Easter!

Easter lasts 50 days, so technically I'm not late. :o) Here are Andy and Sam working on Easter eggs. Voila! Bowl full-o'-colored-eggs. They turned out more vivid than I thought they would. And a couple days after that we made some pretty Italian Easter Bread. Funny-face Sam kneading the dough. Rolling out the pieces that will be twisted together. Breads twisted up, ends met, risen, and almost ready to bake. Just need to paint on a little beaten egg first... Andy's turn to make a funny face... and don't forget the sprinkles! Putting the Easter eggs in the center of each bread, accompanied by a little more silliness. Ready to pop in the oven! And ready to EAT. They were slightly sweet, like Hawaiian bread. They reminded me of king cake, too. Little, mini, Easter king cakes. Yum.

Happy Valentine's Day, and the Saints won The Super Bowl (a week later)!!

Here's some pretty pink popcorn that Sam and I made for Valentine's Day parties at school on Friday. It was very tasty; caramel popcorn with cherry jello powder mixed in. I didn't really taste cherry, but I tasted something different than regular caramel popcorn, and it was GOOD. Also festive for any pink-colored occasion.


Might I also draw your attention to the headline of the newspaper that Sam is holding above. The New Orleans Saints are SUPER indeed! This was from when they won the NFC championship game; last weekend they won the Super Bowl, of which every person reading this is probably well aware. Dad sent this paper up to us, but considering how much it cost to send this one, I think we'll get the 'AMEN' headline edition from The Super Bowl when we go down there next. I think I've enjoyed the win as much as I possibly can from this far away. The internet has certainly helped. I'm so happy for the city and can't wait for our next trip down.

A parting shot of Sam as a human Valentine. All the kids donned these from his Pre-K class that afternoon and sang us a song. He's pretty adorable all by himself, but the 15 or so all together were ridiculously cute. (I meant to take a picture of Andy today to slide into this post but forgot!)

Dad comes for a Christmastime visit!

We took Dad to Bower Ponds for some sledding on Christmas Eve.


Dad even took a turn down the hill! Apparently the ready-team accidentally sent him on a collision course with a little girl, so he created quite the trail of poofy snow behind him as he dug in his heels to try and steer away from her.


Otto heading back up after a run.

Snow-covered Sam.


Ready?

Later that evening, Dad and Andy enjoyed the 'Fireside' channel that I found, since we couldn't enjoy a real fireside. Dad really liked this channel; he'd give us updates on when "the arm" would stoke it or add a log. :o)


We had a very nice Christmas morning. Santa ate a few cookies and left some gifts. Dad gave the boys some goggles. Lookin' good!


Dad was the designated bow collector. The drill was: get present from tree, take bow of gift, stick on Papa Rex, proceed to unwrap.


Otto getting cozy in his new robe.


Figuring out the new gadgets.

Taking some test shots with one of MY Christmas presents, a new-to-me Nikon. Nice camera!


Sam with Christmas-morning aftermath behind him.


Andy with his toothless grin.


The next day we headed to Banff to show Dad the Canadian Rockies.



Gettin' them doggies along.


Coming up to the mountains.


Frozen waterfall.




Our first stop was The Banff Springs Hotel, just to walk around. It's so very pretty, inside and out.


Gingerbread rendition of the hotel that looks suspiciously identical to the one that was on display last year. Me thinks the hotel chefs are not making it from scratch every year. :o)


In front of the giant tree in the ballroom.


One more, with flash this time, I think.


Back patio view.


Pretty china display in one of the shops downstairs.

Sporting their new Christmas sweaters at dinner. We did a little shopping after we ate.

The next morning at brunch.


After we ate, desperately trying to keep our eyes open towards the sun for a family shot. Then we did a little more shopping. :o)


The last day he was here, we took Dad out to Canyon Ski Hill so we could show him some of our cool moves.

Sam going up the tow bar...

and skiing down the hill.



Great job, Sam!
Me coming down the hill,


Andy coming down the hill.


Starting to get darker now - quick group shot!


And one more of Dad and Jess!


We had a great time. When I called him to make sure he got home safely, he mentioned a lady that sat next to him on the plane that had been to Banff and went on a dog sled ride, which he thought sounded fun. Already making plans for next time! :o) Thanks for coming, Dad!