Another banner snow storm is on it's way... so they say... I hear it is raining down along the coast, but on the farm we do have the first sigs of it showing up. I'd say that winter is officially here, and if it was like last year, once the snow arrives, it's here until spring...so, I begin the evening with this shot from the deck and in the hours to come, hope to catch the progression of this snow..
By bedtime, there is a sizable amount, it will be interesting to see what the morning has in store...
And it was (is) impressive... enough so that the tractor has to make the first break outs...
and all previous pathways .. to the barn and the walk way, have to be cleared out once again....
Oh well... if we're going to get snow.. then let's just get it.. I "hate" storms that aren't enough to plow and yet, there's enough to be a "pain" in the neck. Not so sure if my dear hubby agrees as he does all the diggin out....
The tractor does good work!!!!
And now the truck can take over. The truck can do all the work, but with the tractor, Ed can pile the snow high and back, leaving room for the storms yet to come...
Now, as long as the wind doesn't pick up and drift the drive all back in again, we'll be in good shape...
for a while....
Trying to keep with a "new" tradition.. the "grands luncheon".. we ended up having it this year, after Christmas Day. Which really was quite fun, because it helps to extend the holidays, and actually works better.
With little ones who now have school schedules, it was a fun event to do on the Christmas break. And I don't think the grands minded one bit, having to open more presents ....the theme... horses for Abi, trucks for Reagan and Calvin... certainly makes an easy choice for this "baby"...
I sent the Mommies on their shopping trip to Stonewall kitchens (I gave them gift certificates as part of their Christmas presents).. and the grands and I stayed on the farm to open their gifts....
and then we went out to play. They wanted to take a walk in the woods to look for animal tracks....
and they love to follow the pathway up to the barn and see what the animals are doing....
an icy spot beside the barn (a true hazard for me) was a great place to stop and do some sliding and slipping about...
snow banks and fence are always good for climbing....
And after we played around the barn for a while, it was off to the swing set. Which they found, works just as well in the winter time as it does in the summer....
Some snow angels of course.....
And pretty much what I would call a perfect winter day. (snow is predicted for later on, and you could see the front moving in over the pasture)....
The Mommies arrived back from their shopping spree, so it was back inside to play a bit more with the toys, and have some lunch.....
I just love having them all here... I love the "mess" all over the living room... their laughter and their fun... there is just nothing better in the world...
with bellys full, toys packed up, there was some more outside time before everyone needed to head home. Poor Calvin... he isn't quite ready to walk, so he kind of is in that rolly stage..... but he wants to be a part of everything that goes on....next year, bud.. you'll be running with the rest....
It was a wonderful, wonderful day... and we have all said that we want to keep the Grands luncheon going on for as long as possible. Even if it means doing it on "other" days... it's worth it....
These little ones are growing before our very eyes, and every moment is to be cherished....
Well, I thought it was Santa who brought the gifts, but it looks like Baby and Papa must be one of his best helpers. A jeep filled with gifts (such a blessing!!!) is all set to head to the little ones, and have a day of joy, family.. fun.. celebrations!!!!
We arrive at Kassy and Nate's and find that yes, indeed, Santa has found his way to their house as well. I love all the things about Christmas, almost too many to list... but having the opportunity to return to this little house, were our family began, is something that I will never take for granted. I love that Kassy is bringing her family up in the same little house that she grew up in, and I love knowing that it's in good hands and is so appreciated as well.... but... that's all another story and I need to get back to this Christmas celebration...
Reagan didn't have to wait completely for us to arrive, he had already had some of his gifts, but he sure was happy to see that we "finally" got there.
With his new little kitchen, he offered both Papa and I coffee to begin our day....
Oh Cal.. I know it's been an early morning and you don't quite know what all this excitement and business is about, but next year, that will all be different.
Time for breakfast, and Nate always puts on a big feed for everyone.....
Calvin seemed pleased with our gift of a nice soft teddy bear....
And Reagan found his little bank (gobbling dog) to be quite entertaining .....
Ferguson... like Cal.. was a bit overwhelmed by it all.... but our pets are certainly invited to all the fun
In the past, little Camille has been the traveling dog.... but this year, the torch has been passed, and so Livy came along for the festivities.....(I miss Camille so much) it does seem strange not to have her with me this year...
Family photo opt.....
Abi, Sadie and Jessie popped into Kassy's as well... the house was filled with laughter, excitement and sound... and I loved having all the grands together....
Abi has begun a little collection of the "my little ponies"... so Papa wanted to make a shelf for her to keep them on. He shaped it as a barn and used wood from the old barn that had been on his grandparents farm in Canada.... She was so pleased with it.....
When Reagan saw it, he said he needed one for his tractor collection!!! Guess Papa has another "to do" on his list....
Everyone is right... Grands are just so much fun!!!!
And for the record... it took about 15 photos to get just this one.... these kiddos of ours!!!
Looks like it's crashing time. So, now Papa and I head back to the farm to tend all the critters before we head down again for the big family at Meme and Beepas... it makes for a lot of running back and forth and a super crazy day... but for the moments we get to have, I wouldn't trade any of this.....
Later in the day, the whole family meets at Mom and Dads (aka Meme and Beepa)... I still am in awe that we get to be all together and having such fun. So many families live far away from one another and don't have opportunities like this, I never take this for granted.
Dad hasn't been feeling that great over the past couple of months. But he was determined to get in Christmas as much as he could. He did spend much of the time snoozing, but having him with us is so important. I had some big fears he might be in the hospital, but he isn't.. and so we just enjoy...
Beepa wasn't the only one who slept threw much of the fun... this little guy found it all too much.... next year he'll find this exciting ...
And so, another Christmas celebration is in the books. It was a great day... we had such a good time, and the true meaning of Christmas was celebrated, the birth of our Savior.. the joy of family.. the blessings of gifts....
and my sincere wish and prayer that this could be like this for everyone.....
Christmas blessings to one and all....
