WHERE A BOUTZ...: January 2013

"It's snowing!" For some of us it had been years since we had actually seen snow fall from the sky and for others (Daniel) this was the first time. So you can only imagine our excitement when we woke up one morning in Nevada with snow on the way. It didn't take long for the kids to get into their snow gear and head outside to shovel and play in this new white stuff.

This is how we found Daniel throughout his first experience in the snow. He would get so excited when a tiny flake of snow made it to his tongue.

We have taught this girl that sticking out her tongue is not lady like, but she just couldn't resist having the snow fall right on her tongue.

All kids have to make a snow angel and this sweet one would plop herself down anytime she could to make one.

Let the sledding BEGIN!!!!

Growing up, after a snow storm, we would go outside to shovel the driveway. There were many reasons this was necessary, but the main reason for was to make the ramp for our sled run. We would spend hours outside going up and down then hill over and over again.

Garrett starts off in one of our night sledding adventures. The kids realized that if they waited till it got cooler and the run started to freeze they would FLY down.

Even the smallest sledders have to carry their sled up the hill.

Gracie trying to steer around to make the "jump"

Right on track

Nice one!!!

Coming Up: Pony Express Trail, Virginia City, and a little Nevada History

I can't believe it has been almost TWO months since the last time I updated this blog. Much has been learned in the months that we have been in the RV and we look forward to changing things up and getting a good schedule down to make the most of this amazing opportunity we have been given. Alright so let's go back to the middle of December and our first stop after the Grand Canyon.

Phoenix, Arizona
Warm weather, shorts and a swim in a heated pool at the RV park! If asked about Phoenix those will be the things that our kids will recall. Unfortunanlty we only spent one night here but look forward to our return journey. Of course we did go to the state capital and were able to take a picture in front of a cactus (a highlight for our girl). Most of us know the 49th and 50th state to join the US; however, does anyone know what the 48th state is???? Arizona, which gained statehood in 1912. In my 35 years of life I can't say that I ever knew that! If I didn't teach my kids anything else that day at least they learned this! HA! :)

Disneyland, California

For those of you that know us, you know how much we LOVE Disneyland. Lucky for our kids, their parents will not pass through the greater Southern California area without a stop at D-land!

Finally tall enough!!!
All this daring little girl could think about was going on California Screaming!

It wasn't until a few days ago when Graham and I were in the PAX terminal at Travis dressed very similar to this picture and someone asked if we normally dress alike did I realize that we have indeed been dressing alike. Our winter fashion has much to be desired, but at least we are warm!

The kids wanted us to take this picture for all their friends in Hawaii!

It's a Small World - a family favorite

Some of our wonderful friends had us over for dinner one night then met us at D-land the next night for dinner and a few rides. This was the only picture of many that actually had all five kids in it. HA

Knott's Berry Farm, California

No, it's not a berry farm but an amusement park right in Buena Park. Graham took the two younger kids for the day while I stayed back at the motorhome with a sick Garrett. This was our first experience with someone getting sick and I thought to myself, "We are going to be dropping like flies now". I spent the day disinfecting our little home and wiping down anything that Garrett touched. Both Graham and I kept waiting for someone else to go down but it never happened, Praise the Lord!!!

That brings me back to the farm. Graham took the little ones and had a great time riding some rides. A highlight though was seeing, Mr. Rick on the steam engine! He gave them the royal treatment letting them talk on the microphone and then riding in the caboose when some wild bandits boarded the train!!

Burbank, California

Our educational trip continues by visiting the very first Bob's Big Boy, a must in California history!!

Azusa, California (and surrounding areas)

Another must on our tour of the area is a stop at Azusa Pacific University and a visit with great college friends. That night we loaded up the kids in cars to see some Christmas lights. It was so much fun as we all had homemade hot chocolate (thanks to Mr. Jeff), warm coats, and hats on. First time in a while that Christmas has felt this cold!!!