The Desert

Since the day I met Kevin, some 14 years ago, he has been trying to get me to go to the desert. It didn't exactly sound like my cup of tea, but he finally convinced me to go a couple weekends ago. I have to admit its not my favorite place, I much prefer the beach or the mountains, but the company was good and I did have fun. The girls had a great time playing in the dirt. Anna Marie has been learning about penguins in school and she loved sliding down the hills on her tummy like a penguin on ice. The second day we were there it was bitter cold and windy. It had rained the night before and soaked the girls jackets which we had left in the jeep. Since we didn't want to freeze in the jeep, we decided to take the truck into Ransburg and have lunch. That town in like something out of an old movie. I wish I had braved the wind and cold and taken a couple pictures. I guess I will just have to go back...some day.

The Tower of Heynen Wins 2012 Skill Master

It was a surprisingly warm New Years this year at the Skill Master. Kevin did well, winning his heat race, but his little car just couldn't hold out the full 20 laps of the final race. It got hot and lost power about lap 17.  Kevin was bummed to loose but we were all happy to see Phil take home the trophy once again this year.

Kevin and Charlie in what's left of the Oldsmobile.

  Here is Phil and Lisa and their kids in the winners circle.  Congratulations!

Christmas in Lake Co.

As always the kids had a wonderful time in Lake County this Christmas.  We came home with a truck full of new toys.  My favorite part was watching my nephew parade around with Grandma's bird on his shoulder.  He was completely comfortable with her riding around up there.  Maybe he should be a pirate for Halloween next year.

Sophia and Aunt Jackie.  Jackie is the girls constant playmate while in Lake County.  

Anna Marie and Grandpa

A Visit From Mr. & Mrs. Claus

At our family Christmas party last night we were visited by Santa, and this year he brought his wife.  Aren't they cute.  Big and little kids alike got a turn on Santa's lap.  The best part was watching Leah, the newest member of our family who recently joined us all the way from South Korea, sit on Santa's Lap.  She is very fascinated with blond hair and was equally amazed by Santa's big white beard.

Mom Carolyn and Leah

Mrs. Claus aka Mrs. Schuringa

Making the cut

Julie and I attempted to take the girls pictures last week for our Christmas cards. Here is one shot that didn't make the cut but I still think is cute, just Sophia being Fia, if you know what I mean. Speaking of making the cut, you may notice Sophia has a new set of bangs. She decided to cut her own hair last week, and for a three year old she didn't do too bad of a job. (can you tell I am coming to terms with this, I wasn't quit so chipper at first) Of course it was skillfully remaster by a talented beautician. I begged our cousin Alicia to come out of retirement and fix Sophia's handy work. When I asked Sophia why she cut her hair she replied "I no see, Mom." Well I guess her hair won't be in her eyes anymore. She seems quite happy with her new do.

Thanksgiving

Grandma came down to visit us for Thanksgiving and we had a nice dinner over at Julie's house. Anna Marie immediately started telling Grandma all about the "Elf on the Shelf" who was due to come visit us soon. Just like all the stores in town, Anna Marie would like to skip right over Thanksgiving and get straight to Christmas! Here they are reading all about him in his book. We didn't have this tradition when I was growing up so we needed to fill Grandma in on all things "Elf." This is such a fun tradition, I catch Anna Marie talking to the Elf all the time. Sometimes she is telling him her wishes and other times I catch her telling him how naughty her little sister is! If you don't know the story, the basics are that the Elf is sent from Santa to watch over the house and see who is being naughty or nice. Then each night he leaves and reports back to the north pole. Each morning he is in a new spot and the kids have to find him again. Its very fun, except it never fails, I lay down in bed at night, get all cozy, am just about to drift off to sleep and then !%#@ I forgot to MOVE THE ELF!

Slim turns 3