Tin Foil Boats!!

Today we made tin foil boats!

We took them outside to float in the flooded area of our backyard! (We have a blocked french drain. A fun project for another day!) The kids wanted straws to blow the boats around in the water. The only straws I had were Boba straws. They are extra large around for sucking up Boba from your cool Asian drink. We haven't used them in forever, and I don't have any more Boba, so I think a trip to the Asian market is in order! I am the only one in my family who appreciates Boba!!
Elise had a really cool design for her sail, it was attached on two sides!

Isaac's boat was large and flat.

Here they are making their boats!

I love that homeschool gives us the time for such impromptu fun! Besides, I think Elise was looking for a way out from writing a free verse poem...there's always tomorrow!

A White Christmas!

We braved the frigid north this Christmas...and had the time of our lives!

This Christmas we drove to Montana to have Christmas with my sister and her family. It was the very first White Christmas for all of us!

This picture was taken at the Billings Zoo. Yes, we went to the zoo on a day when the high for the weather was less than 20 degrees! It was soooo cold, but a lot of fun!
Even Isabel loved the snow!
She would follow the kids down the hill on their sleds, then jump on them at the bottom!

We had a lovely Christmas! We went to church on Christmas Eve, and lit the advent that evening also. I think it was about 6 degrees when we went to church, the high for the day!

The kids had a blast sledding and playing in the snow!

Camille was always the first one done being out in the cold(well, the first kid, I was usually the biggest wimp!) We were very thankful for a really warm coat Traci had for her, it meant she was able to be outside without crying.

Joseph and Daddy trying to stay warm!

Hannah and Camille sledding!

Aidan looks a little cold!

Isaac loved the snow most of all!

He was usually the last one to quit playing and he loved to walk around on the ice and snow!

Elise looks like she belongs in the cold!

Traci knows how to gear up!

Ben and Aidan!

On our way home we decided to take the long way! Crazy? Maybe, but we do love a roadtrip!

We went from Billings, Montana to Cheyenne, Wyoming the first day. Cheyenne was a neat town! The home of Wrangler, there were big decorated cowboy boots on every corner.This is a picture of Camille sitting on the one across from the restaurant where we ate dinner. Being in Wyoming, Brian felt the need to order "Bull Nuts". They were deep fried, and we didn't tell the kids what they were until after they tried them!

The next day we drove on to Salt Lake City, Utah. It was such a beautiful drive, especially coming through Park City, Utah. With snow covering the mountains, it almost made us want to take up skiing! Salt Lake City was also very beautiful. We ate at a Brewery downtown(I had a great espresso ale!), and walked around. It was New Years Eve, so there were a lot of festivities. We also drove by the Mormon Temple. It was lit up for Christmas and was very amazing.

We drove home from Salt Lake City on New Year's Day. We had snow on the ground from the time we left Truckee heading toward Montana until we got back to Truckee on the way home. Almost two full weeks of white, cold but beautiful scenery. God blessed us with a safe trip, great weather and fun family time!

Next year....a turquoise Christmas?

(think hut on the beach!!!)