Temple Square with Michael

Before heading to Salt Lake to pick up Michael, we attended our ward's Christmas breakfast. Having a tendency to get times wrong, we showed up quite early. Happy to be able to help, we got busy filling in where we could. The morning was enjoyed by each of us as we visited with neighbors, ate delicious food, sang Christmas songs and welcomed Santa and his jolly lady love.

Eliza was second in line to greet him. Momentarily horrified that she'd left the list she'd made him that morning at home on the counter, she quickly composed herself. After sitting herself on his lap she articulately and professionally rattled off her Christmas wish list. It was so efficient that if you had told me that she had it memorized in alphabetical order, I would have believed you. Per my request, she loosened up for a quick picture.

 

Suggesting we ought to be sensitive of his time (and the other kids waiting in line) I quickly added two more Flegals to his lap for a picture.

Lottie was unimpressed, but considering last year's reaction I would say it was a step up!  Henry was up next. Unlike his sister, he went blank. Lucky for him, Mom was there to whisper his Christmas wishes. 'Coincidentally,' each thing he repeated to Santa, matched the same list that I've been working on for him this year.

Off topic:

I give Andrew grief about the dishes on a regular basis. It would seem that he's allergic to the sink and I'm pretty sure we were in agreement before this pregnancy started that he'd tackle this duty as a favor to the wife who gags and coughs whenever she encounters scents of an awful nature. And while I could fill pages of all that he does do to contribute to the welfare of our family, doing the dishes does not top the list. 

So... when Eliza found her Daddy doing the dishes following the breakfast in the kitchen of the Church, she found me in the hall and hollered,

"Hey Mom!! You have got to see this! Dad really DOES know how to do the dishes. Come look!" It provided laughs for everyone in range of Eliza's declaration. I couldn't help myself. I replied,

"It's a Christmas miracle!"

Following said miracle, we were off to Salt Lake to find our friend Michael. Now, if you had one chance to treat a foreign friend in Salt Lake to lunch, where would you go?

Did I just hear someone say, Cafe Rio? Because that's where we went. We headed to Nanna and Bubba's where we enjoyed lunch together. After that, Andrew and Michael (per Michael's request) headed back downtown to do a session at the temple. Later that evening, Bubba, Nanna and I bundled up the kids to meet them. It was surprisingly warm considering it is December. Unsurprisingly, it was super crowded. That's okay, though.

I was so happy to see that the candy windows are back! A friend of mine helped her daughter to build/create the green ornament. Due to the crowd, it was difficult to take a picture of it, but it was still fun to see a name of an artist that we recognized.

 

 I was happy to have Nanna and Bubba there to help me while we waited for Andrew and Michael. Not only that, but they always make outings more special and memorable (water, anyone?!) when they're with us.

 

 That cute blob of orange is Henry up on his Dad's shoulders.

 And finally, we paused for a family photo. If Eliza looks a little dazed, it's because she was. A few minutes prior to having this picture taken, Eliza walked straight into a rod iron fence that had been propped open. She's lucky not to have bled, but she had a nasty bump. Poor girl. Considering that on our prior holiday outing she was the one who 'got lost,' I'd say she's due for some festive fun minus any emotional and physical injury.

After dropping Michael off at his hotel that night, it was Andrew who began spewing/verbalizing his sadness.

"And just like that it's over."

Don't worry, I gave him a hug.

To Michael: it was a treat spending the day with you. Thanks again for the German chocolate goodies and treats. You're the best. We miss you and your family and hope to see you soon!!

A Cherished Friendship

Today's post is brought to you by Hallmark...and Tums (for when I make you feel nauseous).

Okay, not really but considering how emotional I feel at the moment, I thought a warning might be fair. It's not everyday that you get to write about being reunited with a dear friend from Germany. My inner-dialogue is running swift at the moment as it pulls memory after special memory into focus.

 For those fair few who have followed our family blog since its inception, I was confident (a day or two ago) that if I typed the name, Michael Auras, you'd know who I was referring to in a flash.

However, after perusing through the first four months of my blog, I was let down by how little I mentioned this special friend of ours. In an attempt to make restitution, I would like to take a moment to catch up on our shared history. If I want Heaven to take our request seriously that we want to build next door to the Auras family in our next life, I think a few specifics might help our cause. ;)  

This blog began when Andrew, Eliza and I moved to Germany in May 2007. It provided a way to keep our families updated on our happenings as phone calls were difficult and finding times to skype with the time difference was likewise challenging. It also gave me something to do when we weren't out exploring.

Andrew had landed an internship with BMW in Landshut, Germany but because he was attached to a wife and child, it was his responsibility to find his own housing. Late one night, we made contact with the Branch President of the area where he'd be working. His name was Michael.

Their conversation began in German, but as Andrew learned that Michael himself was proficient in English, it shifted for my benefit. After explaining our situation, we were astonished to hear Michael say, in a surprisingly casual tone, that we could live in the empty duplex next door to his family's home.

Say what?

The landlord of the home was a member of the branch. After speaking with him, he'd confirm with us. As we ended our first communication with him, I distinctly remember feeling peace as well as astonishment. This was actually going to happen!

Under Michael's direction, his wife and our soon-to-be neighbors stocked our summer home with beds, toys for Eliza, kitchenware, patio furniture for our living room among other necessities. They shared their stroller, sandbox, dinner table, car (at times) and bikes. Their hospitality was unreal. I soon learned that when you try to graciously thank them, they accept it while expressing clearly that it was no trouble at all.

Michael, in his big yellow VW van, picked up our exhausted family from the airport. I immediately went into "make a friend" mode which means that I didn't stop talking for the duration of our drive to Ermlandweg. In between my ramblings, I remember being intrigued by the red roof tops, the rain and green rolling hills. My (poor) tendency to talk (and talk) when meeting someone for the first time came to a screeching halt when I realized that everyone else I would soon meet didn't speak English.

Other fond memories include:

• The Auras family, along with the missionaries, celebrating Eliza's first birthday with us. 
• I remember the night Michael stopped by our house after work to surprise us with gelato. It was my first gelato experience... and I will never forget it... feffermintz! That night we played board games with Michael and his wife Johanna. 
• Michael (and sometimes his family) accompanied us to Vienna, Munich, Regensburg,  Koenigsee, Neuschwanstein, etc.  
• Neighborhood BBQ's 
• Date nights with Michael and Johanna; some were embarrassing, others were very fun.
• Michael and Johanna were with us when Eliza took her first steps.
• After disregarding Andrew's request that I wait before purchasing a pregnancy test, I bravely (shopping in Germany was always an act of bravery for me) bought one myself. Johanna was outside watering the garden that morning. Needing someone to confirm what "schwanger" meant, I went to her. In her thick German accent she smiled and said, "Congratualtions Ellie! You're pregnant!" She was the first to know about Henry. 
• Their six darling kids played, cared and loved Eliza so well. They were fun, mischievous and bright.They were also my best teachers in helping me to speak and understand German.

They treated us like family and when we left, we were saying 'Goodbye' to family. You'll be shocked to discover I wrote in great detail about those sad feelings. ;) I also wrote this poem.

Feeling a small speck of redemption, you can understand how excited Andrew and I were to learn that Michael would be traveling to SLC for business. All I can say is that I hope he'll forgive my crazy American self for crying with happiness when I jumped out of the car to give him a hug. Then again, he lived next door to us for four months. My behavior couldn't have been that big of a surprise, eh?

As for Andrew, I'd like to make one observation. When Andrew meets someone new (a recent meeting with a new home teacher comes to mind), he is very reserved and serious. It still surprises me to see him become introverted when we're in public. However, in Germany... I don't know why it worked like this, he was much more himself. It was easy for a friendship between Michael and Andrew to develop because he was able to quickly access that confident, easy going, witty version of himself that he found on his mission... the same guy who I live with everyday.

More on our day with Michael later. I'll conclude by saying that to have a few hours to visit with Michael and remember how special life for our family was that summer was a real treat.

Thanksgiving 2012

Blog says: Quick, Ali. Before Christmas sneaks up from behind, why don't you go ahead and blog about Thanksgiving?
Ali says: Good idea, blog. I think that's a great idea. You know what though? I'm tired. Maybe I should find a minute tomorrow instead...

Blog says: That's what you said five nights ago.

Ali says: Well ya. I was tired then too.

Blog says: But if you fall too far behind, who is going to champion the cause of a dying, nearing extinction, social fad?

Ali says: Someone else. A whole bunch of someone elses... A group of someone elses who get paid for blogging. 

Blog says: Hang on, Ali. Before you order me to hibernate, can you just remember how much fun your family had that weekend?

Ali says: Oh, I remember. But I'll also remember in the morning.

Blog says: Shhh, shhh, shhh!! Wait. This matters. Your pictures are already here. Just run through it real quick. You could have opted out of  our imaginary conversation (you're totally and legitimately crazy, by the way) and have been done with the captions by now. Your time for cleverness and charm has passed. That ship of awesomeness has SAILED, lady. Just robot-like and systematically recap your Thanksgiving weekend.

Ali asks: And then I can go to bed?

Blog says: Yes! Yes, you can.

.................................................................

Okay friends. You have my full attention. I'll just say that if you think that was weird, you should hear my mental back and forth when I'm trying to talk myself into doing laundry. Talk about running in an endless circle of frustrating procrastination.

Thanksgiving was a feast of family and food... both favorites.

It began with a Mays family tradition of bowling. It was great to see and visit with the Jones side of our family and see their darling kids. 

After working up our appetite, we headed to my sister's house to eat.

What a lovely family, yes? This picture makes me so happy. I'm thankful to belong to this group and have them close to us year round.

That evening, we drove down to Salt Lake to spend the night at Bubba and Nanna Teresa's house. Lucky for us, they were at the Stratton home having pie when we arrived. Accepting the invitation, this is where we met them. The ever lovely Karina was there with her family. What a treat it was to visit with her, Serity and their families.

The decision to stay at Nanna's was a good one! Henry had his first sleepover with Truman, Lottie did well in her pack and play and Andrew and I were able to stay up and play games with Mark, Liz and Mike.

Friday morning, Andrew and I generously offered a glimpse into why we should star in our own reality show as those who were at the house witnessed first hand Andrew's reaction to me purchasing some (needed) clothes for the kids online. Spending money makes him physically unwell. To see someone generally so composed suddenly lose it as his wife hit the button, "submit," was sadly entertaining.

Cooking, shopping, running our mouths and watching the kids play ensued as we prepared for our second Thanksgiving feast, this time with the Flegal crew.

 (Nanna and Bubba's grand kids, sans the Taylor family whom we missed very much.)

 Dinner was wonderful; although... I have to say that at one point the conversation turned a direction that left me suddenly embarrassed beyond belief. I was laughing and crying into Andrew's shoulder as I had said something... that was quickly turned from appropriate into something SHOCKINGLY inappropriate (by a clever jokester). I add this detail as a favor to all those who laughed their heads off at my awkward expense.

I'm guessing that at one point Eliza was seated next to Lottie. How else do you explain the sad scene of Chantal sitting by her lonesome at the blue table?

Speaking of that darling Chantal, we were lucky to have her up to our house Saturday night with the rest of her family. We decided to make the most of having the Greens at our house. After ensuring that they have their fix of Cafe Rio before returning home to New York, we headed into Ogden for the lighting of Christmas Village. Despite having missed the electrical parade, we arrived minutes before Santa switched the lights on and the firework show began. Even though the area was packed with people, the moment was magical. Lottie, who was not a fan of the loud fireworks, would disagree probably. 

We promised Eliza a return to the village to see Santa, preferably on a weekday, since the line to see him was super super long. The other low point came when Eliza was separated from us. Andrew could see her, but she thought she was lost.  It took a painful amount of seconds for him to reach her as there were so many people. It gave her a horrible scare and I hope we never have a repeat incident. Poor girl. 

 

I am really glad Henry and Truman were able to have that extra time to be together. They get along so well. Their combined antics, however, drive Eliza absolutely crazy. There must be an opposition in everything, I suppose. Even so, they are great buddies and it makes me very thankful.

 

Speaking of friends, their friendship grows each visit too.

 

It was a great holiday weekend. This post is now complete and for that, I'm thankful.

beautiful mess

Having abandoned the pile of dirty dishes that sit in my sink, a decision I will hate myself for in the morning, I have retreated to my bedroom in search of this here laptop. I've been a distant friend to our family blog lately.  It would be easy to pile on the reasons why, but who is really interested in that? So often I've claimed that I "write" so that my kids will know and remember how their Mother perceived their childhood or because its a means of staying in touch with whoever it is that doesn't even read our blog anymore. I confess, however, that after spending a few minutes (which turns into hours sometimes) reviewing older entries that I feel grateful for taking the time to do this for my own sake. Does this make me sound horrible? Don't answer that.

I've been in 'this business' (Motherhood, that is) for six and a half years. By comparison to the veteran Saints, a.k.a. Mothers, I've only scratched the surface. To the newly expectant Mom, I might be able to fool you that I totally know what I'm talking about when we discuss teething and/or forming proper sleeping habits. What I can say that is authentic is that I feel a weird sense of surprise mixed with a large dose of sadness when I see how my kids have grown. I am thrilled that they are growing and that we're expanding, but it's proof that this world that I live in won't remain the same despite the fact that there are many times during a week, particularly in that four o'clock p.m. hour of the day, that seem unending. The mundane daily tasks combined with really loud kids who are high on nothing but LIFE itself, forces me from the room and into another so I can hear myself think for a minute. But, there will come a time when the goldfish cracker crumbs disappear for good and I no longer write the words, "dino chicken nuggets" on my grocery shopping list (hey, don't judge). At Christmas time I won't spend hours searching for the best deal on Christmas pajamas and I'll wonder as I decorate the tree by myself if I adequately taught those young believers how to be Christ-like givers. 

In case you're wondering what the sam-hill point is of this post, I am afraid that there isn't one.

I'm hormonal and it's okay.

That's my daily mantra now. ;) 

It will be Andrew and me. I wonder if I'll find myself in a situation like I'm in tonight where I sit in bed and type up a load of non-sense while he cuts his own hair, like he is now, in our bathroom. It's true, he cuts his own hair. I think he is the only person on planet earth who actually understands his own hair, really... it's as complex and unique a situation as he is. Feeling a need to substantiate that last sentence, any guesses on what type of music he listens (and sings) to while he does it?

If you guessed Celtic folk music, you are CORRECT! This is the same guy who felt like he could lift a 300+ pound axle by himself and as result, ended up on the concrete of our driveway with said piece of equipment on his lap (yowzers!). Fortunately axles roll so he recovered once he was able to determine that all of his limbs still functioned in the proper manner. Hopefully though, this was a lesson in learning that it's sometimes important to ask people for help.

Anyway, Thanksgiving weekend was one of the best our family has shared. And while I wait to bum a few more pictures off of my family members who are more diligent in the photo taking department than I am, I will postpone that recap for another day.

I will say, since it's fresh in my head, that we decorated our Christmas tree tonight. Finding an old Christmas nightgown, Eliza and all of her, "LET'S DECORATE!' enthusiasm spread the spirit and excitement of the early season through the family. Henry's reaction to said merriment wasn't verbalized as much as it was expressed through his dance moves. His eyes said more than his mouth did as he sorted through the ornaments. As I would tell him about the special meaning behind his ornaments, he'd simply say,

"Oh my gosh!"

Lottie seemed so pleased to have us all together, away from electronic devices, homework and telephones. Or maybe that was how I felt. I'm not sure, but she was sure darling as she continued to evaluate and praise our beautiful tree. Having been caught by the Christmas bug himself, Andrew offered to hang some lights in the kid's bedrooms. While he did his thing, the kids played and sang 'ring around the rosey' multiple times... As sweet as they are, the song grew tiresome after the 20th round. I found myself initiating bedtime to escape it. Wow, I sound like the Grinch. It was, in fact, past bedtime. After prayers and singing the kids their first Christmas bedtime song of the season, we said goodnight.

Returning to their darkened hallway sometime later, I paused near Lottie's door. That sweet girl, who had taken a rather late Sunday nap, was still awake. In her crib she was singing,  "ring around the rosey' to herself. And yes, she was on repeat. That song that I'd been itching to get away from was suddenly my favorite in the world as I knew that Lottie was reliving the best memory from her day in her head.

Since I've clearly stated that this evening's post lacks a unifying thread to tie each paragraph together, I'll conclude with a grouping of photos that don't relate to much of anything that's been written. Just like my horrible kitchen downstairs, I give myself permission to be a mess.

For the sake of documentation ('Ya, whatever Ali' is right), this snow storm fell post Halloween, pre-Thanksgiving. The snow has long since melted, but if you were to ask any of these kids, they'd be thrilled if it returned soon. 

 Henry was kind enough to dig Lottie's car out of the snow with a hot pink sand shovel. 

What a guy.

 Can you spot Henry? 

It's a total win when Mom doesn't misplace the hand-me-downs such as

this purple coat. The pre-exisisting snow boots, however, have yet to be found.

Our Family Tree

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, it is with a grateful heart that I am able to announce that our family tree is expanding.

Flegal baby # 4 is due May 25!

* This is a great place to stop reading if my personality ever 

makes you want to vomit.

I hesitate to broadcast the happy emotions attached to our announcement as we are keenly aware that this news is (and has been) hard for some of our dear friends and family to receive. Andrew and I know of couples who, at this moment, are longing, aching and praying for their families to grow. In no way am I saying that anyone wishes misfortune upon us; but rather that their pleas to heaven were being met in a more timely manner or with a greater level of ease. Perhaps I have no business to be blogging about something so personal and so difficult when I myself haven't tasted of that particular heartache. For those who've shared their struggles and frustrations, I literally cry with you. When I look at the divine qualities these women, some of whom are Mothers already, possess, I have to ask why on earth these blessings are delayed. It feels unbelievably unfair.

It's possible that I have followed the bloggers code to closely as I have a tendency to portray a life of perfected bliss via this blog. The truth is, we have our challenges. With time, I expect that we will face, "assorted soul-stretching challenges and adversities." I don't say this because I'm a pessimist, but because there aren't exemptions from trial and difficulty.

This past weekend we had a close call on the freeway. After Andrew slammed on the breaks, Lottie instantly began to bawl. Assuming she'd been startled, I look back to console her. To my horror I see that her car seat is tilted forward, resting on the back of the driver's seat.

We'd been to a movie with family that afternoon. Having the room to fit all the adults in our van, we carpooled the group while Lottie and the other kids stayed at Bubba's house to play. Her car seat, which had been removed to accommodate the group, was eventually put back in the car, but not buckled back in.  

Jumping back to be with her, I quickly fastened her seat in properly. A mixture of relief, intense gratitude and a terrible sickness for what could have happened fell over Andrew and me. The kids, with the exception of Eliza who was worried out of her mind that a police man would see me out of my seat belt and arrest me on the spot, settled quickly while Andrew and I were left reeling. It was an ugly reminder that in a matter of seconds, what you hold and value as more precious than anything (as trite as that sounds) can be taken away from you. 

With all that being said, Heavenly Father didn't intend us to live life in a state of fear or depression. Peace and hope, I believe, can be found in the ugliest of circumstances. I can't give overwhelming testimony of this with an earth shattering example from my own life, but I've seen it in other people's lives and on a smaller and more simple scale in my own. Quoting from the same LDS conference talk that I shared from earlier, Sister Linda Burton said,

"All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ." I have faith that if we follow Christ's teachings and make him both our sail and anchor, we'll be able to progress safely through life and have a secure foundation for when life's storms come. The Atonement, we're taught, isn't there to only cleanse the sinner, but to also lift and repair the brokenhearted. There's a lovely little quote floating around Pinterest that struck a chord with me. It says:

"Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ."

I apologize for letting my feelings (which have been unintentionally designed to look like a sermon) have exploded in such a manner. I just hope that I can share the upcoming months of preparation and excitement in a sensitive way. 

And finally, a note to our precious fourth,

Dear baby,

Your story has begun! The fourth spot in our family is special, you should know. Both your Daddy and I hold that same place in the families we grew up in so without question you'll be favored at all times! ;)  With it comes the blessing of older siblings who clapped and shouted for joy when we shared with them the news. On a lazy Sunday morning, your sisters and brother decided to climb into bed with us. It was a most welcomed invasion. Singing the family favorite, "Here we are together," I added the lines:

"...And another new baby growing in Mommy's tummy." Eliza's mouth dropped open, Henry beamed a happy smile, Lottie demanded the attention be returned to her (just kidding)...  Then we celebrated.

Those same siblings, who remain pure, innocent (well that's debatable... hee hee hee) and full of faith, pray each day for your safety and health. To be fair, it remains to be seen how the sister that is about to be dethroned from the prime spot of 'family baby' will react; but with time I have every confidence in the world that she'll promote you to the coveted spot of 'personal favorite.' 

Another benefit of being the fourth is that much of the concern we have regarding the exhausting exercises that accompany having a newborn have been diminished as we see how incredibly fast those months pass. Those early, heaven filled, new baby phases are gone in a blink. And with each exciting new development, the exhaustion softens and a new normal is discovered. 

The morning I found out you were coming, your Daddy was away on business. I did not have the patience to wait for him to return as I believed that a positive result could be possible that day. The thrill of seeing those two pink lines felt as new as it did the first time. The shock was significantly less compared to when I found out about Eliza, but time and experience demanded a higher level of gratitude as I made my way onto my knees to thank our Father in Heaven.

That same day, I found myself at the Brigham City Temple open house with Eliza, Henry and Lottie. As we walked through the celestial room, I was reminded how close heaven and earth can be. I am thankful that this experience, God willing, can bring me to that sacred moment in time, when Mother and child meet once more.

Daddy came home to a "Welcome Home" sign that Eliza had lovingly decorated. Moments before his late night return home, I added the 'exclamation point' to the sign; which in fact, was one of my positive pregnancy tests (by that point, I had a fair few). 

"Did you notice Eliza's sign?" I questioned as I sat sleepily on the couch. The sign that was displayed on the mantel was quite prominent. 

"Yes." His voice was nonchalant. Assuming he was saving his 'reaction' for the child who had colored it so well, I continued. 

"Look at it closely." Heeding my instruction, his solid, consistently stable demeanor momentarily faltered. A certain smile (that I love, love, love) reserved for occasions such as this broke through. 

"Really?!" And then his confidence returned. He smugly added, "I already knew it!"  And then we made out. Say what, Mama?!? (I'm just checking to see if Andrew is still paying attention.)

You are loved and wanted more than you know. We pray for you daily and your Mom thinks about you around the clock. 

All my love,

Mom

That folks, is more muffin top than baby. But still, there's a baby. After Thanksgiving, I'll look 35 + weeks pregnant... can't wait! ;)

A Belated 'Boo!'

Tell me, friend. What does Tinkerbell, a Gold Samuri Power Ranger and a Vampire have in common?

You're right. They don't have much in common. Andrew laments each year over our lack of costume coordination. Maybe next year, honey. I went with Eliza and Henry's costume request and Lottie went with mine.

Said in an ominous tone, "I want to be a vampire princess!" 

(Rolling the 'r' sound on the word 'princess' was consistent on her part)

To be honest, she wasn't at all interested in white face paint, plastic fangs or pretend blood. As we were getting reading for our first Halloween event, the ward Trunk or Treat, I informed her that vampires are infamous for drinking blood. This news horrified her.  Next year, I predict a return to Disney characters. We'll see.

As for Henry, he relished the role of hero.

There were days, however, when I thought the sword might have been a mistake. If you were on his 'bad guy' list, you may have fallen victim to being hit with the sword. Whether it was on purpose or accidental, I wasn't always sure. All I know is that I heard myself say,

"You do that again and I get to eat all your candy." or "Give me the sword. HENRY! GIVE ME THE SWORD!"

Seriously though, he is such a super stud.

As for Tinkerbell, I have to say that watching her react to the collection of candy was great fun. Having no memory from last year, it was special to experience this as a "first" with her.

In addition to the trunk or treat, we also enjoyed our first visit to the neighborhood, 'Mafia Man' (that's a post for another day year.), had a party with our cousins, watched Eliza parade through her elementary school, carved pumpkins and trick-or-treated through our neighborhood.

I remember, back in South Carolina, feeling lonely on Halloween as we didn't have anyone to tag along with. Trick-or-treating with groups is great, but this year we ended up going alone as a family. We saw friends along the way, which was fun, but what I'm trying (and failing so hard) to say that I feel content with my lot.  It was sweet watching Eliza and Henry dart to each door with each other, compare candy piles and scream in unison, "Yes!" when Andrew asked if they wanted to go out for another round of candy collecting with him.

Until next year.

Winter Preview

Wanting to participate in a little (pre) Halloween action, Mother Nature surprised us with a trick of her own.

I have to say that there are others in my family who would argue that it was less of a trick and more of a treat to wake up a week before Halloween to a decent sized snow storm. As I drove Eliza to school that morning, I remember thinking how neat the snow capped mountains looked as the lower half remained bright with the colors of fall. The two seasons, winter and fall, had met.

Henry just about bounced out of his pajamas, he was so excited to dive into the snow outside. Eliza, on the other hand, was bummed that she had to go to school. After assuring her that Henry wouldn't use up all the snow in our over sized backyard, she cheered up some.

 

"Careful Henry. Make sure you save some snow for your sister." ;) 

She did, however, miss out on the first cup of hot chocolate.

A boy and his hot chocolate; what more could you ask for?

Oh I know. How about a super awesome Dad who decides to hook up the sled to the lawn mower so that he can give rides to his kids? How about that?!

 They loved every minute of it. The ride lasted for a half hour at least. Lottie tried it but opted out after a few runs around the yard. And when I say that she, 'opted' out... I mean she rolled out of the sled.

Here's Lottie before she James Bonded her way off the sled. 

In the sledding department, things have sure improved for Andrew. Here's a flashback to 2010 to help illustrate what I mean.

  Eliza was thrilled that Henry kept his word. He saved her a yard full of snow.

The temperature soon jumped back up. Three days later, the snow was gone. By the time Halloween arrived, we were back in the 70's. Despite Mother Nature's temperamental mood, we sure enjoyed the Winter preview (minus the piles of wet clothes, gear and snow boots that littered the house from the continual bustle of kids running in and out to play). 

"Snow is AWESOME!!"