Christmas in November

Since we live to far from our Northern kin, we exchange Christmas gifts at Thanksgiving. It makes things a bit tense, getting gifts made/purchased in time. Especially, since the adults really have no clue what they want!

We do have a few standbys in terms on interest. Aunt C likes horses and her husband, Uncle E doesn't seem to mind those presents. We didn't really get their gifts done in time, except Kitty. Aunt C & Uncle E have a resale store. We would love to frequent it, but the drive is a bit much!

Little cousin L got a bear puppet that Mommy crocheted and a Little People set. It seems she also like cars - she sounds just like Kitty!

Aunt J & Uncle J are outdoorsy types, which is really cool. Uncle J is usually hunting/taking people out hunting during Thanksgiving, so we don't always get to see him. Mommy & Daddy's gift to them was a paper eagle. Mommy spent time cutting and gluing it together. It is really fragile, but came out great. It is about 2 1/2 feet from wing tip to wing tip. Jules has a present that she wasn't able to quite get done.

Grandma got some origami lilies in a glass vase and a papercraft swallowtail butterfly. Jules also made a painting of some roses for her.

Uncle R likes Ancient Egypt, so we have been doing that theme for a few years. This year, Jules, with some help from Mommy, made a customized matryoska (Russian nesting dolls) set. We are sure no one else has them with, going outside in, King Tut, Queen Cleopatra, Anubis, The Eye of Ra, a mummy and an anhk (the Ancient Egyptian symbol of life.) We chose Anubis, not because he is the Egyptian god of Funerals and the afterlife, but because he is readily recognizable.

The girls, of course, were thrilled with their gifts. Jules got an electronic dog, Tekno, a Bingo game, coloring books, The Frog Princess book set, a Christmas Duck and a necklace, the Sorry! Sliders game

Kitty got a Tinkerbell doll which flaps her wings and talks, a Crayola craft set, a Christmas Bear and a necklace, a Disney Fairies game, a Matchbox pop-up airport set, and coloring books.

We all got some gift cards to Barnes and Noble, which is great, because we can take our time figuring out what we want!

It was a late night, but we all had a really good time visiting with each other, sharing good food and just enjoying the time.

Goin' North, Eh?

We were pleasantly surprised to find out that Daddy had today off, so off North we go! Plans changed last minute, so we are heading to Grandma's instead of Aunt J's. No problem. Mommy's pain issues will be better if she doesn't need to go up and down stairs.

Traffic was a little nuts, as people were leaving for the holiday, as well. But we got through the interstates and tolls without any real problems.

It's a long trip, but we made it to Grandma's safely. Pizza was on the menu, which was great, as no one really wanted to cook, with Thanksgiving tomorrow and all.

Tomorrow, we all get to eat way too much!

Bowling!

This morning, we were able to attend a free bowling glass for kids. Each girl was in a different group, based upon age. We met our friends the Bs there as well. It was fun watching Kitty try to handle a 6 pound ball, which is the lighted made. She is not quite strong enough to do the complete follow through, but tried her best none the less.

While the lesson only lasted two hours, the girls had fun and we think they learned a few things. Daddy helped a few of the older Bs with their form and aim. He sure wanted to be able to do the bowling as well, but still had fun with the coaching. We all would love to be able to bowl more on a regular basis.

Oo, Oo, Oooooooooo!

Today was simply an amazing day! God is so great!

We went on a field trip today to Wolf Park, a wolf sanctuary, and an elk farm with our friends The Bs. It was freezing, literally (approx 27F), but is was an amazing time.

Mrs. B had met a couple who's property butted up against the park. They also contribute naturally hollowed-out logs for the wolves, who like to climb on and hide in them. Through this relationship, our friends were invited to a private tour of the park before it closes for the season. And, we were invited to come along. (Unfortunately, Daddy was working.)

Just after our tour guide led us into the park, we were greeted by a beautiful male wolf. We walked around a small lake that was part of the main enclosure for the animals. About half a dozen wolves occupy this area. As we neared the other side of the lake, we saw bison on the right side of the path. We then approached a small enclosure that held two coyotes. We watched them for a few moments and then one began to howl. Our guide suggested we all howl and see if any of the wolves answer. For a minute, our entire group was howling at the cold sky. Then, we listened. And we heard many wolves howling back. Four wolves we hadn't seen as we rounded the lake had lifted their heads and were singing to us and each other. It was truly amazing!

We continued our way around the park and saw several magnificent wolves.

At the end of our tour, we came to a small enclosure that held three red foxes. Our tour guide gave us a singular honor - we were allowed to enter the foxes' pen. The guide gave each of us a few treats and we sat down in the enclosure to wait. The black fox, Devon, moved to the other "room" and went back to sleep. Ember, the red fox was very skitterish - she eyed us warily while pacing the other "room". Basil, who is white, is friendly and came to each of us in turn to same the treats. He loved the dried cranberries and ate them more than the cat kibble. We were able to pet his, oh-so soft, fur. He didn't shy away, nor did he scratch or nip anyone. He sniffed towards Kitty's face, wanting to kiss her nose. She was too surprised to let him.

Our new friends have lived by the park for 20 years, and have NEVER been able to interact directly with any of the animals. Only the staff who have developed relationships with the wolves go near them. This experience was like swimming with the sharks at Typhoon Lagoon in Walt Disney World - beyond words.

We sadly left Wolf Park and drove to a nearby Elk Farm. There were at least 2 1/2 dozen animals in the main pen, several of them born just this year. At least one was still suckling. In a smaller pen, was the main bull. His rack was huge! He was trumpeting loudly. It was such an eerie sound. At least one of the cows was chirping back.

They keep the big bull separated because he is "just plain mean" and is very dangerous during rutting time.

We had hot chocolate before heading home.

What a day!

(Edited on Nov. 30, 2008 to add photos.)

Reveille

November 17 is a special day, as we honor those who have served our country.

We would like to share a video with you - a touching tribute to all service men and women. You may want to have a tissue handy.