BLIZZARD

At least, that's what the forecast called for... 

personally, I thought it just snowed and snowed and snowed...

most of the time pretty light, but it sure did accumulate.

Door #1 - snowed shut

 (this is as far as we could open it).

Door #2 - snowed shut

Door #3 - snowed shut

Patrick dug a path to the front door so that we could use it:)

Aidan -  up to his thighs in snow:) 

I bundled up Asher:

. clothes and 2 pairs of socks

.  fleece body suit

.  water resistant body suit

. winter coat

. mitts, WARM hat, and boots

Even then, we could only keep him out for a short while.

We hiked down to the road (Luke was not impressed since the snow was above his knees making it difficult for him to walk), walked out on the pond and down by the ocean. 

Very windy, snowy, and cold!

 But BEAUTIFUL!

View from the top of our hill.

The boys all worked on this tunnel. 

Pretty impressive if you ask me :)

Mastering the fork

Attempting to stab a bite.

Left hand provides a little assistance.

Mmmmm, sweet success!

What a silly, clever little boy!!!

First Ski Trip

Through the older boys' school, we have access to skiing for a very reasonable price:

$25 - Day Pass, Instruction & Rental of Equipment including helmet 

Up, up and away

View from the top

Of course, what goes up must come down.

Drew chose snowboarding and did quite well 

(especially considering he had never even skied before).

Aidan, Sean, and Drew

Docking Station...

 not meant for a phone ;)

Almost got it.

 There... got it!

"Hi" 

(said in the most drawn out, southern accent possible, and he kind of forgot to grab the phone too)

What a silly boy :)

Christmas day 2012

The boys headed outdoors to try out their new gadgets (survivor knife, compound bow, magnesium fire starter...)

With a little lint and a lot of patience,

they were able to use the magnesium starter to get this fire going.

Well done!

All of the boys minus Luke.

Patrick and Asher

Christmas morning 2012

Asher needed a bit of help and coaxing to reach inside his stocking.

This cutie sure loves "Cuties"

Asher jumped the gun just a bit.

Almost got it opened:)

Helping the boys detach their gifts from the packaging.

Rip into those presents!

A little overwhelmed by all the noise and chaos.

All better now:)

Two sweet little boys.

My little helper :)

Even with his help, it took quite awhile to assemble everything ;)

Luke took Asher for his first ride on his new buggy.

Christmas Eve 2012

5 handsome men all dressed for the Christmas Eve service

In keeping with our tradition-

each boy opened one gift from the brother of their choice.

The oldest and the youngest!

(Asher is cuddling the toy that Sean bought for him).

Luke set out milk and 2 gingerbread men.

 Wishing you a very Merry Christmas 

and Happy New Year

from our family to yours!

First snow

It had just started snowing... not even sticking yet...

but they just had to go out to play.

Can you say "excited"?

One of their many snowmen. 

 Luke brought in a snowball to show Asher. 

(I kept Asher indoors, since he had no snow boots - he does now... x3:)

Needed to warm up a little bit before heading back out -

Look at those rosy cheeks!

Aidan and Luke also built a snow "couch" while the big boys were at school.

Here is Sean having a little snooze on it.

Asher headed out with the big boys just as soon as he had the proper gear:)

He ADORES being outdoors.

Christmas Tree

Where we live right now, there is absolutely no reason to purchase a tree.

Sean was able to find this beauty not too far from the house

Shortening the tree just slightly.

The "littlest" helper:)

Hanging ornaments.