Animals

I am pretty sure you all know that I love animals. Well, I couldn't take enough pictures of them over the holidays, so I'll share with you. I certainly have my favorites of Buttercup, but I think my all time favorite is the one of Barlee in reindeer antlers that I will post here individually.

Christmas celebrations

After a very busy Tuesday before Christmas at work, it was lovely to head to Auburn that evening for some R and R. We dug out the ugly old wrapping paper and had an ugliest wrapping paper contest. Angie and Becca were victorious, I'd say!



On Christmas Eve, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Oh Ryans, snacks throughout the day, and opening presents in the evening.







Becca and Levi were very crafty and made everyone warmable rice packs--so cozy.



We couldn't believe the snow just wouldn't stop. Here we are Christmas morning posing for some impromptu family photos.









Tyler and I stopped at our place on our way to the Vixies. My most favorite present: beautiful pearl earrings. Tyler's most favorite: a toy police car. This is the exact look he gets on his face when he knows I will be annoyed by the siren, haha!







We missed Tyler's brother Blayne and his girlfriend Megan at Christmas but thanks to technology, we caught them on video chat. Tyler and Blayne carried on tradition and played a game of 'Visit to Grandma's house' via video chat. Very entertaining!





Phew! Hard to believe this was all a week ago. Sorry for the Christmas post delay! I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Wishing you all a very blessed and merry Christmas! Many more pictures to come but here are a few taken this morning in the Auburn snow! Lots of love to you and your families!
~Laura

bored?

I continue to be mesmerized by the snow, although I am ready to move on with life :) School was closed again. I spent 1/2 hour clearing the last weeks worth of snow off of my car. The blue skies peaked through the clouds. A pretty sight to see against the backdrop of icy/snowy trees.



As you can see from this pic, I dyed my hair! A dramatic winter/Christmas look, what do ya think?

More pictures

Well, the winds here weren't very strong at all. But, it continues to snow and snow and snow. At least while we are cooped up in the house, I have a chance to take more pictures...hope you aren't sick of them! We measured 9" of snow on the deck, 10" on my car which hasn't been moved since Wednesday, and 13" over by the pool (probably the wind blew it over there).

Winter has arrived...and then some :)

Tomorrow is the first day of winter and we continue to experience blistery conditions in Bellevue. School was closed on Thursday and Friday, so I didn't have to go to work. Tyler and I worked from home, although he was much more productive than I. We haven't started our cars since Wednesday PM, weird. Yesterday, to cure us of cabin fever, we walked to the store and to lunch -- a nice two hour break :) Tonight, another round of snow and very strong wind gusts is supposed to hit. Here are a few pretty pictures from our deck. Stay warm out there!

a **snow** day!!

 
 
 
 
I can't believe it! It actually snowed and it keeps coming down! There has to be at least six, seven, eight inches out there? I forgot the ruler when Tyler and I took a walk. I was so disappointed yesterday and throughout the night when it hadn't snowed but between 4am and 6:30am, it sure changed its mind! I am so thankful for my boss telling me to stay home, she was right! So far I have been really productive on my snow day. I emailed the 13 students who were signed up for my advising session tonight, cleaned the bathroom, finished my knitting project, wrapped presents, played in the snow, uploaded pictures...and now...I think I'll take a nap :)

Party, Le Chateau style

We partied it up, Le Chateau style, on Sunday evening. The "Grand Salon", or community room, was the location of the annual potluck gathering. I enjoyed baking cranberry bliss bars for the party and visiting with the neighbors. Here we are next to the Christmas tree.

 

Here is Roy, the President of the Homeowners Association (Tyler's successor) and his girlfriend Magda.

 

Beautiful pointsettias and the Christmas village added to the party atmosphere.

 

 

We ended the evening with a game of Apples to Apples, always a hit!

work and play

Yesterday was packed full of goodness. It started out that I had to work in the morning -- giving an informational presentation to prospective students. Doesn't sound like a fun way to start your weekend, but Tyler graciously agreed to attend, so it was nice to have a familiar face in the audience. Not only that, my friend and Mary Kay pal, Christa, showed up :) So good to see her as well. Afterwards, Tyler and I headed down to Auburn for some Christmas baking and visiting. Dad is in a lot of pain after his second surgery, but he was in pretty good spirits considering all that his body has gone through. We enjoyed the warm fire, Christmas decor, baking cookies, a delicious supper, quick game of balderdash and visiting.






Oooh, and I can't forget, visiting the precious animals!





And the snow began to fall, loved this touch of winter even though we didn't get as much as I was hoping for :)