How Far We've Come

When most people think of California, they think, sun, sand, beaches, movie stars... well, these are the people who have visited or never been to California, right? Although living in the desert has it's challenges, God blessed us with a long-awaited treat last week.

I was looking forward to having at least 4 more days of peace and quiet around the house (before school let out for the Holidays) while I got the place suitable for the Christmas company we're not having... sometimes it's nice to clean the house "for company" and be able to enjoy it because no one came over to mess the place up then leave! Anyway, the peace and quiet didn't happen, instead we woke up Tuesday to this:

This was my backyard at 5:00 AM! The schools remained open for a minimum day schedule but I didn't make the boys go, the last time it snowed here it didn't last and I wanted them to get as much enjoyment out of this as possible! I even went out and played in the snow like a little child! It was so great!

My front yard before the kids and I crushed through the perfectly smooth, infant snow.

This just had to be done! And 10 minutes later it was as if I'd never written in the snow, it was pouring down on us!

~Me~

~Tristen~

~Seth~

~Garrett~

~Hayden~

Even in it's demise it's beautiful!

God is the ultimate artist!

This was taken from my phone (view from my bedroom window) when I woke up Wednesday morning thinking the snow would've all melted away! Very pleased was I!

We just had our front yard landscaped and planted some Photinia Fraseries, although gorgeous with the snow, I hope my baby plant can survive this cold!

I just can't help myself!

Ice cycles are always superb
I just can't get over how much snow we got! And not only did it stick to the ground, it stuck around!

What's snow without an old fashioned snowball fight?!

My only girl, Sadie, isn't she stunning?

Isn't this pile of wet snow clothes just the sweetest sight?

Attempt #1 on day 1 at a snowman... I love how Garret is trying to eat the freshly falling snow and Tristen looks like he just can't wait to get the picture over with so he can run off and play some more!

Attempt #2 on day 2 was much nicer... cleaner, with more detail and we made it near the house so I could set the camera timer and be in the photo too!

Seth took this picture of me warming up by the fire, they do that sometimes, just grab my camera and go to town! I think it's hilarious and sometimes they capture unimaginable stuff! Either way, I like to have my picture taken every once in a while candidly.


Of course you can't go out in the snow and play without coming in to warm up by a roaring fire and have hot cocoa with marshmellows and stir it with candy canes!