Winter days

Well we are working our way into the new year. It is still a very white year and I expect it to be for awhile. This is a blessing and a curse. We love the water but now know where the "hot" or "cold" spots are in our house. The front porch seems to have a magnet for the water run off and the steps and walkway dont get warm enough to keep the water warm thus we have a block of ice at our front steps. I guess next year we will get our heat tape on better. Not just thrown up there-yes literally thrown up there.

Our family activities have slowed down as far as traveling goes. But the other activities have started up again. Basketball is in full swing. Patrick seems to be doing really well inspite of his feet. Hopefully soon he will grow into them but not too soon. He made 4 points out of the 14 the first game he played. Ireland is definately one of the tallest on her team. She is also pretty fast and alert when she is watching the ball getting thrown around so fast. She has the luxery of Dad as her coach again. It is fun to watch them figure things out. Liam started his last night. He towered over most of the kids and did better than most. I am sure we are not bias at all. But his is more of a learning year. Hopefully, this will decide if he even likes basketball as most of the other sports have been weaned out. *Whew*I think next year he would rather take piano and guitar. He has the gift as the other two do.

Benjamin is still very much an active homebody. He would rather be home then anywhere. I can appreciate that. Today we will be working on making special cards for our family and friends. Its our little secret. Then tomorrow we will work on a few decorations to stash on windows and doors. Really he is working on his scissor skills. He dosent know that though. All he knows is he has to write his name 3 times as well as "Mom" and "Dad". Oh and "K" seems to be a hard letter.

Shea is still not talking and still has no need to. She understands everything and will do most everything you ask. She is entering into her 2's and we are feeling it. She comes to us with a new diaper when she . . .well you know. I think in a month or two we will give potty training a try. I am so glad girls learn faster then boys.

Thats mostly it. Sean and I are just doing the family thing. We enjoy when family comes to visit. We enjoy sitting on the computers at night playing Settlers of Catan and he usually is rubbing my feet. I really enjoy that. I think the only thing we dont enjoy is the dishes we have to do every night. I think I shall never buy an appliance off of ksl again. So at tax time we will finally have the dishwasher we thought we had.