Christmas 2009 - Part 4

You've been stuck in the house for a couple of days.

You're getting beat by a 4 and 7 year old at Mario Kart.

What else is there to do?

Head outside of course. I had to check out the drift in back.

It was taller than me. Crazy.

While checking out the drift, I noticed that the railings were nice and slick. I headed up the stairs...

so I could slide down. It worked quite well.

And while I was playing? Michael was still plowing.

I think he deserved a rest.

So did we.

It was about this time that Dave ventured over to check out the drift. It was also about this time he noticed something in the snow. That's the heel to my boot in my hand. Let's just say, I'm getting new snow boots.

Michael discovered that our steps make the perfect diving board.

Then Dave remembered his knee board.

Maybe we'll invest in a proper sled.

I think it's safe to say we enjoyed being snowed in at our new house! We certainly won't be forgetting our first winter here any time soon.

Christmas 2009 - Part 3

So, what does one do when you are snowed in? Well, first you admire the snow drifts (and trust me, there were lots to admire!).

Then you try to dig out...

Or, in Dave's case, you send your brother-in-law out to dig out and you hang out in the warm house with the family.

But then you join your brother-in-law outside. After all, it is your driveway.

Don't forget to take lots of breaks. Those snow angels aren't going to create themselves.

And if you aren't planning on heading outside? You play Mario Kart and lots of it. I think Dave's nieces played the Wii for days! We joined them of course but when a 7 and 4 year old start beating you, you tend to give up.

New Years Eve

Party starts around 6:30 p.m. All are invited. Email us if you need directions.


Photo Credit: Matt Knobbe

Christmas 2009 - Part 2

Friday arrived. So did lots of snow.

Dave's family arrived. His folks drove up Thursday and stayed in Waverly with his brother. His other brother drove up Friday morning.

Dave's folks brought us our snowblower! Yeah!!! It's only been in Grand Island for the last year.

The plan was for them to arrive with the snowblower; we'd plow them a path and everything would be hunky-dory.


It was snowing too much to even bother with plowing the whole drive. Andy tried to drive through but that didn't work too well.

The guys carried the kids in...

The men and women transported gifts and food...

Everyone made it in. We ate lots; opened lots of gifts and enjoyed the company.

It was a quick Christmas as the snow was not letting up.

Those staying in Waverly dug their way back to their vehicles and took off.

Those not traveling to Waverly remained at our house (where they still remain).

Christmas 2009, Part 3 to come....

Christmas 2009 - Part 1

Dave and I were to host Christmas this year. Dave's family was going to come over on Friday and then my mom's family was going to come over on Saturday.

It was going to be magical.

Then the snow began. Sigh...

My Mom got someone to cover her Thursday shift (Thanks Connie!). Her and Dad traveled up early Thursday morning. They made it safely and we spent all day baking and getting the house ready for the weekend.

We spent the snow filled evening having Mario Kart, bowling, and golf tournaments on the Wii. Great fun. Then we tried baseball. Second pitch thrown and all power gone! Who knew I could throw that fast?

Anyway, it's now 9:30 p.m. and Michael has just arrived to a house without power. This means no heat, no lights, nothing. We went to bed in to a cold house, hoping to have power in the morning. Luckily, power was restored a few hours later and none of us froze!

Michael had arrived pretty late and no one wanted to scoop the drive for him. He had to park his car on the road. Lucky for him, we take in all stranded motorists.

The next morning he had to head out to his car to get his cell phone from the car.

We all enjoyed watching him from the warm house.

Friday to come....

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the Pool's!

P.S. Mark your calendars. We'll be celebrating the new year at our new house. Everyone's invited! Details to follow soon.

Working on the Kitchen

Dave and I had a very productive afternoon yesterday. We installed all of the knobs in the kitchen. One never realizes how nice handles are until you have them.

R.I.P. Rolo

Rolo passed away today. He was 13 years old. His health had declined a lot in the last year and we all knew this day was in the near future. Knowing it was soon sure doesn't make it any easier though.

It sure will be different at mom and dad's house.

What a Snowstorm!

In case you hadn't noticed (or heard), we had quite the snowstorm the last 2 days. As in a, school is cancelled, stay home from work, snowstorm.

Knowing the storm was coming, Dave and I were fully prepared to scoop lots of snow this morning. Wait, you say, don't you have a snowblower? Well, yes, we do. But it's in Grand Island! (Don't ask. My brother and I will be having a nice conversation.) We trekked out of bed, put on lots and lots of clothes and headed outside to find this...


Yep, basically no snow on our drive. Nice. We were pretty excited. At least we were until we saw the driveway. That's when we cried. Ok, no tears were shed but lots of curse words were said.

Our driveway was piled high and wide with snow. Every ounce of snow that should have been on our paved drive was piled in the driveway blocking all access to the road. We had to scoop a 6 foot wide, 20 feet long, 2 to 3 foot deep path through the snow. Did I mention there were wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour (or so says the weatherman)?


We finished scooping just in time to find out Dave's bank was closed and he did not have to go to work (I was already planning on working from home).

Oh well. It was fun and we know what to expect for the rest of the winter.

Here we are all bundled up...

Here's the nice drift by the back porch.


Front yard...
Back yard...

Our lawns looked like they were covered in moguls. It was a beautiful sight though! A sight we enjoyed viewing from inside our warm, warm house.

Things Learned Today

You can never have too many Christmas decorations.





We may have more decorations to put up.


New knives are incredibly sharp (Dave learned this the hard way).


Gravy boats work great for melting butter and then pouring it onto the dough you have rolled out.


Caramel apple sticky buns are delicious! We will definitely be making these for Christmas dinner! http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/08/caramel-apple-sticky-buns/


The best meal for a snowy day is a big hearty bowl of stew (followed by a caramel apply sticky bun or two).


It was a good day today. Well, except for the whole knife lesson. But, overall, a good day.