Happy New Year

We got the boys out yesterday with a touch football game with some of the old flag football team players and their coach. We are starting the training for next season early and they were really muddy to show for it. The McCarrick's early new year party was fun but all the running away from girls in that that rather large home wore the boys out by 8pm. The party only went till 9pm but Nicole and I had fun before coming home and watching Easy A, then the ball drop in Times Square. I have another day off tomorrow but the boys go back to school and Nicole to work. Not sure what I'm going to do but it will probably not be real strenuous.

I posted a bunch of my pictures from Christmas in Minnesota on flickr. It's warm in Virginia right now and I kind of miss the snow. We still have some winter left and may see a few flakes before spring. On to some football for the rest of the day. The Vikings are done but the playoffs are always fun to watch regardless.

Kids Table

Kids Table
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are back home now and waiting for 2011 sitting by the fire. Dylan and Sam got all worn out running from girls and wanted to leave. Happy New Year everyone.

New Years Foos

New Years Foos
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys with Dylan's girlfriend Mia.

Hats and Jerseys

Hats and Jerseys
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are on flight number two for the day and the boys are all relaxed on their new timberwolves and Viking hats and jerseys.

Ridin Home

Ridin Home
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

On the plane back to dc and hoping the connection works out in Chicago. Based on the gift the Vikings gave the Bears yesterday by beating the Eagles, I'd say they owe us one. We had a great trip but it's time to get back.

Tubing Fun

IMG_5019
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Got out and got some tubing in today with Rachel, FInn, Mae, Nicole and the boys. It was chilly but we all warmed up after a few runs. Plenty of snow out there to keep us busy with winter sports. Not sure what we are doing tomorrow but I'm sure it will involve snow. You never know if we will get enough back in DC to have any fun there.

Puss in Boots

Puss in Boots
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Saw a nice little children's play at the Old Log Theater this afternoon and now we are settling in to watch some football and let the cousins play together outside. We finally got some sun today which made the snow filled trees look very beautiful.

Snow Cave

IMG_5004
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We dug a series of snow caves and forts in the 6 foot drifts in the front yard today. That may be all the outdoor time we get today but it is a winter wonderland out there.

Waiting for Santa

Waiting for Santa
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The kids in their new pajamas getting ready for a long winters nap.

Winter Sky

Winter Sky
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's a snowy and cold Christmas Eve here in Minnesota and the kid present frenzy is about to begin. The dead of winter always seems so bright around the holidays.

Sledding Madness

Sledding Madness
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The snow is deep on the sledding hill this year. Like to my waist deep in some spots. We spent a couple hours shooting down the hill and sipping bailys and hot chocolate before getting ready for Christmas eve dinner and the child present opening extravaganza.

Minnie Bound

Minnie Bound
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Early flight to ORD then a fairly tight connection to MSP. The boys are pumped about all the snow.

2 and 0

2 and 0
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The baby Blue Devils won their second game of the season 21 to 10. Sam had another 10 points, Dylan had 4 and both played great defense. Sophia came away with 7 points and some awesome assists. They have a good little team.

A Christmas Miracle

A Christmas Miracle
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I did some errands after my vein treatments today and got some replacement LED icicle lights for a string that was having issues on the back porch. When i got home after picking up the boys, the strand in question was working again. I looked at it with the boys and told them that it wasn't working all week and how I bought a new strand today. Dylan looked at me with a dead serious face and said, "it's a Christmas miracle". Then grinned and we all laughed. Funny kids.

December Snow

December Snow
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's just a couple inches but it whitened up the place quite nicely. I do like trees with lights and snow. It's a good look. In off tomorrow for one more session of needles in my legs. I may have to take the boys with me since school has been delayed two hours. They should enjoy that.

First Snow

First Snow
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are getting our first couple of inches of snow today and people have already forgot how to drive. As always, stay away from cars with diplomatic plates. They tend to be really bad snow drivers.

The Yellow Team

The Yellow Team
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

This was last weekends starting lineup and are working together tonight against the other five. Dylan and Sam provide some great power under the basket but Sophia may be the best all around player on the team of 8 boys and 2 girls.

Modeans

Modeans
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The annual Christmas party at Steve and Patty's house in Catonsville. A bunch of people I haven't seen in a while and a good time all in all. The boys had a great basketball game yesterday as well. Sam has 10 points and Dylan had 2 in a 14-12 nail biter. They both played some ferocious defense and had to have 10 steal a piece. We are getting the rain that was snow in Minnesota today so after few errands it will be home in front of the fire for the rest of the day.

Flying By

Flying By
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

This was a busy week that kind of flew by like this little spaceship ornament on our tree. I had more needles put in my leg today and I'm still trying to shake thus cold but I'm glad it's the weekend. Minnesota is getting a couple feet of snow this weekend. With the foot they already have we should be good for some serious sledding un a couple weeks. I like snow but I'm glad I dont have to shovel this round of the white stuff.

Big Lights

Big Lights
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I would be the neighborhood champ if I had these lights up on the house. Had an easy trip back from New York today with the trains running on time. Sam and I are still a little sick and I'm not sure he will be going to school tomorrow and I'm a little on the iffy side as well.