It's not supposed to be cold in Nashville!

Kevin and Jen Chlarson and Scott (Eddie) Erie came down to celebrate the New Year with us. The three of them and Scott headed down to the Music City Bowl to watch Vanderbilt and Boston College and do some tailgating. It was a bit colder than usual. Here is a picture of Kevin, Jen, and Eddie braving the elements.

A good book...

There is often no better escape from the cold than a good book. Annee and Hayden both showed off their reading skills to Grandma Ann.

Winter Wonderland

Although the cold was not a big hit, Annee and Hayden did have some fun in the snow. They went sledding for the second time in their life. Dad even got some sledding in as well.

South Dakota Christmas

We spent Christmas night plus a couple more in South Dakota visiting Uncle Paul, Aunt Tricia, and Craig. Grandma Ann and Grandpa Jimmy were also for Christmas cheer. After spending a couple of nights in Alexandria, the whole crew spent the third night swimming at the Ramada Inn in Mitchell. I am particularly pleased that we were able to drive by the one and only world famous Corn Palace.

More Christmas Frivolity

Gift Opening (Part II)

Looks like many of Hayden's presents had a common theme!

Gift Opening (Part I)

Annee seemed to really enjoy opening presents - although at least one seemed to be tougher to open than the others.

Some times it is the simple things that are the most exciting.

Looks like Santa made a stop.

Nebraska Christmas

We spent three nights (including Christmas Eve) at Grandma Connee and Grandpa Stevie's in Gordon. We had a great time and were able to see all of Annee and Hayden's Nebraska cousins, Aunt Heidi, and Uncle Puppy. We were also able to spend Christmas Eve with (Great-)Uncle Rick and (Great-)Aunt Ellen and (Great-)Gma and Gpa Yusten. It had been a couple of years since we had seen (Great-)Gma and Gpa Yusten so it was especially good for the kids to see them again.

Brrrrr!

We drove to Nebraska and South Dakota to spend Christmas with family this year. We left Sunday, December 21st and made it to Lincoln for the night and then continued to Gordon on Monday. It was 10 below when we loaded the car Monday morning. Annee and Hayden are pretty happy that we live in Kentucky after that. The trip did give them a chance to check out some snow for a change and get some good use of their winter gear. On the way to Gordon on Monday we encountered a herd of deer in Arthur.

Christmas Dance Recital

Since Annee is doing tap this year, her dance class performed in the Christmas recital. They performed to "I'm getting nothing for Christmas". Her Spring recital is the weekend after Mother's Day.

Halloween

Annee and Hayden carved menacing jack-o-lanterns with just a little bit of help from Dad. We joined the Kash family for trick or treating again this year. Annee was a diva, while Hayden went as a mighty Hilltopper football player!

Go Hilltoppers!

Kevin and Jen Chlarson came down for the Florida Atlantic-WKU football game in October. The tailgating was more successful than the game was for the Toppers. Also pictured are Jeff, Jen, and Jason Kash and Joel and Candice Turner.