Winter is here!

We received winter earlier than normal here. Actually, the snow arrived on the last day of fall. We have between 4 1/2" and 5", just the right amount to play in, but still be able to get around in. Well, sorta. If you don't consider our driveway. Shawn had fun going up it sideways, and Sunday morning on our way to meeting, I didn't have fun going down sideways! That big old oat tree was way to close for my comfort!
We enjoyed sledding with the neighbors on Sunday afternoon. Noah had a great time, with Hannah and Julia escorting him up and down the hill. This was the first year Josh was able to take his own sled up and ride down all by himself! How fast my little man is growing. Zach built a nice fort, where he and Daniel had snowball fights.
Everyone is healthy, for now! Noah's burn healed up so nicely, just white lines on his foot now where the blisters were.
We do have a new inside pet! Rusty, the dog that showed up here quite a while ago, came back. I gave him to Dad back then, and he came back here on Dec. 3rd. We had been thinking of getting another inside dog, so we decided to give him a try. I took him in and gave him 2 baths. He is an awesome dog! He is already housebroke, even after living outside at Dad's for several months he hasn't had any accidents upstairs, yet. He also tolerates a lot from Noah, like tail pulling and neck squeezing, and of course I shouldn't forget climbing on his back like he is a horse. He rarely barks, and we've only lost a few toys to his teeth! Hopefully me pointing out his good traits doesn't change after this post! We think he is around 2, and the only problem we have with him is caging him when we leave.
School is working out nicely, teacher is kinda rough on them, not giving them 2 full weeks off like the public school kids have. They also won't be having snow days here, or rarely if they do! They do have the benefit of staying home, and only working in the morning. Fair trade I think!
We had our winter celebration with the children on Sunday, and we exchanged gifts and made and decorated sugar cookies, in between playing in the snow. Here is a really cute picture of Penny, she enjoyed playing with the wrapping paper!
Well, I plan to rearrange some closets today, and the hours are slipping away. Happy Holidays to you all, and may the next year bring us closer to our Heavenly Father.