'Twas the Night after Christmas (or three)

Here is our home last night with some of our Christmas lights, and the snow we got yesterday. It has continued to snow on and off today, and they are now calling it a blizzard (again!) That makes two weeks in a row we have had a significant snow event, and believe it or not, that is unusual for Colorado Springs. It is not expected to stop until late tomorrow. At least it is beautiful!

We made a run to the store yesterday for a few items ( and so did everyone else). Lori waited in line about 15 mintues just to buy some potoatoes so we could enjoy some warm ham and potato soup.

We have been enjoying time with "Grandma Becky", playing in the snow and drinking hot chocolate! Wesley is learning to knit from Becky, and he says she should be a teacher at a knitting school. Anna has been crafting too. Today the Christmas tree (inside) came down (for lack of being able to go out and go anyplace, and because it was way too dry!) , but it may be a while before the outside lights come down. Besides, they look nice in the snow!

David has been out shoveling, along with Lori, although we do not know why. ( Could it be to get out of the house for a moment?) The snow blows back over the driveway and sidewalks almost imeadiately after it is shoveled under the current conditions. Not too fun! But, the sun will come out ( tomorrow?) or the next day, and there will be great fun playing in the snow!

Christmas '06

This was how we found them this morning!

We have had three beautiful days since the "holiday blizzard". Today was wonderful! The day began with opening stockings about 7 this morning. The kids got new bikes, a sled, books, nerf target games, videos and many, many other gifts.

Tracking Santa with NORAD...are you ready?

Another important link to learn about Colorado Springs at Christmas is http://www.noradsanta.org/en/default.php
or
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/tracking.php

It is fun, and check out the "Things to Do" link for games, music and more...
this has been a part of our Christmas Eve traditions with our kids for the past 8 years. Lots of fun, and tha magic is still alive and well here....

Pikes Peak Camera

Click on the link and see America's Mountain, as we do about 350 days out of the year. Of course, our view is more southern by a few miles, but it is awesome...
http://www.pikespeakcam.com/

CLOSED... the Gazette headline says it all

The headline in the Gazette today says "Closed," which describes a lot of our city and state today. We will not even get mail, for the second day in a row. And although there are places where the snow is not deep, there are other places it has drifted 3-4 ft. deep, so travel is difficult. This is a very unusual storm situation for us, but it does seem to be getting better this afternoon...

After I shoveled my driveway and front porch, we went over to Dad's, and did the same thing there. Several of his neighbors were out, and we had a "shoveling party."

Today's pictures are from my dad's house on Rill Valley Way, about 1/2 mile from us....taken by Lori and Dad.

Second blizzard in a year!

This is a view after lunch out in front of our house, after I tried shoveling some of the drifts. There is a lot of blowing and drifting. The snow is expected to continue through tonight.

Dreaming of a White Christmas...View from ( inside) Eickhaus

Holiday craft time to fight cabin fever! O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree


Backyard views this morning


Winter is arriving with a fury. It has been snowing since about 7 a.m, schools are closed, and the wind is whiping the snow around. 6+ inches are expected by nightfall, and more is predicted for Saturday. We have drifts several inches deep already, in just 3 hours. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas!

The kids added that they are excited that Grandma Becky is coming in 6 days!

Our front yard "Christmas tree", a white fir we planted 9 years ago!