A 'Cold' Day!

In Minnesota they cancel school not only because of snow but because of the cold. It's not just cold either, it's the Artic Chill/Blast from Canada and the Artic Circle. Weather channels describe it as bitter cold. As you can see, the light purple around Minnesota is showing very LOW negative temperatures. However, it actually feels like -49 if you add on the wind chill. Earlier this week we had a huge snow storm (6 inches) starting around 10AM and going all day. All surrounding districts closed but not Rochester. It was around -20s+ yesterday and still we had school, so I wasn't holding my breath for a day off today. But as I watched TV last night, I noticed there were already school closures on the bottom of the screen and then 'ROCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS, CLOSED' flashed. I thought I was going mad. Ironically, a colleague called right then to confirm it and make sure I had seen the message. So I'm happy to be warm in my cozy little home. Poor Kurtis had to brave the cold. Thank goodness for a working furnace and good insulation! Oh, and we're happy to have visitors anytime. Just tell us when you want to come and we'll make a nice igloo for you. :)

18 weeks! It's a...

Right when we got back to Minnesota I had my 18 week ultra-sound. The baby was not so cooperative with the camera but we got some good pictures still. Sorry they're a little blurry, they're the best I/she could do. Yes, that's right, the technition said he thinks it's an 85% chance of a GIRL! I still think it's a boy so we're not painting the room pink just yet. We're just soooo happy and grateful that everything looks OK and she/he's healthy. How amazing is technology that we could see her and watch her squirm around! So here's a profile/back photo, a foot, and me at 18/19 weeks. I've actually had that little 'bump' since I was a teenager, it's just getting a little bigger. You can't really tell I'm showing until after I eat something. Then it sticks out more. :) That'll change soon I'm sure.

Christmas in Florida

This Christmas we went to visit Kurtis' family in Southern Florida (notice the palm tree!!) and oh how wonderful it was to be warm! We lasted through the first week home and I finally got some pictures updated. It was great to see everyone, especially our little niece, Lucia. Here are some highlights of what we did...
Went hiking in the Everglades and saw some gaters

Went to the beach, buried family in the sand, escaped the evil eye of the lifeguards and played football in the ocean. Yes, even I played! I think pregnancy made me an excellent football player. :)

Went to Orlando with Chauncey and Paola, entertained ourselves at Downtown Disney and got to see Grandma Tucker



We danced the night away at a wedding reception, ate waaaaay too many sweets and played around with Lucia. We also goofed off (the Tucker thing to do) especially with the pool. Here's Kurtis at his best...

We loved being with family and relaxing in the sun. We're so grateful we could go and see everyone and still laugh over the crazy memories we made. It was a very Merry Christmas!

I miss the cordial cherries

My dad always bought us kids a box of cordial cherries for Christmas. They were really yummy, until about the 3rd one.. and then they got too sweet. But it was dad's gift and we all loved and expected it. This year, I guess I got a step up from the cherries when I unwrapped these...

Thanks dad, I guess these will take care of all those years of extra sweet cordial cherries decaying my teeth. Merry Christmas!

My icicle is bigger than your icicle

I just wanted to share a little of Minnesota with you... interestingly enough, icicles on houses are a bad sign. That means there is heat leaking from your roof. Our house doesn't have any luckily!

We've gotten a lot of snow so far this year too. This is the latest snowstorm and what Kurtis had to shovel. Notice how deep it is on his boots. There was so much snow in the air, this is the best I could do for a picture!
Our house has been great in all this cold weather and we're greatful! But a comment you could only say in Minnesota.. "I hate it when it's negative!" -Kurtis, temperature outside: -30 with wind chill. :) Good thing we're going to Florida tonight!!!