Actually we have had a very mild winter so far. A dusting of snow and lots of days in the 5o's. However, on Thursday, Jan. 12th the high was 11. Since I was babysitting the Willis grandkids, I decided to take up some sugar cookies to decorate. I knew we definitely wouldn't be going outside to play!
On a footnote: As Allison was leaving, Colin went down to get his hat. I told him he was staying inside and he didn't need his hat. Boy did I crush his little heart and the crocodile tears came. Mom to the rescue - "Do you want your hat, Colin?" "Yea," Colin says. "It's okay buddy. Come get your hat."
Hence the hat while decorating cookies :-)
The Ferrera's flew in on Sunday, Dec. 18th. They paid a visit to my mom on Monday. Tuesday, we all went to Ames for a family photo op and lunch at Hickory Park. Wednesday, Allison and kids came down to stay for a few days. Thursday we met Jessica and Gabe at the Mall and Jared came to join the festivities later in the day. Friday the girls went for their annual hair appt. with Megan and the boys finished up shopping. Friday evening we gave up our traditional spaghetti dinner and had our annual Tasty Tacos (easier clean up for Dave). With early baths everyone was ready to open presents. One of the gifts was a big hit (Black Tasty Taco tee). I have never seen Jared that excited... Santa came during the night with lots of gifts - everyone must have been exceptionally good in 2011. Saturday we headed for Indianola with Chili, baconed-wrapped smokkies, and strawberry salad. After spending the day with my mom and family, we came back to Carlisle for the 5:00 pm church service. Sunday, Dec. 25th everyone headed in different directions - our Christmas was officially over. After singing happy birthday to Jesus, the Willis family headed for Aplington, the Ferrera's flew back to Dallas, and we were left all alone - Dave wishing he had someone to hang out with!!!!Thanks to all of you for making this Christmas a time full of fond memories to treasure - however, not so much the virus we all got to share with each other...
