The first few days of the new year

Devon and Danielle built a Duplo tower together. Gathering to sing Danielle listening on the end of the grand Growing group of musicians, singing "Some Trust in Chariots" (newly translated into German) An evening walk to enjoy all this snow Danika and a neighbor's wood pile Being pulled is lots of fun. Dalene and Danae Memory-time for Danielle and Dalene Max clearing off the car The kids on the snow hill created by clearing the street and driveway Bradley clearing the front of the car Devon getting ready to put his snowboard to good use Derek ready to go: Bradley pulled both boys with a rope behind the van in a relatively empty settlement on the edge of our village. They had a great time! They only got video footage though, so no pictures of their super outing! Danielle and big brother Derek after he got home from boarding

New Year's Eve Party

Getting last goodies ready in the afternoon (for instance these white chocolate covered pretzels) A special New Year's Eve supper: Raclette! Stephen brought "Guesstures" for all of us to enjoy! Waiting for the game to start Special Friends--Annette got to visit for almost 5 days this time! Danielle and Uncle Stephen were on the same team. "Piano" was her term. Enjoying the "performances" Danae's turn The guessing team The reporter: Danika Distracted by "I SPY" and "Curious George" Big sister-little sister: so great to be together! Big brother Devon reading to Hannah K. and Danielle Stephen's turn for pantomiming! After the game we sang favorites, and Bradley brought a devotional before we went outside to enjoy the fireworks. Bundled up for the fireworks Beautiful fountain Dalene and Annette Annette, Devon, Donia and Danielle Stephen brought some beautiful fireworks. A sparkling couple

New Year's Eve Morning

We woke up to a beautiful thick blanket of snow. Dalene, the four youngest D's and I headed out into the beautiful countryside with our sleds. Our photographer for a group picture Dusti Nika Dono Dani Getting underway--the path that runs by our home The ice from the previous night under the snow Running to get up close to the deer. We saw about 25 of them jumping across the wide open fields to the next cluster of trees. Dustin and Danielle walking back Down one hill (and in the background the next and last hill we climbed) The stream that we visit often during the summer. They have landscaped it since we were last there in August. Danika and DanielleDonovan and Dustin The last big hill we tried These snowballs are great! Snow ball fight on the way home Better than nothing That was a short ride Testing a little drop off from the field to the path :) Snow Angel :) Dalene pulling Donovan and Danielle home The train at the playground Some beautiful snow-covered trees right by the path that runs along the northside of our property. Dustin and Danika Rosy cheeks from the cold: Dustin (and Danielle--above)