Playing the tourist

Christmas Day

It was a lot of fun. Didn't get everyone's picture, but you get the idea. It was nice just to get together. We even had a little snow.

Finished product

Here is the boys' room with the new beds and bedding. Rafe has been a busy little bee the past few days. The boys love it. Trevor was so excited about his new bed that he never got out of bed last night! It was so cute!

Before and After

We have spent the last couple of days repainting the boys' room. We are happy with how it turned out. Rafe is putting together new bunk beds today. The boys are thrilled about their new look!

ROTC

This is my ROTC Swearing in ceremony with LTC Bush. I am now an offical Cadet in the Army. I currently have no authority but in a year short year i can tell people like me what to do.

Wishing for Warmer Days

While doing some cleanup of the files on my computer I stumbled upon this panorama shot (approximately 170 degrees) from up at the top of Logan Canyon. Click here for a much bigger shot and join me in wishing it wasn't winter. Be sure to 'zoom in' on it by clicking on the image if your browser shrinks it to fit in the window.

Cutest Kids

I know I am biased, but here are a couple of pictures that Rafe took of the kids yesterday for our Christmas card. I sure think they are cute!

Winter is here!!!!

We had our first real snow the other day - It's been really cold and clear skies since. I think that the pioneer women had it right with the long dresses and many slips.

We've (well, one of us) felt sorry for Woody. He kept huddling for warmth under the patio roof. So we got him his own pad. He loved it! It was fun to watch him. He began by perching on the house with one toe inside of the hole, head hanging down. Then he'd watch carefully all around to see if there were any challengers. Then he'd switch directions so that a toe from the opposite foot would be in the hole and watch the other direction. After a while, he decided that this was really his. He began poking his head into the hole. After a while more, he began to peck at the hole. Internet info sites say that loud pecking means that he is sending a message to other woodpeckers that this is his territory and to stay away. He was really loud.

Evidently, they usually make hole when they are trying to build a nest. This variety of woodpecker (a Northern Flicker), usually eat berries and insects they find on the ground. We hope this satisfies his needs AND ours (meaning, a house without holes).

Woody wasn't in his usual hangout under the roof, so we think he used the house. We didn't see him go in or out - but then we don't keep constant watch on the house.