February 2021 - Winter in Full Swing

 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.

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!

"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

November 2020 - Fall Update :)

 Oof - been a bit since I updated.  Sorry folks!  The fall seems to have flown by.  As I type up this post I am looking at a Christmas Tree and garland over the mantle - all lit up for the season.  The smell of conifer mixing with the faint scent of pumpkin pie would tell me exactly what season we are in if I was sans calendar.

Going waaaaayyy back to the last post, I'll start with the "Boys Trip" to the Lake!  Poppi had the idea to take up his three sons-in-law for a long weekend.  Unfortunately Quatro couldn't make it, so he had to settle for just Ryan and I.  We had an amazing time - our highlights are below!

This was the summer's first stop by Pattison State Park to see WI's largest falls.

We had great weather - and one can definitely feel the difference in the September mornings. Brisk air and clear skies were there to greet us.

Ryan and I went on a 12 mile bike ride through Duluth, all the way down to Brighton Beach.  Ryan is from Phoenix this past many years - so Lake Superior was quite a sight.  If one hasn't seen quite that much pure, fresh water before it is pretty breathtaking!  I don't think he'll be moving to the tundra anytime soon  - but he plans to visit in the summer.

We managed to get down to the range - Ryan was a crack shot!

Full moons over the lake are a sight to see - what a night-time shot.

I even managed to whip up some pretty amazing steaks for these boys.  And Jack stopped by to join in.  Always great to see my little bro, and even better to get to feed him.

And don't for one second think that I let the colder water stop me.  I thought the temps were great, and enjoyed a swim every day.

September had a lot to offer - Chinch and I got to go out on a lovely date to Jonah's - I had forgotten how beautiful the views are from that place.

The Kid and I went out for our breakfast at the OHOP - "Breakfast with Daddy" is a fun behavior reward, and it feels good to see the kids so excited to earn that treat 😊

A week or so later it was Lovey's turn!  She chose Le Peep (I was happy with that, OHOP isn't bad, but Le Peep is definitely better).  Cutest breakfast date I've ever had that is for sure.

Lovey and I had time after for a walk through the out-door mall.  

September brought the season's first pumpkin pie!  Enjoyed out on the patio.  Chinch sure knows how to whip up a pie.

We managed to get one walk in over on Grandview - unfortunately it was before the fall colors came in.  That's okay - it ends up that we got to experience fall colors that put Illinois to shame - thanks to COVID19.  You see, our family caught "the Virus" in mid-September.  Don't worry, we are all fine - mild symptoms for everyone.  But it did force an 11 day sabbatical from work... and you know what that means...

Impromptu trip up North!  After all, what better place to socially isolate than in the middle of the Northwoods?!  Don't let that picture fool you - the kids were thrilled.

We had a great time hiking through a small state park up north of Ashland.  What a cool place!

While our weather wasn't perfect - we had some gorgeous mornings.  I think that Autumn is going to be my favorite season up there.  It was so quiet - and the colors!  My word the colors.

Aaaaaaand - we managed to snag this fantastic Christmas card photo.

On our rainy days we had a good time exploring Duluth - including our return (after many years) to the Duluth Zoo.

When we got back, it was Baber's turn for Breakfast with Daddy - look at this kid!

And then... thats right, it was time for one final trip up for the year.  Markus, Sonny, and Oslo helped me close the cabin for the year. It was a short weekend trip, but we made the most of it.  Even managed to hit up a supper club.

Game night!

And so here we are.  Not much to report from early October until now.  Work has kept me busy.  The Kid and I started a D&D group with some homeschool friends, I wrapped up a campaign with a group I've had going for a while, I continue to put in work at Warhammer painting and playing (thanks Tim) and we are preparing in hearts and minds for our upcoming move.  The Fall is flying by - and Christmas will be here before we know it. I regret that I didn't get any pictures of our turkey, or any of our Halloween fun - but alas, I have not been vigilant taking pictures.  I'll try to do better.  Life gets busier and busier it seems.  Sort a theme with three kids.  Time flies by when you're having fun :)

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