Finally Did It

This is the chair that we thought about buying for more than a year.
Now that it is ours, I think I want another one!
The cat really likes it when I sit in it. He jumps up and makes himself comfortable on my lap.
The dog does not like it when Steve sits in it, as there is not enough room for the both of them.
Hmmm...I wonder if they make one big enough for Tucker.

(In case you are wondering, that is Pia looking in the window.)

Winter?

This picture was taken last week. In winters past I would only see my toes when it was time to bathe.
I have seen my toes frequently this winter. On this day it was warm enough that I wore flip flops to an evening appointment. While the calendar may say February it felt like spring.
Then it got cold, really cold. Strong winds made it even colder. I didn't post this picture because it seemed silly when it was so cold out. As of yesterday it is back to being very warm for February and my toes are again visible.
Some people (in this house & elsewhere) are really missing winter. Not me, the warmish days, the beautiful blue skies and the toes that are only cold when I walk outside in my bare feet make me smile.

Weekend Fun

What do you do for fun on a winter weekend when there is no snow to speak of and the 'slopes' are covered in an icy granular mixture the reminds us of the Pocono's in the late 80's, been there/done that - yuck.

Bowling works for us.

 

Winter Arrives...maybe

Yep, the outside temperature says 9.

That was back in January when the temperature was either 50 or 10.

Sometimes it's snowing, sometimes it's raining.

 Now that February is half over it seems that we might actually be experiencing winter.

Happy Valentine's Day

Wishing a wonderful Valentine's Day to my boys!

Happy Birthday Steve

Birthday month continues...


Happy Birthday Steve!!!

There was some debate over whether this shirt better suited CJ,
 at times they really are' two peas in a pod'.

Peanut butter ice cream cake was the cake of choice for Steve.
The family trend is for a birthday treat that is not a traditional cake.
Seems appropriate for us.

We ALL enjoyed the cake!!!

CJ Turns 14

On the morning of CJ's birthday he found presents and 'cake' awaiting him.
He was very curious about the silver one, wondering why his parents would be giving him some kind of spirits. He turned to me and said 'I don't think I can concentrate through the exam today unless I know what is in that bottle holder'.

So, not wanting to be the cause of 'concentration issues' he opened the mysterious container to find no adult beverages...really CJ?! Instead he found a gift card that would help him in his quest to build the spaceship of his dreams.

After a yummy dinner, Bourbon Chicken as per the birthday boy's request, it was time for cake and presents.

He was very pleased with every aspect of  his birthday (minus the Algebra exam) and even managed to have cake for breakfast the next day.

Rock House & Old Man's Cave

 Since the weather was warm, for December, and sunny we decided to take a trip to Hocking Hills.
It was interesting seeing the caves in a different season.

Steve and CJ

A family portrait.

Hey, that kid looks like ours.

The Sphynx Rock

Christmas Morning

After getting caught twice sneaking downstairs, first at 11:30 and then at 3:30, it was finally Christmas morning.

As usual the adults had to have their coffee before present opening could begin. And maybe a little breakfast too! Poor CJ. Notice that it is still dark outside.

Dakota gives MaryKate a Christmas gift.

Finally!!!
And a glimpse of light outside.

Mark gets some help opening presents from the dogs.
Look at the beautiful sunrise!

MaryKate got lots of tools to help with her renovation projects.

Is it food?

 
Video game excitement.

It was a Flyers Christmas. Steve got a jersey, hoodie, t-shirt and license plate holder. I got a Winter Classic blanket and Old Time Hockey Flyers sweatshirt and hat.

Mark now has his own NCIS hat.

Christmas Eve

One of our Christmas Eve traditions is to watch A Christmas Story. This year we shared that tradition with MaryKate, Mark and the dogs. MaryKate didn't understand why we enjoy the movie and went to bed. The rest of us enjoyed the 24 hours of our favorite Christmas movie!

 

A Warm and Rainy December

It is our first day of winter break and we should be packing the truck and heading to Wisp to have a relaxing ski vacation before Christmas. Unfortunately everytime it cools down enough to make snow it then warms back up and rains.

Today it rained a mere .36 inches. That was enough to set a record for annual precipitation. And, the year isn't over yet.

According to the World Weather Post - The yearly rainfall total for Columbus now stands at 53.55 inches, surpassing the previous wettest year of 1990 and its 53.16 inches.

The Hunt for the Perfect Tree

 December 17th is the latest we have ever gone Christmas tree hunting. But between the never ending rain and other commitments that was our first available weekend.
The weather was chilly with a bit of wet snow falling.
It was a bit weird to having to dodge the mud puddles while walking through the snow.

We walked up and down the rows while Tucker explored every inch of the farm.

Finally we had it narrowed down to two trees.

This one was deemed 'the perfect tree'.

 

Can you see the mud caked into the soles of CJ's boots?

Tucker had to have a 'tubbie' when we got home. He had mud packed in between his toes and pretty much every where else.

Steve worked on the lights and CJ placed the tree skirt.

Then we all hung the ornaments.