Snowed in

As I mentioned before, we were snowed in at my parents place in Oklahoma this Christmas. They live out in the boonies, so there was no getting out for about 3 days. No problem, they were well prepared and everyone was warm, happily fed, and comfortable.

The birds were still out and about, even in the terrible winds during the storm. Both kids enjoyed watching them at the feeders.

My dad, the day after the storm. The snow doesn't look too deep, but it drifted dramatically.

They tried to take Laura sledding on the pathetic little hill in their front yard, but had no luck. But Mom and Laura stopped to say Hi! to the bear statues.

Dad has a turkey blind set up - in their front yard!

Deep drifts

Babies miss all the fun

And the 'burb had quite a mohawk from the vent in the roof.

Happy, hairy tennis ball on the Suburban's antenna.

Christmas celebration #2

We made it to Oklahoma just in time. The storm definitely followed us and we were snowed in at my parents for 3 days. No Christmas Eve at my Grandma's house (only the 3rd that my parents have ever missed) and no Christmas Mass. We sure missed seeing my extended family at Grandma's. But it was kind of nice to stay at home too. The house was cozy and had everything we could possibly need or want. The kids probably didn't miss the long drive into town, either!

Both kids took to my Dad right away, but it helped that he was handing out presents too. After we left, Laura proudly announced that Grandpa Phil is a great snuggler.

No, the rocking horse wasn't a present. My Uncle Clifford made it and its a fixture at the Grandparents house. Besides, it would never fit in the Accord for the drive home.

Love the pointed toes.

Beautiful ballerina jewelry box from Aunt Kim. Very special.

Huge, I mean HUGE, caterpillar. So very cute.

and comfy

Laura's view of my parents house

Laura manned the camera again, this time at my parents house. These are my favorites, unedited. I really liked seeing her perspective, especially on things that I've been looking at my entire life.

Mom and Dad's tree, although they are going back to colored lights next year.

Hi Gramma Ann!

Neat shot. That's her hand. You should have heard her playing. She loves to sing along, of course.

Our senior pictures

Grandpa Phil and Adam at the computer

Dad's dresser that he's had forever

Angel on the top of the tree. My Dad made that before I was born I think?

This map has been in our house as long as I can remember. It actually shows Ponca City on it.

Pretty

Happy ornament

On the road - there and back

After the sledding and before the really big snow storm, we all (Kim, Jim, the kids and I) headed down to my parents house in Oklahoma. We originally planned to do it all in one day, but with news of this huge storm coming, we decided to leave an afternoon early and stay south of Kansas City for one night. That turned out to be a good choice and made the whole thing a little bit easier on all of us.

The night in the hotel with the 5 of us went better than anticipated, though Kim might feel differently. She got be cozy all night with Laura, who is a big cuddler. But Adam did pretty well in his portable crib and at least we got a break from the car for a few hours.

We stayed in a familiar hotel with a great breakfast to get us started off right and we pulled into my parents house just in time for lunch. Laura spent all except 2 hours in the car with Kim, which made the trip 100% easier. That allowed me to sit in the back with Adam and gave Kim someone to talk to on the way. Thanks Kim!

The trip back was similar. Jim, the kids and I were in Kansas at his parents house. Kim was heading home the same day, so we met at BETO junction on I35 and moved Laura over to her car. The bonus is that my mom joined us on the way home! She will stay here for a week or so and then fly out to New York to see my brother and his family. We made it back in one day and were very glad to be done driving and to be back in our own house. Poor Kim got up the next day and drove another 4 hours to her house! Thanks for bringing Mom and Laura and it was great to see you, Kim!

Sleepy boy

Hi Kim and Laura!

Getting the wiggles out

Sledding

I wondered if Laura was brave enough to do any real sledding by herself this year. Well...

I shouldn't have worried. She pretty much jumped right on, and was down the hill before I finished getting Adam out of his car seat. Guess she's braver than I give her credit for.

Adam took a ride too, but he wasn't too impressed.

Aunt Kim's a great sledder. Guess they get to do that a lot in Wisconsin.

And she also saved the day when Adam was done with all this cold stuff.

So they hung out at the car for a bit.

While we went for a few more rides.

2009 Christmas celebration #1

Yes, we had THREE Christmas celebrations this year. It was pretty crazy and we have way too much loot, but we enjoyed them all.

The first was at home about a week before Christmas. Kim was here "on her way" to our parent's house in Oklahoma, so she helped us celebrate. The day started with special Christmas pancakes, ala Jim and Laura. They used cookie cutters to make Christmas shapes. I hope that becomes a tradition. It was fun and something to do together that didn't involve presents. I have a picture of the pancakes, but it really isn't too appetizing so I left that out. But they tasted delicious!

After breakfast, we opened our gifts to each other.

Is it time? Is it time?

(Actually, I'm usually the one pushing to open gifts, but I like to blame it on Jim and the kids.)

Stockings always have the best stuff, in my opinion.

Adam loved the bows. Throughout the entire season, he has loved the bows. Check out Jim's huge calculator from the kids in the background. Bet he'll get a few laughs at work with that.

Jim and Laura decided to make Jesus a birthday cake. Didn't get a picture of the finished product, but it was delicious too. I'm liking these food related traditions!

Our Charlie Brown Christmas tree for the living room.

Adam was so happy to finally be able to play with the gate from around the Christmas presents. Between the bows and the gate, he wasn't too interested in the actual presents.

Later in the day, there was some reading.

And pretend napping.

And sincere attempts at napping. Yes, my eyes are closed.

All in all, it was an excellent first Christmas celebration for the year. We're so glad Kim joined us. More celebrations to follow...

Summary

Family hugged

Memories made

Jesus born

Gifts given

Gifts received

Turkey eaten

Pictures taken

Snow fell...and fell...and fell

Wii played

Old friends reconnected with

Cheese fries eaten

Goddaughter finally met

One tooth emerged

Gasoline burnt

Dr. Pepper and coffee consumed

Car seats well worn

And now we're home, safe and snug. Pictures and stories to follow, of course.