Rocky Mountain High

A brief version of last two weeks: Drove to Lincoln. Stayed in our home-away-from-home for one night-- The Cornhusker Marriott with its fabulous room service and double suite. Drove to Denver in SNOW. Stopped at Harrow Factory Warehouse to get hockey sticks (we've broken 3 in 3 weeks). Yea, so they gave us free t-shirts.  Played in the Super Series AAA hockey -- won three and lost three. How can they call off three goals in one weekend? Spent time with Gr. Elizabeth. Stuffed ourselves on the fried chicken dinners at White Fence Farms.

Drove to Breckenridge. Had the place to ourselves.

Boys went snowboarding from dawn til dusk. Watched Mountain "Dew Tour "warm-ups and jumps! Cooked supper in our room. Movie Night + Pie Social. Wii room. Captain and I enjoyed the book shop and French pastries. Watched TV. Read "Unbearable Lightness of Scones." Wrote Christmas letter on iPad. Toured the Denver Mint (without our pocket knives). Drove home through Salina and looked at our "old house" once more.

Chocolate Advent Calendars

I bought them early! Now, I cannot find them! It's so frustrating because they are hard to purchase in our little city--and I have looked around at all the usual hiding places in my home. I had bought one for each son, plus my godsons, plus Aunt Lois in the nursing home. Sometimes I am too organized for my own good.

Lost by One Point

Hockey games were at the "home rink" in Independence this weekend, and several friends came to watch the twins and their Russell Stover '98 AAA team. We had lunch with the Verbicks between games, we spent time at Bass Pro Shop with Ben and Jamison, sat by the Richs family, and got caught up with Mrs. Kim, Winger's godmother. Unfortunately, we lost all three games by one point.

Homilist was a Boy Scout, Too

The priest today centered his homily around the positive attributes of Boy Scouts and their motto of "Be Prepared." I thought it was very fititng for Advent, while we are renewing our focus on the big-picture of eternal life. It's also fitting because our family has been thinking deeply about the Boy Scout's way of life. It is a fine program of leadership development--mixed with fun. Scouts also measures off a young boy's advancement to manhood with its seven ranks. In our modern culture, this is a rare focus--the fine qualities which ensure strong families and a strong nation for our posterity. How fortunate that our sons are working through these rites of passage into responsible adult life.

Dorito's K-State Tweet

Dorito was excited and sent this message out on Twitter:  "That's my Wildcats 30-23 win over Iowa State 10-2 BABY! #KSU"

Eye Doctor Sees Us Right Away

Winger went for his annual eye check-up at the Plaza. Dr. Cibis is an old, German physician--very smart, organized, and efficient with all the lenses and measuring machines.  He was in a better mood than most visits. Note to self: make a December appointment again next year when everyone else is out shopping and we can get right in.  Report--Winger is the same as two years ago: a little exotropia with his left eye, but 20/20 vision and no color-blindness. He can be a pilot if he wants to!

Downtown Noon Concert

Dr. Jerry Anderson played "Sounds of the Season" on organ and piano this noon. How pleasanat that my boys are old enough to pack their own lunch so we can take field trips like this more easily?!