It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

The "Braed" as Ian calls him.

Can usually be found racing a car.

Wild and Free

Time Out 'Tude

The "I-man" as Poppa calls him.

"Come On Braed!"

A Glimpse of the Glow

Ten days ago it felt like Spring outside for a weekend. It snowed again the next day. And it's snowing today. But this is what we did on a Spring like afternoon. I spray painted a bunch of decorations and planting pots that have been waiting for it to get just warm enough to be made over. And the boys did this...

Oh, the warmth. Mid 50s!

A little sunbathing. Don't mind if I do!

And of course, sledding!

Ian is lucky to have such a guy for an older brother. Though I doubt he realizes it.

Pure Joy

Shall we go again!?

And it snowed and snowed and snowed

"One winter morning Braeden and Ian woke up and looked out the window. Snow had fallen during the night. It covered everything as far as they could see."

Chocolate cookie face

“Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more....” ― Dr. Seuss

For five years we have been instilling that Santa is a fun game that people like to play on Christmas. Our oldest is scared of any Santa he sees in a mall or Red Robin. We tell him as he's panicking that it's nothing to be afraid of, it's just a fun game of dress up like Halloween. Our youngest thinks Santa is to be in awe of, but must never go near or touch. One episode of Calliou and all of this is out the window. A bald headed whiny boy of four has more influence over my children than five years of our teaching. That's right, Santa apparently visited our house for Christmas. The boys know all about reindeer food and Santa's preferred choice of snack and heaven forbid if Ian sees us eat a chocolate chip cookie. That's Santa's cookie. Also, I was informed that you get candy in your stocking. Great! We are a no candy household. I picked up some organic peanut buttercups at Whole Foods & wondered if the boys would touch it. Santa came so quietly, the boys slept through the reindeer on the roof.  Braeden & Granny Bug tracked his progress on the internet to make sure Santa was getting all the children around the world. Granny Bug is thrilled that Santa is no longer frightening but revered by my boys. Here's what I know: a cartoon has more influence on my children than I do.  How has it come to this? And wouldn't you know it, the kids don't like candy so I'm glad I picked something I like.

My parents came to visit our house for the first time since we moved. We spent a lot of time in front of the fire watching football, eating food and watching the snow. We decorated the tree together. The boys and I made dough ornaments for my tree.  Granny Bug made Hotwheel ornaments for the boys' tree for their playroom. Hotwheels, jingle bells and buckets of jelly beans decorated the boys tree. We celebrated Mass at a Cathedral. It is right up there with being Europe pretty. Brought my camera, but forgot a sim card. Next year, I'll get the ornate church & my dapper boys in their coats & ties.

Chick-fil-a has made it to Boise. It's working it's way west! For us Southerners, it was a treat for our taste buds to revisit. And a joy to introduce Brandon to a staple of my growing up years. I hadn't been to a Chik-fil-a since 1999 when we moved to the PNW from South Carolina.  I think my boys will definitely be eating mor chikin. They have a gluten free menu and they claim to take measures to not cross contaminate (music to a gf's ears!). 
 http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Food/Gluten

Santa came.

We're coming!

Cars 2 Squinkies!

Round Two.
 We gathered with Brandon's family @10am. We had two gift opening sessions from Granny Bug and Poppa.
Pardon me, eh, Santa.

Watching Football, Football, Football!

Snow Angel

View of our house from the edge of our property

Looks like Ian has inherited my icy stare.