Winter Activities

Michigan Snow
I have never experienced anything like the cold here in Michigan this past month. The weather hovers in the teens and then drops to below with the wind chill. We have had quite a bit of snow, but because its so cold, we can't really make good snowmen or snowballs. We have tried to play in it a few times, but we simply don't last long due to the wind. One thing I can say is I have found a new appreciation for snowblowers. Bless my neighbors who snowblowed our driveway. Those things are magical. Donny sat against that tree for about 45 minutes while Thomas and I shoveled and played around. He didn't smile, but he didn't cry either. I think he was trying not to move.




GingerBread Houses
Christmas wouldn't be the same without making a gingerbread house and thanks to one of our good friends, we were lucky enough to make a deluxe one with gingerbread this year rather than imitation graham crackers. It was a fun activity although it did end in tears. Hewitt kept eating handfulls of candy whenever I turned around. It just didn't understand that most of the candy should go on the tree. He did take a really long nap afterwards.



Visiting Dad at Work
We visited Dad for the first time this year at his dental clinic. The boys were in heaven. Hewitt wore his scrubs for the occasion. In this picture, he is eating an apple and watching a movie in the lunch room. That was his favorite chair as he could spin to his hearts content. Thomas, on the other hand, was busy pretending to be a dentist. He received a free mirror from the assistant and dutifully raised and lowered Hewitt in the dental chair while peering into his mouth. He had a great time. Maybe he will be a dentist someday.


Brining the Turkey
My neighbor, who is an amazing chef and whose Dad owns a restaurant, insisted that I ought to brine the free turkey we got from Steve's work. After insisting that the alcohol would cook out, my friend brined the turkey in beer, brown sugar, salt, and water. I must say that despite my apprehensions, the turkey was the best I've ever tasted. I couldn't believe how moist and flavorful it was. I would recommend brining to anyone. And apparently brining works with most combinations--nearly boiled water, salt, and sugar seem to be the staples. My Mom had a recipe for apple juice that she tried. We'll see how hers turns out.


Playing with Dad
Whenever Steve comes home from work, the boys absolutely attack. We have had to stay inside more so it seems like their energy is reaching a peak around 6:30 when Steve usually gets home. Thank goodness he doesn't seem to mind and just let's them crawl over him for a minute. Moms are different than Dads. I like to rough house once in awhile, but that gets old real quick.


Sleeping
With all of the excitement that December brings, Hewitt fell asleep while reading on the couch. This about sums up our activities. Even with the cold, we have found plenty of things to do with many good friends. I can't say I would want to live here forever though. This cold just gets to me!!!!