Weather Report

This is the view we see to the neighbors. The wind has created all kinds of interesting shapes and designs.


Vic took this video from our front window this morning. We have a lot of snow to be moved today. Just about the time he gets the driveway cleaned the city crew comes to clean the streets and then there is a big pile of snow again!!

Merry Christmas!!

As you can see there will be a White Christmas in Grand Forks. But, wait - I'm sure there will be more pictures as we are to get a huge dump of snow and it's starting right now. Vic is out cleaning the first four inches off our driveway and the neighbor's as she will be pulling in soon from an out of town job. I think it is so nice he does that for her because it is no fun for a gal to have to think about that after working a full shift and a hour drive. Trust you have a very Merry Christmas and are able to be with friends and family and remember what this season is all about.

It's Hard to Believe!!

Those of you that know me, know that decorating for Christmas isn't my favorite thing. I think I got burned out working 26 Christmas Seasons in retail. BUT, this year we went all out!! I hope it won't stop traffic as people drive by 3109.

Thanksgiving

We had plans to head out of town, but.......... Thanksgiving morning we were all packed and M said, "I don't feel like going". V had a VERY surprised looked on his face and then said, "I was thinking the same thing". So, we stayed home and enjoyed football and went out for a turkey dinner. We had some invitations, but we couldn't quite bring ourselves to call them and say, "hey, we changed our minds, can we come to dinner".

One person at our house got up very early the day after and headed out to Menards, but quickly turned around when he saw the red lights of hundreds of cars trying to turn on the street before the parking lot. Smart boy!! Nothing can be worth fighting that battle.

Mack watching Mack on the Mac

Mack loves watching pictures of himself on the computer, but the real fun started when we put music to the slideshow! Tutu told him he couldn't touch the computer and he understood.

Hot Springs

Today we went to Hot Springs. It was an interesting place and fun to imagine what it was like in the mid-40's when it was a booming place. This bath house is still in operation.

We could not believe this huge building that was once a military medical center.

The water is really hot! There are many springs and places where the water comes out of the ground steaming.

Check out this huge tub where they lifted someone that probably could not get into the tub because of illness.

A gym with all the latest equipment for the 40's.

Bathhouse row.

...and one tired little boy!

A Warm Greeting

Mack greeted us with such a big smile and went to Papa and then Tutu, but wanted to go back to Papa. Vic said it would have been worth the many miles just for that.

Love that cap!! Didn't get it on quite straight, but he's learning.

HALLOWEEN BIRTHDAY

Rob decided to enter this world on October 31. I think it is pretty safe to say Bill and Marie were not handing out candy that night. Happy Birthday to a wonderful son in law!!

THE PAINTER

We have had projects around here....let me rephrase that, Marilyn has projects around here. Since we have been home from Little Rock, we have been busy doing all the jobs that were ignored all summer while we enjoyed the lake. Today Vic painted all day on our stairwells. It is a pain to paint with all the doors and steps to deal with. However, it is finished. Well, the stairwells are finished, but the painting isn't.

LOOK CLOSELY

Today we went to Fargo and while downtown saw the Hotel Donaldson all decorated for Breast Cancer Awareness. Maybe you are seeing a similar sight in your home towns too. A click on the pictures will leave no doubt what these are.

Downtown Little Rock

Wednesday afternoon it was nice outside so we went downtown Little Rock. You definitely know you are in "Clinton" territory. Here is the Clinton Library along the river. We also went into the Clinton Store.

...and you know you are in "Hog Country"

It's a pretty view. We walked across the bridge that crosses the Arkansas River.

Then we had lunch at a cool food court.

A Few Gifts for Mack

Mack had a fun birthday. It was his first chance to open a gift.

The neighbors made sure he got introduced to basketball - now, we'll have to make sure Coach Jones is aware of his ability.

The Bouck's had to get him started with airplanes.
It is so cute with noises that you are sure are the real thing.

Grandma and Grandpa Slanger sent a cell phone. The kid's a genius - he figured out exactly what to do with it (well, sorta)!!!!

We stopped at Ikea on our way down and Papa stood and watched the kids play in with the toys and games and then decided this was the perfect thing. Thankfully, it can be made small and stored out of the way.

NOT SO FOND OF CRAWLING IN THE GRASS

A HAWAIIAN BIRTHDAY PARTY

Our Memphis guests, Libby & Kim came to make the day even more special. Mack certainly had no trouble warming up to them.

Tomorrow is Mack's birthday, but we celebrated today.

Cupcake party with a variety of sodas. (I recommend the Stewart's Key Lime!!)

Here's Mack dressed in his Hawaiian shirt and after some pondering decided to check what this thing on his tray was all about. We weren't sure he was going to even try it but after some coaxing decided to taste it. Think he just tasted his first dessert and it didn't go over real big. Maybe that's a good thing!!

He seemed more interested in the kids playing in the yard.

to be continued.....

A New Trend in Walkers

This is so funny to see Mack pushing this little table all around the living room. Now, please don't get the idea that he is allowed to turn all the furniture upside down and go sailing around the house. We can't believe how fast he can go.

Hand Me Down

When we came this time we brought an old rocker that was Vic's when he was little. We had it painted white when Carrie was little and now she will strip it and paint it for Mack. When Mack saw it for the first time he went right for it and looks like it will be a hit.

LITTLE ROCK HERE WE COME!!

Got up early Friday am and headed off to Iowa. Had a date for dinner with Norm, Jan, Lou and Pat in Ames. As always we had many good laughs and a great time with them. Thanks to Lou and Pat we had a good rest and headed out early Saturday morning. It's a beautiful drive especially through NW Arkansas. We went to the airport to pick up Rob, Carrie and Mack as they were returning from Rob's 10 year reunion from the AF Academy. Mack was so tired, but he came right to us with a big smile. We could hardly wait to give him lots of hugs and kisses. The first thing he did when he got home was get something to eat.

Closing Up

We had to close up TT even though we were having the most beautiful weather of the summer. We took the kayak out for our last ride and the neighbors went by on their pontoon - they were doing the same thing. Burned some of the leaves in Betty's fire ring, wrapped up the kayak and deck furniture, de-moused the place (we hope) and checked everything off the list. Sure hated to see it end this year but we will look forward to May 1st.

Teeth

I love this picture because we can finally see those 6 teeth!

September Summer Weather in Minnesota!!

We are having the most beautiful weather. Love the cool nights and perfect temps during the day. Had a great afternoon on Betty's pontoon with another couple in the park. Next week we will start preparing the place for close up. Shortly after we will head for Little Rock to celebrate a special little boy's first birthday. We can hardly wait.

The Birthday Boy

Vic celebrated his birthday today. It wasn't much of a celebration, that's for sure, but having a clean car was at the top of the list.

Sitting on the deck sipping fresh squeezed lemonade was enjoyable...

talking on the phone to all three brothers and...

grilling his own birthday dinner was all part of the day.
He didn't even have a birthday cake!!!