Sledding

With the record snowfall this month we have been enjoying the snow whenever the weather cooperates.  Today the kids and I went sledding at the middle school.  Afterward we came home and the kids sled in our front yard some more.  They had lots of fun.  Here are some pictures.

The week before Christmas...

We have been busy this week enjoying Christmas.  Tonight we decorated cookies and took a basket of goodies to a friend.  I love to have all of my shopping for our family done early so we can buy some things for someone else who is in need.  The friend we took stuff too is a very kind hard worker that is always doing for others.  She lives very humbly and was so happy to have us come over.  She gave the kids apples and they thought that was very fun.  It was a perfect night.

We have been enjoying all of the snow we have gotten this past month.  It looks like the north pole here with so much snow.  Today it warmed up to 30 degrees for an hour and the roads have melted a little.  I wish you could all see it and see how beautiful it is.  My little pine tree in the back glows when the lights shine through all of the snow on it.

We are getting excited for Christmas.  We hope you are all enjoying this time of year too.

Happy 3rd Advent.

Let it Snow....

We have had a huge storm the last 2 days.  Unmeasurable snow because of the big drifts and blowing.  Estimated around 20 inches + .  The drift on our back deck was at least 5ft.  But we were prepared and it makes Minnesota winters so much easier when you have the essentials.....

1. Snow Thrower...not Snow blower...SNOW THROWER.  Dave's boss told him soon after we moved here we should buy one and it has been the best investment we could have made to survive the winters here and save our backs.

2.  Warm boots...We purchase our family very warm boots at least to -20 degrees and Dave's are to -40 degrees.  Warm toes make warm hearts.

3. Cross Country Ski's and Sleds.  When we get lots of snow we can ski down the street to the nature center and play.  It makes the cabin fever a lot more bearable.

4.  Good hot cocoa.  Mint Chocolate, Vanilla Chocolate, Regular these are our favorites.  You can buy them in bulk at Sams club.  ESSENTIAL.

5.  Snow pants and very warm coats.  Sarah has had to walk to the bus in minus degrees many times.  I always say a little prayer and am grateful for warm down coats.

6. Down blankets and flannel sheets.  Let's just say it is hard to get out of bed in the morning.

So there's my list.  We hopefully will make it to March when we see the roads again.  Stay warm.

Advent Chocolate Cake

I have told a few of you about this recipe.  I figure it was okay to post it on my private family blog, but not on my other public blog because of copyright issues.

We found this chocolate cake recipe in a new Spanish cookbook we bought.  It stood out because of the interesting ingredients.  We made it tonight for the second time for our Advent celebration and it was delicious.  Even better than the first time we made it.  It is SOOOOO good.  Enjoy.

Recipe from: Spanish; a collection of easy and elegant recipes ; Love Food; Copyright Paragon Books Ltd. 2006

First Advent.

We celebrate Advent as a family each year.  It is a tradition we celebrated in my family because of my German heritage. It is a fun tradition that the kids love. 

The 4 Sunday's before Christmas you light a candle have some treats and usually read a Christmas story or listen to Christmas music.  Each Sunday as you light a candle the light of Christ becomes brighter in your home until Christmas. 

I was in such a hurry with our trip to Utah, that I forgot to buy red candles for our wreath.  So we improvised with one white candle. 

Last Sunday was the first Advent.  Here are some pictures of the festivities.

Thanksgiving in Utah.

We took a trip to see family for the week of Thanksgiving.  We had a very fun time.  I think this was one of my favorite trips to Utah so far.  We enjoyed lots of time with family, trips to museums, playing in the snow, running a Turkey Trot in 8 degrees, and lots of good food.  Here are some pictures from our trip.

 Playing games with Grandpa.

 At the Bean Museum.

 Cute Hobson with his sword and backpack.

Hobson with his Mommy.

At the Aquarium with cousins.

 Danya and Maison.

 Random shot of the mountains.  I love them and miss them when we are away.

 Playing at the Sandersons with Cousins.

 Kenny and Dave.

Hansen's Halloween Party

These pictures were pretty funny.  Carolyn threw a wonderful party and we all enjoyed it.  Here are the pictures.  You can tell it gets a little crazy as the night goes on.