Donkey Hill - Bald Eagles

Click here to read.

First Snow - Bald Eagles and Hawks

Donkey Hill received it's first snow of the Season. We had definitely hoped for greater accumulation...but we were happy to take anything Mother Nature was willing to dish out. The kids still have their sleds greased and ready to go, but our first Donkey Hill sledding adventure will have to wait for now.

This snow was Piper's first experience in snow. It didn't take long to come to the conclusion that she is a huge fan. She was in heaven...tongue hanging out so she could catch the snow that she kicked up with her paws.

We loved to see her smile as she explored her little snow covered kingdom.

There were times it looked like she was flying. Her paws didn't even touch the ground as she leaped about.

We love her so much and are so happy she is a part of our family. She's such a pretty girl.

The deer were out and they were as beautiful as ever.

Over the past couple of weeks, there have been Bald Eagles that have been hanging out around Donkey Hill. One day, a friend called from our property and said there were 15. We spotted about six while we were there on Saturday. There was also what we believed to be a golden Eagle, as well as a few beautiful hawks. I was able to get a few shots of the different birds.

It was so fun to spend the morning admiring God's creations.

We live in such a beautiful world.

Bell Ringing: Winter Bucket List

The kids were so excited for an opportunity to be Bell Ringers for The Salvation Army this year. We thought their seven hour shift would pass more quickly with friends, so we invited Courtney and her kids to join us for the day.

Karah and Bradley started out the shift. It was an unseasonably warm December day. We definitely lucked out on the weather.

Their ringing was quite enthusiastic in the beginning.

Over time they developed hand cramps and had to take a breather.

Bradley ran to see Daddy when he pulled up with the delivery of our next worker...Brycer.

Bryce knew how to bring in the bucks.

He rang and smiled and hollered "Mewwy Chwithmith" as people stopped.

Before we knew it, the kettle was completely full. 

We were amazed at the generosity of so many people.

The twins joined us later that morning. Karah was happy to take a sucker break.

AFTER we had several sodas, hot chocolate, and a full lunch at our bell ringing station...we noticed the sign that said volunteers aren't allowed to eat or drink while at the stand. Woops. What's the old adage? It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission? :)

We had a "boys shift" later that afternoon. By then it looked like a small animal had been slaughtered on Bradley's jacket. I think people felt sorry for the little vagabond and kept donating.

Courtney and I tried our luck at Bell ringing. The donations immediately slowed, so we decided to act as supervisors and drink our Diet Coke, instead.

One of the Walmart workers came out and asked if she could sing.

Of course we obliged...while Courtney and I tried  not to make eye contact with each other. 

 It was a great experience for all of us and we are already talking about doing it next year.

A new tradition.

Merry Christmas! 

2012 Ornaments: Winter Bucket List

Everyone picked out their 2012 Ornament.

Daddy:

Mama: (in honor of Piper)

Karah:

Bradley:

Bryce: 

Christmas is coming and it might just be WHITE!!!

Bucket List: Christmas Train Ride

A couple of weeks ago we enjoyed a "Santa Express" train ride for Family Home Evening. We invited G-Ma and G-Pa to join in the fun.

We enjoyed a nice dinner out before the train ride. It was fun to sit and talk while we feasted on our Chicken Fried Steak. We figured as long as we were out celebrating, we might as well throw caution to the wind and go for the deep fried gold.

The kids enjoyed some loves in the Depot before the fun began.

We sang carols with Santa's Helpers as we waited to board the train.

A very creepy (and might I add, eyeless) Frosty the Snowman joined us 

as we waited.

He really liked Grandpa and didn't hesitate to rest his carrot on his shoulder.

We boarded the train and eventually took off...for approximately 50 yards. The train then stopped and the elves passed out cookies and cocoa. We got a good laugh out of it...wondering if that was the complete train ride :)

Grandma started scooting in her seat, trying to make the train roll forward.

While we were parked, for what felt like an eternity, we had a little fun with the camera.

A train full of children can get stinky. Children lack that crucial fear of humiliation and they are able to pass gas without fear. Sad, stinky, and true.

One thing that I admire about Tom is how proactive he is about protecting his groin.Since the kids were teeny tiny, he would walk through the door, after work, with his hand covering his groin. He knew there would be stampeding children, flailing arms, and HUGE heads of children - 

just waiting to act as a battering ram.

This fear has stayed with him over the years and he can always be found protecting himself.

I was laughing about it to myself as I took this picture.

I laughed harder, when my fast shutter speed captured what happened next.

You are a wise man, Tommy T.

The train began to move again and took us through some lovely scenery of a chicken butchering plant. The sides of the plant were open and you could see cages stacked to the ceiling - chickens squawking and stinking - begging with their eyes for us to set them free.

It was pretty gross. Karah said, "And THAT'S why I want to be a vegetarian."

We laughed most of the train ride...but settled ourselves when Santa made his rounds.

Bradley's eyes "glowed" in delight. Sorry - couldn't resist.

He asked Santa for a Nintendo 3DS.

Bryce whispered his request to Santa.

He told Santa he wanted a "Cole" Ninjago vehicle.

He later amended his request to a Williams Sonoma snow cone Machine.

Karah told Santa, "Surprise Me!". He promised he would.

I love my mom's face in this picture. Joy,

Frosty made his rounds. He stared at everyone...even though he didn't have eyes, he still glared at everyone. It was frightening. 

Later, a guy came walking down the aisle and I told Tom that I KNEW it was the guy 

who had been in the Frosty the Snowman costume.

 He asked how I knew and I told him I JUST KNEW. I could FEEL the same creepy vibe. 

I stopped the guy and asked him and as it turns out .... IT WAS HIM!

I think I preferred him with the costume on....without eyes. 

Yikes.

I can't end this post with a picture of him...so I will throw in a 

few more happy shots.

Let's end this on a good note...not a bad dreams note.

It was a magical night for the kids and a great time spent as a family.

Minus the freaks and stinks...it was everything we hoped it would be.

Merry Christmas, Bear Cubs.