Clark W Griswold II

Because 2 decorated trees in the house, a tacky plastic Santa in the yard and several hundred lights on the front porch were not enough, we sent Blake out to the back yard to line the fence that overlooks the hill behind our house. It looks great!

Holy, Once Again

While shopping with Carter yesterday, I witnessed him blessing himself with water from the fountain upon entering the Tommy Bahama store. He literally put two fingers in and did the sign of the cross right there in the middle of the retail mecca. I took this as my cue to start our family attending church regularly on Sunday as we did not so long ago.

From what I've seen, Castle Rock only has one Catholic Church listed on-line. It's conveniently located a few minutes from our house and so we went to the 11:30 mass this morning. I've always been hesitant to go to it because of its un-characteristically small size. Most Catholic churches that I know of and all that I've ever attended are enormous. Ours in Keller held hundreds of people and reminded most who entered its doors of the Vatican.

Upon entering the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, you immediately see that it is small and simple, yet the overwhelming beauty of the altar is all you can focus on. The backdrop includes large windows filled with the Rocky Mountains, snow covered and looking entirely spiritual. Simply put, it's stunning.

Carter attended Children's mass and came back with a chocolate-filled Advent calendar. So, he's hooked. Blake and I enjoyed the service, too.

A few photos of the boys this morning before heading out.







And, of Carter and his Advent calendar.

Out With Friends

Carter spent some time outside on Saturday with friends sledding down the hill. I caught them in time for a picture on their way in.

Carter, Paeton and Gavin.


Carter wanting "One more slide?".


And the tired boy with sweaty, curly hair drinking hot chocolate to warm up.

More Snow in Castle Rock

As I write this, I look out our bedroom window and see a TON of snow falling, beautiful snow drenched hills, and my 31 year old husband flying down a hill on a plastic sled. We're officially living in Colorado.

We had big plans this morning to head out to Keystone for their 36 Hour Party, where you can ski at 3am if you wish, but upon checking the weather conditions (which included FABULOUS snow for skiing), we learned the wind chill today was slated to be -15 to -25 degrees. Maybe not the best weather for kids.

So, we're here instead and enjoying the snow. It's really coming down now.

I took a few pictures while I was out with the boys yesterday Christmas shopping. We take every opportunity to get out and to do things when snow is expected every few days. Because when the weather is as it is today, we have no choice but to stay inside where it's warm or head outside like Carter and Blake and sled the hills.

Sledding

We headed out to sled Thursday afternoon with Carter's new disc and 2 person sled. The hill is right behind our house, so we just hop the fence and go!