm pounded on us as we left New Years Eve morning.  Cars were off the road, a truck had flipped onto its back, and our van slid sideways.  All the while I am so thankful that Rob is driving this leg of the trip, while putting on a brave face and a happy smile for the three munchkins in the back.  Phew! It was great to see the Missouri sign that evening.

Later on that day the snow succumbed to sunshine and we stopped for a quick bite to eat. Madeline and Sam were READY to get home.

And once we got home, it was clear that Jack Frost did not disappoint.

68 degrees…

We wish you a Merry SUNNY Christmas!

Maryville Christmas

Presents?! Let's go! 

Reach for the sky Black Bart!!!                                 Pre-party craft time...  

Now the hot chocolate is ready to give away!Madeline & her 17 desserts...good thing her eyes are bigger than her tummy!

Next the Mad Scientist brings the entertainment outside:

Coke + Mento's=

 AWESOME!

The kiddos in their new sleeping bags.  Sam said he will be sleeping in it every day from now on; because it was 'the best sleep of my entire life'. 

Meanwhile Madeline protects twisted-talking-tina from her big brother.

Uncle Brian gave Sam a terrific comic book, with another on it's way. 

Sam read it all afternoon. 

This was the card that came with it.

 It just really makes me smile!

     

I get a lump in my throat if I let myself think about the every-day-stuff my side misses out on...which is why I am so thankful that my three have Rob's little brother's.

Especially when they do things like bring in a giant & very much alive

Madagascar cockroach for 2nd grade sharing.  Ew.

(Sorry Ms. Watkins!)