Winter is most certainly here - and quite a winter it has been. Central Illinois is in the midst of a Polar Vortex! This year it was almost as ominous as it sounds for our family. We were without water for three days thanks to a frozen main. Yikes! Thankfully there has been a lot of good as well, here are some of the highlights between my last update and now.
Neighbor Mark and I got to head to Sarge's yearly Halloween bash - it was a blast! Sarge really committed to the costume too, joining the bald brotherhood (for a week).
Fall nights were just lovely - and the kiddos took full advantage.
Always a good time when Uncle Sally-Man pays us a visit. I made some reverse sear steaks on the cast-iron and I think I made a convert out of him.
We could hardly allow Autumn to slip past us without a trip to the orchard. The donuts are too good to pass up. Places like these are always fun because they give a great reference for how the kiddos are growing.
These moments are so rare I can't help but try and capture them - and alas I think now they may be done for good. But for two weeks Baber was happy to snuggle and nap with me.
As the weather trends colder indoor hobbies become the norm. I'm trying to get the Kid into painting minis!
One of the best parts about Autumn? Its the best season for fires of course!
We quickly rolled into Christmas - and I decided to try my hand at Prime Rib! It turned out pretty awesome, a little overdone around the edges but perfect in the middle
And you know the kiddos are all about those sugar cookies.
The big day came and the kiddos were up bright and earlier. A mountain of gifts! The Kid was super excited about his new Super Nintendo. Mario is his passion these days.
Lovey had many gifts - but wouldn't you know it, when she spotted an old stuffed animal in a Rubber-Maid tote she had to have it. It looks like Gheggy is getting another lease on life.
Winter may be cold - but it is also full of good friends. Michael (above) made it up from Champaign once, despite nasty roads.
The Cul-De-Sac has also rallied around my neighbor Gary, his wife Kathy suffered a medical emergency and spent quite a bit of time in the Hospital. I managed to catch him for a quick smile and a picture to let everyone know how he was doing.
The Cul-De-Sac has also rallied around my neighbor Gary, his wife Kathy suffered a medical emergency and spent quite a bit of time in the Hospital. I managed to catch him for a quick smile and a picture to let everyone know how he was doing.
I started my new position at the hospital. It has been a wild ride, and I continue to learn at a furious pace - exactly what I was hoping for. I think it is going well, and my bosses seem to agree. I was very thankful for my friend Zanna being there - having a friendly face nearby always helps.
The family used one of my first weeks off to zip up to the Wisconsin Dells. Sure, it ain't the lakehouse. but in the middle of an icy winter a well heated indoor waterpark does just fine. I didn't snap too many pictures - but be sure that it was a good time.
Baber and I have managed to get some great quality time in. As any of my blog-followers will know I try to get some smaller trips in every year with each kiddo - one on one. Baber and I decided on an adventure to Champaign, Allerton Park, and to see my Grandparents. Time seeing Grandparents is always time well spent. Allerton is such a surreal place - and I remember going there as a kiddo - it is a great feeling to pass that along.
The Kid Wonder and I had a trip as well - his was a little more involved :P Momma is okay with him away overnight, and so we enjoyed a stay at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort. I've been there many times, and the Kid has been there a few. The resort had just reopened after COVID19. It was so strange to be there when it was that quiet. For about 2 hours, the Kid and I were the only ones in the waterpark! We also went bowling and enjoyed two meals at the Starved Rock State Park Lodge.
I've also kept busy this winter hobbying - and have made a new friend in the process. Austin is a super cool dude I have commissioned some miniature painting from - and now we play! Between that and my 40k Crusade against Tim's "Dawn Treaders" I am getting plenty of board time in.
That is it for now.
Stay Healthy!
That is it for now.
Stay Healthy!
"The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you.
The LORD lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26
