Winter storm

All day yesterday we had our share of the winter storm that's been rolling across the country this week. Overall we got about 2 inches of new snow, but we also got a little bit of ice to go along with it. So this morning when I woke up I saw all the trees in the backyard covered with a coating of new snow.

Up in lights

Here's some of our Christmas lights for this year. We have lights on the house and porch, lights and some deer out in the front flower bed, and we even have lights on Ben's fort in the backyard.

Visit to see Santa

We took the kids to go see Santa at the "Santa House" on Sunday. For those of you who don't know, the Santa House is a old bavarian looking house in downtown Midland. At Christmas time the entire house is decorated for Christmas, and the kids get to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ben had a good time, and Megan seemed to enjoy all the lights and decorations as well.

Ready for Christmas

The kids are ready for Christmas...patiently waiting by the tree.

Sibling fun

"Megan...I got your ear..."

Our snowmen

Meet "Mr. Slurpee" (on the left) and "Mr. Cody," our friendly snowmen who patiently guard our house.

More photography from Ben

Ben is still taking pictures with the digital camera. Here are some pictures to add to his portfolio.

Glacier loves the snow

Everyone at one time or another has probably thought "Glacier" was an odd name for a black lab mix. (I actually got the name from the black glacier rock that can be seen throughout Rocky Mountain National Park.) Over the years I've gotten puzzled looks from time to time about my dog's name, but I'm used to it.
Anyway, Glacier is now 8 years old...and though she is getting old she still acts like a puppy when it snows. And when she's in the snow she really fits her name. She'll stay outside all day long...rolling her ball in the snow and pouncing after it.

Here's some video of Ben and I playing with Glacier in the snow.

Megan is 4 months old

Hard to believe, but it's true. We had her 4 month checkup this past week and everything looked great. She weighed in at 14 1/2 pds, and measured at 26 1/4 inches. Her weight is in the 75%, and her height is in the 97%. She got some shots, and then later complained about it the rest of the day. Like I've said before, she's already a drama queen. She's doing okay at night also. Right now we can lay her down in her crib and she'll pretty much fall asleep on her own. Usually around 8:30 ish. Then she'll wake up around 1:30 ish and want to eat. Then she might sleep again until 4:30 ish, when we'll usually just get her back to sleep. And then she'll wake up to eat around 6:30. So she's doing well with the nightime routine. Better than Ben ever did at this age...that's for sure.

Fun in the snow

We got our first significant snowfall last weekend. We got about 3 inches worth. Ben had fun playing out in the snow, however Megan wasn't too sure about it. As for Glacier...well, she had the most fun of all.

Getting ready for Christmas

Our tree is up, and the lights are on outside of the house. We're getting ready for Christmas. As you can see...Ben can't wait for Christmas morning. Megan on the other hand just goes with the flow.

Abstract artist

Recently Ben has been fooling around with the digital camera. He evidently likes to take pictures, and has been "experimenting" recently. (As I recently found out) Seems to be a budding photographer.

Here is some of his work.

Come Back To Texas

This song is so hilarious...and really fits how Jenny and I feel sometimes. Just substitute "Ohio" for Michigan and the song could be about us.

"Besides...the Mexican Food sucks north of here anyway..."

Oh how true.

Ben & Megan

Here's a clip of Ben and Megan...with Megan talking a little bit.

Happy Birthday!

My dad's birthday is this Saturday, his 70th. So we decided to surprise him with a birthday cake. Ben and my Dad are about to blow out the candles.

Art Time

My parents got to do some art time with Ben.

Early Christmas

While my parents were here over Thanksgiving, we all decided to have an early Christmas together. Ben of course wanted to help everyone open their presents, including Glacier.