2010 - A new year

We decided to slow life down for the new year so we headed up to Rock Creek for the night. We drove a little over an hour north to get there. Maria, Patrick, Danny and Gordon followed behind us. It was just getting dark as we drove down the lane,we parked and the boys took off for the woods. Rick and Pat started a blaze in the fire pit and Maria and I went for a short hike. We spent most of the evening out by the fire. It was cloudy so we could not see the moon, but it was not too cold because we were surrounded by trees. We came in to eat and play some games. We watched the ball drop in New York, then the adults took a walk down the lane, just to see what this new year was looking like. As we started walking the moon came out from behind a cloud- I don't know if it was a good omen but it sure was beautiful. The next morning we got up and went out for more exploring. In the daylight Rock Creek looked even more beautiful. We sure feel lucky to have such a great place to go to. It was a fitting start to the new year.

The tree, part one

Last Sunday we drove up to Noblesville to cut down our tree at Stony Creek Farm. We have been going there for years to get our tree. It is always the same. Santa gives us a hay ride out to the trees. Once at the trees Loren gives us our saw and measuring stick. We chat with him about mountain biking then we are off to pick out our tree. This year we came with a mission. We were going to buy the tree least likely to sell. We were inspired by the trees on the Grinch and by Charlie Brown.

We considered this tree, we remembered it from last year. It was in the running.

Then we found this tree. Owen and I are assessing the tree for perfect imperfections.

After a unanimous vote we cut it down.

The proud lumber jacks carry it to the tractor, were Santa will drive us back to the farm house.
Our tree makes us very happy.

The tree, part two

We got the tree home and put into the stand as quickly as we could. Then we went about turning it into a tree to behold. George carefully chooses the perfect spot for the ornament.

Rick is putting Calbert in his spot of honor, at the top of the tree.

Behold! What a glorious tree.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Around the little red house, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The paper whites have bloomed, the tree is up and there is snow on the ground. Today is the first day of break, no school and snow, what a way to start the holidays! Ornaments for the tree

Holidays mean cookies

Our family heirloom, The Star of Calbert.

Mmmm...It is always the season for pineapple upside down cake.

As it says in the Grinch '..and he puzzled three hours till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't thought of before! "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from the store. Maybe Christmas...... perhaps..... means a little bit more!"

Enjoy this wonderful time of the year.

Sidener Redbirds

This winter the Sidener Redbirds have their first basketball team. Actually they have two teams, Sidener white and Sidener red. Both of the teams are coached by Rick. It is a great bunch of kids (co-ed) and we have been having a blast watching them play. In addition to Sidener, George and Owen are also playing on CYO teams. So we have been getting our fill of games and practice. George, Claude, Owen and Judah watch another team play.

Rick is giving a moving post game talk.