Family get-togethers

These holidays have seemed extra-long and drawn out, because of all the days Steve couldn't get to work, or we couldn't get to church. Steve has spent many hours each day clearing snow on the road in our little neighborhood, and clearing driveways for neighbors. The setup on his tractor isn't ideal for snow-plowing so it takes extra time, but the neighbors are very grateful for his work (even the 4-wheel drive trucks are getting stuck now!). There are two other tractors and a big road grader in the neighborhood, but their owners don't feel inclined to help out at all.





Christmas eve

Holly got a new bottle for her doll

Marie was present, bodily at least



















Christmas morning

Christmas get-together with Steve's family

These pics are frames from my new Flip camcorder (Steve & I agreed not to do gifts for each other, and then he bought me a great little camcorder)

A winter wonderland!

Steve got off work early on Wednesday because of the snow (there's about 18 inches now and we're still expecting more). He couldn't get around the cars stuck on the hill (the packed snow turned into ice), so he drove around the bottom of the hill and started going up the other way on the north side of the hill (our place is at about 500 ft. elevation). He got stuck in a ditch with part of the car sticking out on the road because he couldn't get around cars that way either. So he ran/walked all the way up the hill (took about an hour and a half). Then we both went back with the tractor to get the car off the road; left the kids at home. It was dark by now. He got the tractor stuck in the ditch trying to get the car out. Then another guy pulled the tractor out (nice guy!). Then the other guy got stuck, so another guy pulled him out. Then we got the car stuck trying to repark it at some kind people's place at the bottom of the hill. Then we got that out with the tractor and parked the car. Then we drove back up the hill on the tractor. All in all, it was a cold and miserable couple of hours with the kids home by themselves, but at least the car isn't sticking out on the road anymore. I'm glad we don't have power out like some people do around here, though. I fell on the ice a couple of times and my tailbone is very sore. Steve's a bit sick too from going through all that. The house is very warm and cozy today and we're all home so I'm thankful for that.

These pictures are from the last few days.

Down our road...

In front of our house...

Behind our house... (mostly trees with a peekaboo view of the Skagit Valley and river)

Steve in his dorky hat... he he!

Our first snow!

We got all dressed up for church and then it was cancelled (people here are really not used to snow and freak out when there's a few inches ;), so Laura took a family picture outside . We have had such a beautiful fall this year, and now it's a brilliantly sunny and sparkly winter day.

Jenna was pretty happy just to stay inside and give us lots of smiles.

Holly calls this her "cooter" (computer)

The kids had fun making snowflakes

And these pictures are still from Thanksgiving...

Marie & Emily (& I) just discovered an absolutely beautiful vocal group with gorgeous harmonies (I guess they're quite famous)... Celtic Woman. We've been listening/watching their Christmas songs on YouTube, and Marie sits in front of the computer replaying and singing along with "The First Noel". She tries so hard and loves to sing but she's not very good with tone & pitch... does anyone know any hints on teaching kids to sing? I'm not great myself but I've tried getting her to slow down and adjust each individual note and even sometimes plug her ears while she sings... not very successfully though. If we could afford it, I would love to have her take voice lessons.

Here's one of their songs below. Some other great ones are "O Come, All Ye Faithful", "O Holy Night", "In the Bleak Midwinter", "The Wexford Carol" and more... I guess we pretty much love all of them!

Holly's birthday and a trip to Portland!

Our 3-year-old is growing up sooo fast! We celebrated her birthday on Sunday, since Steve was going to Portland for his work on Monday.

On Monday morning, we decided to go with Steve on his trip to Portland that afternoon (with almost all expenses paid, how could we resist? :). I'm surprised I didn't miss anything major in our packing because it was definitely last-minute "Auntie Tini style" :) It was a fun trip; we didn't do a whole lot except enjoy the hotel, especially the pool and food. It was also nice to meet and visit with the other couple who came from Steve's work.

Today Steve S. poured & stamped a concrete slab in front of the garage with Steve, Dave & Josh. Steve S. is a perfectionist and always does a wonderful job, but unfortunately the concrete hadn't been mixed properly so it didn't turn out perfect. Looks pretty good though! I'll have to take a picture of the finished product once it's cleaned off next week. We really appreciate all Steve S.'s hard work, and also Dave & Josh for helping out all day.

Here's the finished product: