A Snow Day :D

For some reason I didn't sleep well last night.  (Was it a full moon?  Ask me how I know... eyes roll.)  Anyway, I woke up later than usual - about fifteen minutes before Wyatt leaves for the bus - oops!  Looked out the window, and...  SNOW!  And there was much rejoicing.  Especially since our school superintendent is, shall we say, a little bit twitchy about snow and canceled school!  Honestly, we have less than an inch and the roads around our house (very lightly traveled) are FINE.  But who cares - Wyatt is glad to be home.  Tate and Gunnar are already done with their school work, so hello Christmas Break!

Meanwhile, I have a bit of catching up to do!

Last Saturday we hosted the annual Great Scott Christmas Festivus.  My dad's side of the family (Scotts) all get together mid-December, and we take turns hosting.  It's a big pot-luck so no one has to do a ton of cooking, we don't do gifts, and everybody gets along.

I love it.  Lots of visiting, no pressure, and plenty of food :D

Gunnar was delighted to see his favorite cousin arrive, and she was just as taken with him.  When we was out of the room, Naomi would head for his picture.  Gun-ga!

My cousin's wife, and my aunt, who looks a lot like my grandma did :D

Grandma and Naomi... looking a little tired.  She's down to one nap a day, and they give it to her in the morning to accommodate her daycare schedule, so afternoons can be looooong for her.  But as dazed as she was, she behaved well, especially with all the tempting no-touch items scattered around!  There were plenty of us to distract her :D

My cousin's son is in the army, but stationed not too far away and able to join us for the day.  Who knows what my uncles were talking about, but the one on the left (my dad's brother) is in the black and white photo behind him.  That's my dad, Santa, and him!

And the group of us.  Well, most of us.  One of my aunts arrived later, and Kerry took the picture.  And quite a few couldn't make it this year - the family spreads out as we all get older.  But nice crowd, yah?  Fun day :D

Earlier this week the boys had a CAP Holiday Social and Awards Ceremony.  Before I get to the pictures I have to explain... they meet in the local National Guard building, which is largely made of cinder blocks, painted some institutional color (gray?) and has flourescent lighting.  For some reason, that wonderful combination causes most of the pictures to turn out... GREEN!  Trying to photo-shop the coloring to something approximating "normal" causes other strange effects, so... well... just go with it, okay?  Moving right along...

I'm so proud of all of our boys!  Gunnar hasn't been in long enough to receive any awards, but he's earned a promotion already and is on the right track.

Tate was recognized as having the Element of the Quarter.  (The Squadron is divided into Flights, which are divided into Elements, which have an Element leader and three or four cadets under that leader.)  Tate's element had the most points, which speaks well of both his leadership and his cadets' diligence.  They get points for all kinds of things - attendance, proper uniform, passing tests, earning promotions, etc.  Well done, Tate!

Wyatt was recognized twice - once for the scholarship he received for Desert Eagle (flight school) last summer (and his solo!), and then for his commitment to Search and Rescue Ground Team.  A visiting colonel (Rowe?) from our Wing came to present awards.  Well done, Wyatt!

It means a lot to us that Grandpa and Grandma Grasshopper are always on hand to support and cheer for the boys :D  

Don't they all look sharp?!

All the same, I'm glad I took these at home, in better lighting :D  The cadets were given the option of coming in semi-formal attire or wearing their Air Force Dress Blues.  Most chose their own clothes, but as Wyatt was part of a leadership hand-over ceremony he chose (wisely) to go in uniform.

Well.  Did I mention how proud I am of these guys?  Just a time or two?!  They looked and behaved as gentlemen all evening :D

And now that I've shared all that, I'm going to sit where I can see out the window (snow!)...

... turn on the Christmas music (It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...) sip my peppermint tea...

... and try to prepare the rest of our Christmas cards.  A little late?  Maybe.

And I have a bit of planning to do.  We decided, at the last minute, to host a little neighborhood Christmas party.  But it will probably be small, you know, because who can come the night before Christmas Eve?  Apparently about thirty of my neighbors.

Wish me luck!