Fun stuff with Zander

The Friday before the snow storm was a field trip to the Library. The boys had fun hearing new stories and singing songs.

All three kids got to have a horse drawn sled ride in the field by our house!

The neighbor's geese were "greeting" Zander while we were in the barn.

The older kids took turns feeding a dove who ate right out of their hands.

Last week Grandpa Greg took us out to see the new Veggie Tales movie "The Pirates who don't do anything." Here Zander is sitting next to Pirate Larry holding his plush Larry show and tell (they were working on the letter L that week, so he thought to bring Larry for show and tell).

Last week Zander was the Top Banana at his Preschool. This means he gets to bring in pictures and put them up in class and talk about all the things he likes. He was also the line leader and got to help with snack.

Fabulous Food Friday

It has been ages since I've posted a recipe...how crazy is that? Anyway this yummy chilli recipe is supposed to be just like the chilli you get at Wendy's restaurants. I've made it several times and it always tastes great...so guess what we're having on Super bowl Sunday...

Super Bowl Chilli

2 lbs ground beef 29 oz kidney beans 29 oz pinto beans 29 oz tomato sauce 1 cup onion, diced 1/2 cup green chile, diced 1/4 cup celery, diced 3 medium tomatoes, chopped 2 teaspoons cumin powder 3 tablespoons chili powder 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper 2 teaspoons salt 2 cups water

Brown the ground meat in a skillet and drain fat. Using a fork, crumble the cooked meat. In a large pot, combine beef/turkey and remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook, stirring every 15 minutes for 30 minutes.
Makes 12 servings.

Our Snowy Adventures

Yesterday morning we woke up to a beautiful winter wonderland. Knowing this might be our one chance this year to play in the snow, we decided to stay home from church and let the kids enjoy the snow.

This is a view (this morning) from our bedroom window, looking out at our neighbor's barn.

This is the big Laurel tree in our back yard. (the one that blows leaves into the pool.)

Here are some trees on the side of our back yard.

Here is a look at the front area, facing south...and the back yard towards the neighbor's fence behind us.

Before heading out, I fixed the kids a warm bowl of Cream of Wheat hot cereal.

Daddy tried making a giant snowman, but the snowball was too heavy... it was as tall as Hayden.

Dan took the boys on a sled ride in the field.

...after a while, I took Natalie and Hayden for a ride.

The boys had so much fun riding in the sled...

...but they had more fun riding in the Jeep!



Natalie and I tested the snow and then one thing led to another and soon we found ourselves in the middle of a snowball fight!

After a while, Hayden got cold so Dan stayed out with Zander and they both built a cool igloo snow fort.

Due to the snow, Natalie and I had to postpone our girl's day out, so we settled for a facial instead. Later, Natalie and Zander watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

I'm a Jeep Kid!

Not long after Zander was born we sold our Jeep. Ever since, Natalie reminds us of how she misses the Jeep...Well, thanks to a group Christmas gift from Dan's mom, they all get to drive one of their very own!

Natalie was the first to try out the new wheels!

Then Zander gave Hayden a ride.

And of course, Hayden wanted a turn too. I don't think he really knew what he was doing, but surprisingly, he did just fine.

Natalie took Sarah around and then Sarah and Ryan got to drive.

Here are Hayden and Ryan.

Even I got in on the action. Kind of funny driving from on top of the seat.

Zander declared himself the best driver since he didn't crash into anything, so we let him park it in the garage. He got really excited when the Jeep said "you're a Jeep kid."

Driving can really take it out of a kid...and his Dad!

Happy New Year!

"Mom, can we stay up til Midnight?"

Sure...or at least they thought it was midnight! Around 10 pm we gathered around the coo-coo clock (which was set for 12!!!) and waited for the coo-coo to ring in the New Year!

We invited Ryan and Sarah over for New Years (and they brought their parents along) to spend the night. They toasted in the new year with sparkling cider.

Popped open poppers.

...and wore funny party hats...Happy New Year!!!

More fun with "Smokey"

Even though we didn't get any new snow, there was still enough on the ground for another sled ride. Smokey took the kids on an adventure in the pasture and then gave them a ride all the way home.

As they pass through the gate, you can see our house in the distance, just beyond the snow topped out building.


Wow! I never thought I would ever see the day where there was a horse in my front yard.