Winter wonderland

The snow began about mid afternoon on Christmas and while we ate and opened presents the yard turned into a winter wonderland. Never have I seen a prettier scenario. 

The quad is equipped with a new battery but where are my waterproof pants!  I finally located them but I did have to pour hot water on the ignition to get it to turn and away I went. Zoom Zoom!

Kay spent quite some time building this snow lady!

I wasn't sure why Flave was sitting by the pond watching instead of helping but he had no idea that Reid was sneaking up behind him.

There was plenty of space to run and gather snowballs. Nothing like two baseball pitchers throwing snowballs! I stayed out of the way.

Lola had the right idea!

I was so prepared after my trip to Aspen last year. I think I had enough boots, hats, and gloves to outfit the entire crew! My feet stayed cozy warm!

Jeff had a great plan and enlisted the boys' help. The plan was for the snowball to roll all the way down the hill but it didn't go quite that far.

Fun on the hilltop as always. Just couldn't get the sleds to do much. 

Always time to warm up inside!

Finally we went over the hill and Leon trimmed back some limbs.

 This hearth, snow ice cream,  and hot chocolate reminds me of past winters. I was tickled pink that Kay and her family got snowed in. Our electricity was out for one day and Flave gave up his vacation to go work 15 hour days. One week later almost everyone has electricity again and he will soon get to return home.

Reid and Flave were happy to eat at La Hacienda twice and we enjoyed some meaningful conversation.

After several fun-filled days two boys and a dog loaded up and headed home. What a wonderful holiday it was for me!

our white Christmas

What an exceptional Christmas this turned out to be!  I worried that Kay and her family wouldn't arrive due to deteriorating weather conditions and that Will might be stuck in NWA but my worries were for naught.

We all gathered around the table for an exceptional dinner. Jeff baked a mighty fine ham and has become a corn souffle expert.

Reid and Kay took Lola and Deacon out for their evening walk as the yard turned into a winter wonderland.

Next time I see young Flave he might even be the taller of the two. 

There is never a shortage of elves and we gathered in front of the fireplace for the long awaited moment.

Will will agree that you are never too old for Lego! I guess it helps that he is a WW II buff.

 A little slippin' and slidin' was going on outside even in 4 wheel drive!!

Reid gave the seal of approval for my chocolate trifle! 

What could be more fun than to head outside and play in the snow on Christmas night. Had I been a little smarter I would have washed dishes first. It wouldn't be long before we lost power and I washed dishes by candlelight. Just as we lit the candles the next night the power came back on. Thanks, Sr.

Christmas dinner

Breakfast wasn't planned since we were having a big lunch but it just happened!

Flave figured out how to use Leon's new mandolin and was a great help slicing the carrots for lunch. I am thankful he did not lose a finger.

 Next year I will try to remember to add both leaves to the table! The boys had never begun a meal with holiday poppers and could hardly wait.

They thought it was a pretty cool!

We do like to dress royally when we use the china and silver! Mary was having too much fun watching while Jeff and Kay donned their crowns immediately.

This was my first standing rib roast. What a fine experiment with an oven that never knows it's temperature.

Christmas

Between brunch and lunch there were plenty of presents to be opened. Santa evidently sent an elf early.  Kay did hear a reindeer in the yard when she walked Lola the night before! Reid seems pleased that he can now build a volcano.

Yes, Kay, I knew you wanted a gray vest and some blue baseball shirts! And Flave, what guy doesn't want a Star Wars mug!

It will be interesting to see if Leon wears his new socks. I am glad they will fit me too!!

This will give Flave something to do if he is every sitting at his desk and not studying.

Jeff is studying something while Reid gets to work building his lego bus.

Lola just takes it all in stride when she isn't napping in the middle of it all.

Remote control vehicles seemed to be a big hit this year. Mary watches as Reid tries to get his Milennium Falcon off the ground.

Will did not get to town until Christmas Eve so we started all over on Christmas with a little brunch. Jeff and Will at least made a cousin picture possible this year.

Christmas Eve Eve

 My grandsons, Flave and Reid, were in town for the holidays so we seized the opportunity to bake some Christmas cookies after our afternoon of geocaching.

While the cookies were baking Flave dashed out to the fire Leon had prepared in the back yard to cook a hot dog.

Soon little hands were busy again!

Zane, Jeff and Rose got back from the movie "Tron" and Zane wasted no time heading to the fire!

Now how did this happen? I am not sure about that boy!

It was interesting how all the boys had on black shirts - but not for long.

Jeff, Kay and Flave are watching the slide show video that was running of Christmases past.

Reid and Flave are wondering who is who while Rose texts in the den.

Flave and Reid put the finishing touches on some of the cookies.

Then Reid serves Kay and his dad some of the finished product.

Reid and Flave at the gingerbread house in the Arlington Hotel.

Roasted marshmallows and cookies! What a sugar high.

Reid: "I think I can cook these with my eyes shut!

Zane had time for a little Wii fishing early in the day.

I hope Flave did not eat these after I had him wait while I got a photo!