New Look

As you can see, I've added a new background and picture of the kids with Heather missing. I'll put a new one on when I get one of all the kids. Heather didn't want to play in the snow and the Fall picture looked out of place with this background. I also tried adding a "falling snow" effect because I thought it would be a fun addition, but it kept crashing my computer! Maybe I'll try another site that does this. Happy Winter!

Julia and Julia

We watched this movie the other day and believe it or not Scott picked it out. We both really enjoyed it and I came out of it inspired. If you've ever seen it, you know that it's really hard not to salivate and have a growing appetite while watching it. I even Googled that Bruschetta recipe because it looked so good. I can't wait to make it! I'm glad we went to the American History Museum and saw Julia Child's kitchen there. It was amazing to me because my dad was such a fan of hers. I know I've had her recipes without even realizing it. Although sometimes a chore, cooking can be a fun, creative, outlet. Bon Appetit!

Let It Snow!

My children have been saying for some time now how much they miss Utah because it snows, that Christmas isn't the same without snow, etc. Well their wish has been granted. We have snow in Virginia. And lots of it! It's the record snow fall for December--ever and one of the biggest ever. It has been a fun and snowy day!

We set out to go to the Archives museum today. It was way too crowded. I guess people were visiting over the Thanksgiving weekend. It had a "Disneyland line," so we went to the American History Museum instead. Scott wasn't thrilled. He has never really liked it. I think he prefers political or military history and "real" American history. I loved this museum. It was all about our culture and people and what makes us "tick" as a nation. We saw things like American homes from the 1950's, Edith and Archie Bunker's chairs, Dorathy's ruby slippers, inventions, the history of birth control pills, which included women's lib, and my favorite was the "Star Spangled Banner" that still stood over Fort McHenry during the war of 1812. Frances Scott Key wrote our National Anthem after being so moved by seeing the flag still standing. We weren't allowed to take pictures of it though. Scott liked that and the stories of money room. The kids liked all the interactive things they had in the inventions area and other areas. We had a really great time.

Poop!

I love my Daniel! He says the funniest things. (I originally posted this on our Family website, but wanted to share it with everyone!) 

I was trying to get him to have a snack and this is his reply: 

"I don't want to! If I eat, the Fuuuud will go down my tummy then into my bottom and then it will come out as poop and wee wee! That's why I don't want to go potty!"

Scott told Daniel to go in the potty. Literal Daniel looked very concerned and said:

"If I go in the potty I will get squished in the little pipes and I will die!"

Cornucopia

Here is a marzipan cornucopia I made at Super Saturday. I did a so so job. It was a bit dry so it was hard to work with. The picture looks a little bright so it's hard to see some of it. I just want to eat it because I love marzipan!

(Especially when it's covered with chocolate)

New Calling

I'm so excited! They've called me to work with the enrichment committee while we are here in Virginia. We have Super Saturday this week so I get to be busy this week. I'm in charge of gathering strands of white twinkle lights (Because I know so many people here?!) so we can string them all across the ceiling of the cultural hall. I think we will enlist the men to help! Unfortunately for Scott, he gets to help too (on our date night). I love Super Saturday though, so this should be fun.

Air and Space Museum

We went to the Air and Space Museum today. Scott and I really liked it. Daniel loved certain parts, but there were some whines and complaints because of ALL the walking and they just weren't into it. Each of the kids liked individual parts and the four oldest LOVED the simulators though. They liked playing at the Department of Education building. It's just where we parked and had some lunch. They ran around and pretended to be gargoyles. pretty silly. I think they were just happy to be outside. It has been raining so much because of Hurricane Ida. Glad that's over!

Roller Coaster Tycoon

I just thought this was a cute moment. Heather was helping Daniel play Roller Coaster Tycoon. We've had this and Zoo Tycoon for years and the kids still love playing them. Now Daniel likes this one too! Heather was so patient and kept telling him what a good job he was doing. It was really sweet.

A day of Nostalgia

We took an afternoon and visited the house Scott grew up in. Scott was amazed at how "wild" the neighborhood looked. The trees were so much taller and bigger. It's also Fall so there were leaves on every yard. When we were about to take the picture of the family in front of the house the "new" owner came out so Scott asked her if it's OK to take the picture. She was very friendly and invited us in. BOY! They have put a lot of money into it. The outside is all siding, inside is ALL wood floors including the stairs. They put new tile in the kitchen and new counter tops. A new fireplace front for the dining room fireplace. They also covered the basement stairway with temporary wood and put a HUGE TV on that. it looks OK, but temporary. Scott loved looking around even though it was decorated differently. It looks really good. (But it always has!) The new owners are from Afghanistan so there were lots of middle east decorations in it as well. The owner loves the house and doesn't ever want to move.

The neighborhood still looks good, but overgrown a bit. We also went to the elementary school to play. Then went to dinner at some friends house who we knew in Durham NC. What a fun day!

          A Previous live Christmas Tree         

Playing at the Oak View Elementary School