A Cold Winter's Day

Ian always wants snow and this year he seems to be getting his wish. This past Thursday night, our area was under a Winter Storm Warning. The storm stretched from the Oklahoma to the East coast. Fortunately, we received very little freezing rain. However, we did get a base layer of sleet followed by about three inches of snow. It was just enough to allow a great snowman, followed by a fierce snowball fight. Keri and Ian carefully made a wonderful snowman, touching it up with my hat, Keri's scarf, a carrot nose, and coal eyes and buttons taken from my grandparent's barn.

The following snowball fight was something to behold. I'm sure the neighbors all came to their windows to see what was happening. We all had such a good time. I'm sure Ian will remember it for the rest of his life.

Return of the Trumpter Swans

The Trumpeter Swans have returned to Arkansas! They arrive in November and leave in late February or early March. They began wintering near Searcy after getting blown off course during a storm years ago. This location is supposed to be as far South as Trumpeter Swans winter. When you visit the lake, they come right up to the fence and you are free to feed them corn. As you can see from the video, they are also very noisy. I have several nice longer videos but I can't seem to get them loaded. This short one will have to do. If you are anywhere nearby, it is well worth a trip to see these huge, beautiful birds.

Unusual Christmas Activity

Happy New Year everyone. I wish for you all the very best 2010 that you can have. Unfortunately, Keri had to work today so Ian and I are being lazy. There is a lot to be said for that occasionally. We all had a nice Christmas with Christmas Eve at Keri's Mom's house and Boxing Day at my Mom's. Christmas day was spent with little fanfare except for a evening "Rock Band" experience at Reagan and Nate's. We are gearing up for some major parental issues this coming year and were happy for the relatively calm Christmas.

Ian and I left Sunday for the Winter Camp at the local Boy Scout Reservation. We slept in tents, cooked many of our own meals, and participated in four days of outdoor activities in 14-40 degree weather. You can tell by looking at this photo that Ian was sleeping soundly (and warmly) under his load of blankets. Ian had a blast and I really enjoyed my time with him. He is growing up fast and I treasure all the time I can get with with him.