We returned to Missouri just in time for a ice storm that shut down life as we know it here. Classes were canceled for a week. Electricity went out for 24 hours and then continued to flicker, keeping us in suspense. The week ended up being a blessing in disguise. It was so nice to have a whole week to get caught up on all those things I never have time for and having an excuse to go absolutely nowhere! The ice crusted trees were beautiful when the sun came out.

Over the river and through the woods...

To Bumma's house we go...
We survived the horrendous trip home, (3 hour drive, 3 flights, 2, 3 hour layovers) to Alaska and to our loving wonderful family and friends that made the trip so well worth it. We had a fabulous time and since we were home for a nice long chunk of time (Dec. 17 - Jan 12) we were able to do a lot of "catch up." The girls look forward to the annual sugar plum tea party at Bumma's house all year. This year they had custom made gowns and their own personal nutcracker to dance with while watching the Nutcracker in Bumma's living room. Here they are waiting for the right moment , and then...oh , the twirling!!! Lot's and lots of twirling. There were many highlights from this wonderful trip home, far to many to name....but all a treasured memories.

It's been a while...

So...we thought we were going to experience a snow free winter. After the gorgeous Missouri fall with temperatures reaching mid eighties even in November, I didn't think it would be unreasonable to expect a very mild winter here. Not so, not so! It seems that wherever we go - snow follows! Especially when I am unprepared for it - (I'm sensing a theme here). I have so many hats/gloves/boots neatly stored in tubs at home (AK) so can you believe this cold weather guru mommy had to put socks over her poor children's hands and then scrounge the stores for a decent hat! (Super Walmart is no REI!) We persevered and managed to enjoy ourselves as you can see from the picture. We got a good six-eight inches overnight and the campus was a buzz with snow deprived jungle people throwing themselves down hills on cookie sheets and scrape metal. We Alaskans prefer to use a proper sled.