The Brittons

Happy New Year! We spent the first day of the new year playing outside on the ice.  The temperatures had not been above freezing for probably over a week.  Nick went down to the pond to drill a hole and make sure the ice was thick enough to go out on.  It was close to 5 inches, and by the end of the week, after still not reaching 32 degrees it was 6 inches thick.  We have not had temps this cold since moving down here two years ago.  After researching information about how thick ice needs to be before going out onto it, it was decided that the kids can skate away.  Thankfully, Deb and Norm left us several pairs of ice skates when they made their move to Florida.  Nick drilling a hole Nick helping Gracie get her skates on. Owen with his skates on, ready to get on the ice. Woops.  There were lots of falls, but all smiles. Gracie and Nick on the ice More skating Owen and Nick Owen getting the hang of it. ...

Once again, it has been a month since my last post.  This will take us through the end of the 2017 year.  The last two weeks in December were quite busy.  Gracie had another basketball tournament, and Owen continued with wrestling practices.  We fit in holiday parties and school activities.  Our break consisted of a lot of traveling, and our fair share of sickness.  Gracie and I visited Iowa twice; Nick had to stay home with Owen, who ended up getting sick when we were to go see Grandma Jeanne and celebrate Christmas with the Blyths.  We were able to be at home for Christmas, then Nick and I spent a couple days in Houston for the bowl game, followed by another trip to Iowa to celebrate with his siblings. The Magic Tree at The Crossing Church in Columbia.  This is a different tree than the one we visited last year; much bigger.  It was pretty cold and we didn't stay long.  But there was a live band and we found Santa, the Grinch, a...