Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

"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

We are back!!!

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!!!  

Our fearless leader leading nine kids around the neighborhood!

To be continued....

Stay tuned for updates on our trip to Nevada for the holidays and then a quick trip back to the ALOHA state!  

Why is it called the Grand Canyon?

The start of three wonderful and cold days at the Grand Canyon.

Our friend, Mr. Starer.  After we checked into our camp site  we thought we would walk to the rim to get our first glimpse of the canyon.  On the way there we ran into this guy, Mr. Starer and a group of his friends.  Since we were unfamiliar with the wildlife in that area we thought we would give them all some space and wait till they moved along. Little did we know that these guys were in no hurry and didn't seem to be the least bit scared of us.  Anyway we sat and watched them till the area was clear.  Any time we saw elk after this Daniel would say, "Look at all the elfs".  

On our way to becoming Junior Rangers.  One of the things we got to do was listen to a ranger talk about winter adaptation in plants and animals.  

Our first glimpse of the grand canyon.  Amazing!

Mule deer

When asked, "Why do you think they call it the Grand Canyon?" The response of course, "Because it is so GRAND".  

Sitting outside and resting at the El Tovar Hotel.

Hopi House

Desert Watchtower 

One last sunset and rim picture.


Coming Up: California and The Happiest Place on Earth

Route 66 and the Petrified Forest

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Sitting outside the old Painted Desert Inn at the Petrified Forest.

Beautiful Painted Desert

Historic Route 66

Is it a Pictograph or Petroglyph? A pictograph is painted on a petroglyph is scratched into the surface. That makes these petroglyphs!

Native American Ruins

Log Falls - You can't see the details of the logs here but up close the inside of the logs look like rocks.  Beautiful!

Hike at Blue Mesa 

Junior Ranger Completion