a LEAP of snow

Happy Leap Year!
So I guess there has been barely any snow here all winter....until today. Finally. Snow. Snow. Snow...and lots of it. Not just the kind that melts away after an hour. The kids came home to this....they got right off the bus and went at it.




Then we dressed up Ryder and Sienna wanted to play outside too! They all had a fun time ...and bless their poor little finger...we need to get snow gloves.




Ryder was so funny. Sienna doesn't remember living in Utah of course...and Ryder was 3 weeks old when we moved from there...so they have not really been around snow... or remember it. Ryder didn't want to come in...ever.... he even tried going out in a shirt...no shoes....no pants....he snuck out a few times to play...but finally when he got bundled up...he play until his heart's content...and then was NOT content when we made him come in!

Fun times. And so much snow...tomorrow school is cancelled...a las another day at home! :)

Winter Recess

So, the girls got to go to school for 2 whole days before Winter Recess (one week). Yep, just like Spring Break...but winter break! (Don't worry...we get a spring too). So this makes a grand total of 2 days of school in the last 3 weeks! Ha! :) We are all ready to get back to a routine....

I wish I could say we were doing fun stuff and seeing Albany and other fun places...but that was not the case this week. Nelson is still busy learning his new area and all the people...travelling to meet them all and dining out all meals like a fine king....and well...we don't want to go by ourselves. So this week we just hung out at home....

Here are a few pics of our smaller cuties. (Notice in one pic...Ryder is wearing undies...well my attempts to potty training were just that...attempts. I did not have the patience after 2 days of accidents to continue...did I mention ALL the kids were home for all but 2 days in the last 3 WEEKS?) Potty training has been moved to May until further notice!



Sienna in the shopping cart at the grocery store...it was a cute pic...sorry...it is a bit bright..prob should have left it off. :)


Kason got a big boy haircut!







Jayda's doing....WORD!

First Day of School

Today the girls finally went to their first day of school.....we met the teachers and took a tour before school....which I think made all the difference. The girls were so easy at transitioning in to their new school...I was so glad. I hope they aren't just getting to be good at it :)...but I truly believe Heavenly Father has blessed us in so many ways during this move...and this is one of them. They all had a great day and enjoyed their classes and teachers. The school is small, and per everything here...old...but everyone was so friendly and nice. I think it is a great school and although they will be a little behind in the curriculum ....they are all smart and will catch up fast. I am very happy with the school....although they did tell me that Jayda was the last 3rd grader they can take...they are all full. She almost had to go to a different school....wierd huh? Glad we dogded that bullet!

Happy LOVE day!

I was a little bummed the kids weren't in school yet....they were going to have to miss all the Valentine's party fun....but luckily, here they have a Kidstitute...for mommy's with kids...and they were having a fun party that we were invited to. So they kids got to decorate cupcakes....receive Valentines and eat yummy food. It was a fun time and I was so grateful!!!





Happy Valentine's Everyone!

Our Few first days in New York

So since we got arrived, we have been busy. We had wonderful help on Thursday to help us unload...and by Saturday, we were pretty much unpacked! I can't stand to be in boxes...drives me nuts! Nelson was able to stay home and help...so that made it a lot easier.
I took pics of the house and posted them to facebook....sorry....I already deleted them...check my timeline and look back to see pics of our house!


We wanted to have the girls in school by Friday the 10th...but it isn't that easy here. So much for walking into the school and signing up. We had to receive the registration papers in the mail (which did come Friday) and then make an appointment (today) with the registrar....then after that....I have to make an appointment with the Principal at the school to have the girls placed in classes and ready to go. It is a process....let me tell you. So today, we had some yummy New York Pizza and of course...got a library card...always a must....and just enjoyed being together...some more! :)


In other news...we went to our ward yesterday and loved it! It is so nice and welcoming and friendly! And has no reservations about giving out callings upon first meeting!

WELCOME TO NEW YORK!

New York!!!!!

So no rush this morning...we woke up and instead of shoving the kids back into the car for another long day of driving....we let them swim...and boy were they glad....we still had a long ways home...but no biggie....it can wait!






We got to our house pretty late....around 10pm....but that is okay. It was empty anyways...our stuff wasn't coming until Thursday.

The kids loved the house and were excited to be out of the car!
Home sweet Home....East Greenbush, New York!

Off to Indiana and Ohio

We were getting a little tired of being in the car on our long days of driving...but each day we got to see family and friends...so it made it worth it. Today we saw two...my cousin Becky and her family and my friend from Temple Square (where we served missions for our church) Angela!

First we drove to Middlebury, Indiana...yep....Amish country to see Beck. I wish we could have spent more time with her.....but we had to get going to make it to our hotel reservation in Ohio. We stayed for about 45 minutes and although I wanted to stay longer...the 3 cats in the house were reeking havoc on my allergies. I was completely miserable after 10 minutes, but well worth the visit. I miss her and her family!
It was fun to see her for a short time...and hopefully we can see them more often since we live a tad bit closer to them....at least closer than Texas! :) )





After leaving Indiana, we headed to Ashtabula, Ohio. We finally got to our hotel...late...but not too late to visit with my best gal Angela. :) I was still miserable sick...as you can see in the pics...but still fun to see her!


It was a long day of driving, but fun! Tomorrow....Home to New York!

Day Two of Driving

Nauvoo, Illinois....here we come!

My original plan was to go to Nashville on our second day and spend the day there seeing sights, visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame...but luck would have it....the CMHoF is closed on Tuesdays in February (we were going to visit the next morning)....I figured all the fun exciting things to do in Nashville wouldn't be too fun and exciting for my young chitlins...so we decided to see more family on our way...

We went to see Casey and Barb in Nauvoo. Casey is Nelson's oldest brother and lives and works among some of the greatest Church history of our faith. Although we didn't have time to see anything except them and their new baby Abby....we were still excited! (We are also going back for a family reunion in July...so that works out!). We had a fun time seeing them and loved their cute house!

Thanks Casey & Barb (and girls :) for a great dinner and FHE! You're the best! We love you!