SNOW!

Living in the Great Northwest, we typically get around 2 days of decent snow a year. Perhaps one in December, and one in February. It will snow 4-6 inches overnight, and melt the next day. Therefore, when we have an unusual winter, it is worth mentioning. This winter was extremely unusual. It started snowing the evening of December 16th. I didn't go to work, because we live on a hill and there was expectations to get more throughout the day of the 17th.

I ended up not going to work the rest of the week or the week after due to the snow. It was so cold during the day that it didn't melt, and it just kept snowing more. I think at one point we had about a foot outside.

For some reason, I found the snow very inconvenient after a while. We seemed to drive a lot during the holidays, to Maple Valley, Olympia, Issaquah, and North Bend. All of which seemed to get more snow that we did. So we had more nights of driving through thick snow, and requiring chains at times.

Once we got to the places we were traveling to, it was great. I love to snow and think it is beautiful, it just scares me to drive in it. Below are some pictures of the sites. The snow stuck around for a couple weeks, and was still in North Bend in January.

This is my backyard on December 19th. We back up to a green belt and the snow is so pretty on the trees.

This is the Mandee & Nathan's hot tub outside their house. I think they had about 2-3 feet on Christmas Day
This picture looks like something you would see on a postcard or wintery desktop on a computer, this is the view from Mandee & Nathans living room in North Bend. It was so breathtaking that I had to take a picture.This was my first white Christmas with Dusty.

Christmas Day

We spent the night at Dusty's parent house so we could be there Christmas morning. One of Dusty's favorite memories is how all the kids would gather in the stair well until it was time to see what Santa had brought.

I know it is blurry, but you get the idea

We then all get to go check out the stockings, and Santa's gifts. We then open gifts from youngest to oldest. It is always a little odd that way because Dusty is 4.5 years older than me, so there are often many siblings in between us opening.

Andrew was so kind to help Rylee and Braden open their gifts.

Dusty finally got to see the gift that I worked so hard on all of December. A huge thanks goes out to my sister Melissa who gave the me the inspiration, and tons of help through the whole process. I know it is hard to see, but it is a Star Wars quilt. The quilt his Grandma made him when he was about 10 has been well loved, too loved, and I thought he needed another one. I hope he loves this one just as much. The binding was not quite finished as of Christmas, so hopefully that will get done soon and he can start using it. I love you Dusty, and Merry Christmas. After gifts, we went over to Mandee and Nathan's for breakfast. They did not bring the family as it is very difficult to bring gifts for seven more people. We had a great day playing games, playing in the snow, and visiting with each other.

Braden ready for the snow

It is so hard to get a good picture of all the kids. We tried.Aiden and Brenna - What sweethartsUncle Dusty helping Dilanger with his new video game (I tried, and it was really hard)
Overall, we had a great Christmas. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Christmas Eve

This year, we spent Christmas Eve with Dusty's family. April and Brett were able to come up from California, and we had the whole family there. We even had a few extra that came with Grandma and Grandpa Blomgren.

Dinner was great with all the fixings. Thanks Mom, and everyone that helped. We sang Christmas songs - Thanks Brenna for playing, and Dad read us the Christmas story. It is always great to remember the true meaning of Christmas. We had a great time visiting and spending time as a family, and staying up way too late.
Pictures of the babies - Carly, Riley, Braden, and Ean.

Felicia & Jake, and the family, and the Christmas story and songs

Market Day

I love the winter time, because we have so many traditions that I cherish. One of those is Market Day. My Great Grandmother, Crystal Lamb Bull, absolutely loved the Pike Place Market in Seattle. When the market was redone quite a long time ago, the family purchased a tile in front of her favorite bakery. The Saturday before Christmas, we always go to the market in her memory. We meet at Three Sister's Bakery for apple fritters, and then go to the meat market. We then visit the pig, and watch the flying fish. We visit the collectibles store, and sometimes frequent the magic shop. And of course, we visit Great Grandma's tile.

After the market, we go the Seattle Center House to warmup, visit, and see the train. We then go back to a family members home and do an ornament/gift exchange, and of course play games. This year I crocheted snowflakes for the family. They took a long time, but they turned out well, and I think everyone liked them.

All the cousins loved playing with Aunt Mary's big trucks and cars. Owen and Sebastion (Christopher & Elizabeth's son) had a great time, and really bonded. Even Doug was able to make it from North Carolina.

Great Grandma's Tile

More Pictures

Happy Birthday Melissa

We were able to celebrate Melissa's birthday, as they were staying with us. We made her a yellow cake with chocolate frosting (her choice). I tried to make the frosting pretty with the spoon trick, but I am just not quite a good as Mom. I guess I need a few more lessons Mom.

Melissa and Sam went to a pre-interview dinner that night, I got to baby-sit Owen. I think we all had a great time. Happy Birthday Melissa, and I am so glad we got to spend it with you.

Christmas Time begins

As the Christmas season approaches, we enjoy the decorations. We got our Christmas lights up on our townhouse, and decorated the tree. Sam, Melissa, and Owen helped with the decorations. All the pretty lights really help me get into the Christmas spirit.

The outside lights

Everyone helping with the tree

Owen looking for more ornaments

The finished product

Swimming

After football, David started swimming for Capital. One of the meets was in Enumclaw, so we went to watch him. He swims primarily freestyle. Here are some pictures and videos from the meet.

Getting ready to dive in

Swimming in the relayAll done
Owen having fun with Uncle Dusty

Capital Football Season

The semi final game that was supposed to be on Friday, was postponed until today. We went to the game, but the teams were disappointed that it could not be in the Tacoma Dome. They instead played in the stadium at Clover Park High School. Bellevue beat the Cougars, and so their season comes to the end. We had fun watching the game, and can't wait until next fall when the season begins again.

Great job Cougars! We are proud of your accomplishment.