Snow Day

School was cancelled last Friday because we received over two feet of snow. Even in Utah, this is not that common. Collin especially just loves the snow. He and his brothers walk to "the pit" to go sledding, and they like to bring a shovel so they can build jumps. I need to take some photos of them sledding at the pit, but for now I just have these of the kids in our yard. It's been so cold lately too so none of the snow has melted yet. Collin and Merritt went skiing the other day, and Collin can't wait until they can go again.

What gets me through the winter is my birds. Every day I love to see what birds will show up at my feeder. This mourning dove is so camouflaged in the snow we were lucky to notice her. Just this week I've also seen house finches (my regulars), goldfinches (more often this week than usual), chickadees, scrub jays, and my new favorite woodpecker...a northern flicker. He showed up for the first time on Christmas day but I've seen him several times since then. My boys know the names of all the birds and act as extra pairs of eyes. They call me to come see the feeder when a new bird shows up. We spend hours watching them. I love birds. 

Happy New Year!

Our empty nest neighbors actually love our boys and they are so good to us. They brought over a bag full of noise-makers, confetti, hats, and sparkling cider for New Year's Eve. The boys were in heaven. We just love our neighbors. I think I kissed Tessa instead of Merritt at midnight, or maybe it was more like ten o'clock. I don't think I made it until midnight this year. :) We spent New Year's Eve at home, just us and the kids. We watched one of our favorite movies (about birding): The Big Year. Happy New Year everyone!

A Winter Saturday Making Homemade Christmas Gifts

Saturday morning the boys are busily grating soap (not cheese). They liked experimenting with the different types of graters.

We added a little water (about 3 T per bar of soap), stirred, then reshaped the soap into snowmen and Christmas trees to give as Christmas gifts.

We also grew beautiful snowflake crystals to give as gifts. We grew the crystals on pipe cleaners in water and Borax overnight. They are hanging on our Christmas tree until it's time to give them away.

I loved spending time with my boys this weekend doing fun projects. Tess is sitting up now. She is 6 months old. I love to watch her sit and play with toys. She is my sunshine on a dreary winter day

Tessa Darling

Already 4 months old! Love this little girl.

Happy Birthday Luke!

Luke is such a cool kid. He has really cool hobbies, like origami, birding, and coin collecting. And he likes to play a little basketball on the side. Now he wants to start a new hobby, balloon twisting. He asked for long, twisting balloons for his birthday. He had so much fun making animals, swords, and hats. Here he is wearing an original creation while eating cake. Happy 6th birthday buddy. I love you. Mom.

Congratulations Adam and Kristie!

Tessa's First Smiles and Blessing Day