SNOW STORM 2016

January 21- January 31
What a storm!  I had prepared in getting food, planning meals and thinking of some things to do while we were snowed in but I had NO IDEA!  Bill called on Thursday from work and asked if I had gotten water and fire wood.  ahhh no!  How bad could it be?  It was going to be some snow.  Well, I guess last time there was a storm like this one of his co-workers was without electricity for a week.  I had no idea that was possible!  So, at the last minute I was running around like everyone else trying to find water and fire wood.  Carm and I decided we would go to Ihop for lunch....so after that i went to the store and she took all the kids home.  It was great I didn't need to take them!  The store was out of water and had no fire wood!  Bill was able to find some at the grocery store near our house.  I still didn't think it could be that bad!

It started to snow on Thursday around 2 and snowed hard for a LONG time!  We went to Matt and Cathy's on thursday night and sat in the back yard by the fire...it was so fun.  The kids were of playing in the snow.

I even thought of getting a snow present!  (it was was bejeweled...a game)

 The BEFORE picture! 

 Perfect fire and mulled wine!  

 Abigail and Addison!  

 So much fun!!

 Sidney didn't think it was so fun! 

 There was so much snow in the cup-de-sac that I could barely make it across the street!  The snow came over my knees! 

 ALOT of snow! 

 Landon was SO happy!  I couldn't keep up with trying to dry clothes! 

 That is a whole bunch of snow!  I think total for the whole storm we got like 24-26 inches!!

 Bill got to try out his snow shoes!  

 The snow party was awesome!  We had all the driveways done but had to wait until Monday night/Tuesday morning for the plow to come!  Luckily, the plow did not block the already shoveled driveways! By this time we were getting a little antsy! Wednesday we went to Roland's retirement party and made it just fine but the roads were still a mess.  The kids didn't have school until the following Monday!  11 days off of school.  Then that Monday that they were going to go back was a 2 hour delay AND Addison was sick!  ARE YOU KIDDING!!!  I was craving routine! 

JANUARY 2016

Happy New Year!  We had to fly early on New Years day so we didn't do much to celebrate!  We were home for a couple of days and then it was time for Bill's promotion!

January 4th 8:30 a.m.- National Archives- Washington D. C.

Today was a much anticipated event!  Bill was going to officially be promoted to Commander!  I am surely a very proud Navy wife!  We were going to metro in due to traffic but decided that since we were making good time we would drive in.  We were able to locate parking and it was no problem at all.  It was, however, the coldest day D.C. had seen yet this winter.  But despite the chilly conditions and flurries everyone on the guest list made it!  Well, everyone except the photographer.  We finally couldn't wait any longer and went up to the Rotunda.  I was a bit angry that the photographer wasn't there but at this point there was nothing I could do.  So, we went up and the security guys said he would send him up when he arrived.  Well, a little while later there was another Navy guy with a camera so I was happy.  Turns out he wasn't the one originally scheduled for the job.  The other guy got stuck in traffic and called in this guy.  Luckily someone with a camera was able to come!

The ceremony was amazing.  Chaplain Stienart's voice echoed through the Rotunda and immediately brought tears to my eyes.  Bill was sworn in by Captain Leuin and took the oath of office in front of the Constitution.  Not many people can say they have done that!  Bill of course said some remarks that were perfectly spoken and beautiful!  It was just a really great morning! We are so very proud of Bill!!!

Bill and the kids outside the National Archives

 Addison and Landon did such a great job of putting the shoulder boards on!  I on the other hand was a struggler with his jacket!  

 We were SO blessed to have everyone we invited able to come!  We are surrounded by so much love and support both near and far! 

 Commander Nesbitt! Addison was loving the idea that the hat had "scrambled eggs" on it!

 We went out for breakfast after at First Watch.  Bill also got the day off!  It was nice to finally be all done with all the stress of the holidays and able to relax!  

A bit more....Minnesota

For Christmas the Busiahn's gave us tickets to Tonic-So-Fa in St. Cloud.  What a nice treat!  So, while we were gone the kiddos had lots of fun with Grandma and Grandpa!  When we got back we needed to check out the light display!  It was pretty cool!!!

Making cookies with Grandma! 

 Grandma, Mommy, Addi Coffee date at Caribou! 

More Christmas Photos

So while I was in MN I was able to take 1 year photos of Jace and Jack!  Well, I tried!  They are surely on the move!  We didn't have a lot of time and I didn't have all my props and stuff so it was hard.  We used what we had....in December in MN!  And took them in Mom and Dad's kitchen!  It was the best light!  They are adorable no matter where the pictures were taken!

 Papa with most of the Grandkiddos!