Cabin Fever

Shannon the kids and I have been blessed with an extended winter break this week. At first, it was fun having some time off work, but after the 4th day off, we are all experiencing some cabin fever. To summarize the week's events, last Sunday (25th) an Alberta Clipper came in and gave us a quick 2 inches of snow (a big deal for Pickaway County). This resulted in a 2 hour delay for Monday morning work. After scrambling to get as much work done during that afternoon, a 2 stage winter storm hit. The first stage hit on Monday night and gave us a 2-3 inch snow on top of what we already received on Sunday. This resulted in snow day #1 (Tuesday). The snow stopped that afternoon only to pick up in intensity on Tuesday night (second stage of the winter storm). All night long we listened to the freezing rain and sleet accumulate outside. We ended up with more ice than I have ever experienced. News forecast stated Pickaway County likely received one inch of ice....unbelievable! This resulted in snow day #2 (Wed). After the ice stopped about 9AM on Wednesday, the snow came in with reckless abandon. It snowed heavily from about 9AM to 2PM, giving us another 5 inches of snow, on top of all the ice! This storm turned all the roads into a skating rink. Pickaway County was under a level 2 snow emergency, which lasted until Thursday night. Because the roads froze up solid and were not able to be "plowed" this resulted in snow days #3 and #4 (Thursday and Friday). All in all, we had the opportunity to spend lots of quality family time this week. We also probably watched more Spongebob Squarepants than ever before. Shannon and I actually took the kids out of the house for the first time today (Thursday). We went up to Columbus to Barnes and Noble. Main roads were still pretty bad. The only roads that were completely clear were the interstates. Now we are blessed with another snow day for tomorrow (Friday). Hoping that the power doesn't go out.....not out of the woods yet!

Mad River Mountain

The holiday season is wrapping up, but that does not mean that the fun needs to end. Todd, Cate, Kellen and I decided to make a date at Mad River Mountain ski resort on New Year's Eve. This was Kellen's first experience with skiing, and he did great. Although there were many frustrating moments at the beginning, he got better and better as the day went on. We hit most of the "bunny" slopes with vigor and I think that we will have no problem mastering them next time. I was really proud of Kellen!

Christmas at Pop Pop and Grandma's

The last but definitely not least of our Christmas Parties was at Pop Pop and Grandma's house, which is always a fun place to visit. All the grandkids were on their best behavior and waited patiently to open presents (see picture). I especially love the picture of all the grandkids at the "kids dinner table". Another great picture here is with Reilly surrounded in a sea of "presents". All in all, this was a great party. Pop Pop and Grandma's house was beautifully decorated and very festive. Everyone was spoiled with great gifts and food. Thanks to all for a wonderful holiday season!

Christmas Day

We'll the big day had finally arrived. After leaving out the milk and cookies for Santa, the kids were soon in bed. Kellen, was the first one up, charging into mom and dad's bedroom exclaiming, "Santa's been here!". Reilly was up a few minutes later after all of the commotion. It didn't take long for both kids to tear through all of Santa's gifts. Reilly was still pretty sick at this point and at the height of his irritability. It was decided to keep the kids home from Aunt Geneva's in hope that Reilly would feel better after his nap. That afternoon, it was finally decided that Shannon was going to travel to her mom's with Reilly and Kellen and I were going to go to grandma and grandpa Flaum's Christmas party.

It wasn't the same being at G+Gpa Flaum's house without Shannon and Reilly, however it was still good to see everyone. As usual, there were lots of presents to open and we enjoyed a terrific Christmas dinner. Shelly, Scott and I enjoyed being entertained by Kellen, Cate and Baylie serving us "appetizers".