Our new "Vacation Home" and snowed in

This is our new "Vacation Home"

I got home just in time to dig Beth and the kids out.

We purchased a gently used camper in early September, and I finally had time to pick it up over the last two weeks. We plan on parking it in Riverdale, ND on Lake Sakakwea next summer. This way Beth and the kids can head up at anytime with groceries and just relax. The location is great as it's only 70 miles from our home in Bismark and about 80 miles from where I'm working. We have several friends that spend thier summers at the same campground and we've had lots of fun spending the day with them so we decided to get a camper and spend more time there. Once it warms up and we can get inside and personalize the interior we'll put more pictures up for now this is all you get.

The second picture is the aftermath of our first true winter storm. I got stuck at the rig an extra night but made it home the next day. The interstate between Bismarck and Dickinson was closed so me and a buddy followed each other on a two lane highway all the way home. It was slow going and somewhat stressful driving on solid ice for 120 + miles but we made it with no problems. When I got home I couldn't even get in my driveway because of all the snow. The drift in front of the garage doesn't look that big, but it was up to my upper thigh. The kids had a great time while Beth and I cleared the driveway and the kids threw snowballs at us. It was fun for them until we started throwing back, then they didn't think it was quite as much fun. One great thing about a big storm is everyone is out and everyone helps eachother out. We have a neighbor with a bigger snowblower on his yard tractor so he helped clear some of our driveway and sidewalk. We also have the nicest neighbors, Wally and Betty. They are a little bit older and I just hate to see him out there shoveling so I helped clear his driveway and he promised to bring a few beers over once it warms back up. After shoveling our driveway and our neighbors we decided we would either pay a snow removal company to take care of it for us or just buy a snow blower. Well we drove around that same afternoon and there were still people that couldn't get out while they were waiting on the snow removal company so our minds were made up that we would buy a snow blower. Two days later we went to Lowe's and purchased a really nice snowblower that Beth will have no problem using while I'm at work. It will make life much easier during the winter.

Ice Skating (FINALLY)

Okay, after getting both Megan's and Grant's iceskates sharpened and ready to go off we went to Schumberg arena where they have free iceskating. Grant has to wear a full face mask since he is smaller and his first time on ice. To anyone wondering if they should put their kids in hockey just remember that it is Extremely Expensive (at least that is what my friends say about their kids in hockey)! But they had such a blast and Grant just loves being out on the ice. Megan doesn't use the walker (for balance) anymore but wanted to use it the first day we went out. One of the pictures of Megan is really blurry but her smile tells a thousand words. You will see that Grant biffed it but got up and went some more. By the end of the time period for skating he didn't want anyone helping him, he had to do it by himself. Can you say Mr. Independent?! We get to go on Tues and Thurs since Mondays are so busy already we don't go then. But can't wait until Tuesday to go back.

Buying Ice Skates

Grant was so excited we went to Scheels and bought him hockey skates. He fell asleep in the truck on the way home holding the box the skates came in.

Pretty Snow

Okay yes these are all about the snow, next will be the kids on iceskates. Grant loves it already and wants to go back but first, here are some pretty pictures after the blizzard we had..

Snow Fun

The kids playing in the snow fort that Trey built for them in our backyard. It got warm enough that it was perfect weather to build stuff. Next time I'm hoping for a snowman in the front yard.

Blowing Snow!

Okay these are out the front door...
Doesn't it look like fun?

Cold and Snowy Day!

Well, it was a nice day but due to the snow and wind it no longer is very nice. The dog doesn't want to go outside and the kids are stuck inside downstairs. Good thing for Scooby-Doo movies and Cars otherwise we would all be a little crazy inside all day..
Oh well, other than the blowing the snow around it really wouldn't be that bad. Unfortunately that means Trey won't be home from work anytime soon! We were looking forward having him home for the crappy weather to play and go paint ceramics. We will still go tomorrow but that is okay, we will survive like we did all of October.
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

Oh these are out the back door...