Look Who's 80

I can't think of a better reason to celebrate!  Peg has been asking Art for almost a year about how he would like to celebrate living on this planet for eight decades.  He kept putting her off, but when push came to shove, he agreed to have a party.  And what a party it was!  He was surrounded by 35 of his favorite people at a lovely restaurant near his home.  We were so happy to be a part of it!  I've never seen him so gregarious and happy!

As is always the case when we visit Nana and Grandpa, we all get spoiled.  The kids got hand made sweaters and outfits, John and I got to sleep in until 8am, John and I got to go on a date, and the kids got new crayons, pads, and coloring books.

And the kids were great little travelers.  It might have something to do with the new headphones and use of the iPad.  We are weak!

Old Man Winter

This year, the Cleary's didn't make a mastodon to burn to celebrate the Winter Solstice, they built "Old Man Winter".  It turns out, the old man didn't want to burn on the solstice because he brought forth a mighty ice storm and it didn't make sense to gather.  After the holidays, he delivered a "arctic front" that hung around for a while.  When the thermometers finally got into the positive double digets, the party was on!  And what a party it was!

There were at least 200 people in attendance and I had no idea what an amazing show we would experience.  The crowd was an eclectic collection of community members and fire fanatics.

First there was a "fire handlers".  It started out with low key dancers and culminated with truly amazing acts such as these:

Finally, Old man was ready to burn.  There were fireworks coming out of his crotch and eyes and it really was a spectacle.

We weren't sure how Hazey would do with this, as he hated fireworks this summer.

I feel so fortunate to be a part of such an artistic and creative community.  It really was a spectacular event.

Because the kids "fairy godparents" were traveling during the holidays, we decided to have delayed Christmas with them in early January.  Cara and Tom brought there new "mini pie maker" over to spoil us to tasty, cute berry pies.  And Scott and Cynthia delivered Hazen's new wagon and an amazing Animal Kingdom book for Cal.

With the temps finally "warming" we did make it to the slopes.  As you can see, Hazen's independence is apparent both on and off the slopes!  He's getting there.

And Cally had some major "breakthroughs" with her turns.  I think she's ready for poles!