Winter Wonderland Weekend

We had our first big snow of the season this weekend. We went to bed with grass, and woke up to find this.

Daniel was very excited when we opened the curtains and he saw the snow. He couldn't wait to get out there and play in it.

So, he and Jen headed out after breakfast for a little fun, while Nate and Andrea watched from the warm kitchen windows

The snow was wet and sticky and PERFECT for building a giant snowman.

The rest of the weekend, Nate had a major project lined up with neighbor Tom. He's been talking about and planning for building some garage cabinets in order to try to organize a little bit out there. Nate came up with the plans, took some measurements, and Tom went to work with his CAD software drawing up the plans. They started with 18 sheets of particle board and a bunch of pine for face-frame material, and went to work.

This is how I had everything "organized" before we started.

Nate and Tom got all the parts machined in Tom's garage Saturday, and then Nate started assembling the boxes Saturday evening back in his garage. Sunday, Tom and Doug came over to help installing everything.

And, here's where we ended up so far. Next, I have a bunch of holes to drill for the adjustable shelf pegs, and we need to finish drilling out the hinge holes for the doors. Lastly, a little paint, and it'll be all done.

Vegas Baby!

Last week (Nov 4th - 7th) Jen and two of her friends took a much needed and much deserved extended weekend vacation to Las Vegas. Nate was all geared up and ready to be the single dad for four days, but his excitement began to melt away as the kids started getting sick the days prior to Jen's departure. Andrea had her first experience of throwing up, and did so for about 4-5 hours one night. Then Daniel started up early the next morning. The kids were feeling better after about 24 hours, and Nate was calm once again. until.... Jen got the bug in while in Vegas and had to retreat to her hotel room for about 18 hours, and Nate got it about 4 hours later. Fortunately, Nate's mom came to the rescue, as he was unable to fulfill his fatherly duties with his head buried in the toilet.

The bug was pretty quick, and everyone felt great after about 24 hours, so Jen's trip wasn't a total bummer, but she sure could have used the extra day.

They visited M&M land, and this sign is made from 100% M&Ms

Jen ran into Woody and Buzz from Toy Story and just had to get her picture with them for Daniel.

Lots of beautiful themed hotels

Here's Jen, Sara, and Gretta at Toby Kieth's, drinkn' beer from a mason jar