2023, January 2-8

The kids and Hallie returned to school this week, and we put up with more winter chill. Fortunately, the weekend turned out relatively nice. We dined out at several local restaurants this week, a bit of a splurge. 

Fergus doesn't like to be cold. He gravitates to anyone whose lap becomes available. 

We got quite a bit of snow on Monday, the last day of vacation. It's pretty through the window. 

Driving through the almost-tree tunnel we have on the way home is kind of fun with the branches laden with the white stuff. Unfortunately, several of these trees ended up with broken branches due to the heavy wet snow.  

After helping Gma and Gpa M. dig out of the snow at their house (Mike got to operate the gas powered snow blower!), we tried breakfast burritos at the Jurassic Street Tacos grand opening in Springville. Yummy! Turns out we were their very first drive-through customers. Instead of diced potatoes they put French fries in the burritos, a novel take on the potato-in-burrito idea.

We found Fergus looking out the window, longing to be outside and (we think) frustrated at the snow. 

Isn't he adorable?

Mike took another couple of pictures after shoveling. The snow kept coming down steadily all day, so he ended up shoveling the walk a few times. As we got a significant amount of overnight snow, a guy with a snowplow even came by to clear roads, alleys, and some sidewalks. Unfortunately, he kind of tore up part of our lawn and left a big ice pile that Hallie and Eliza ended up having to dig through.  

We've had a little issue with the air vent coming off the dryer. The humid air made the upstairs feel a bit sultry. 

Mike got it all taken care of with supplies Hallie grabbed over at the hardware store. The repair seems to have worked, and we're back to dry clothes and air. The boys were happy with the sushi Hallie brought home for dinner while out getting the repair items (thanks, Sam's Club).

Eliza wanted us to take a picture of her cuddling with the cat. She does love him so. 

Eliza is a huge fan of UNO, and she ended up spending some of her own at Smith's to grab a 1990s-themed version. As adults who lived in the '90s, Mom and Dad are kind of at a loss as to how the cards represent that decade. We have played with her several times and have had a lot of fun. 

Mike is looking into possibly selling framed versions of the snowflakes he has cut out. Anyone interested in supporting a newborn small business by offering feedback on what might sell? 

These are 12 x 12 frames, some matted down for 8-inch images. 

Additionally, he's looked into using smaller flakes in smaller frames. 

This week we were given the good news of Eliza being accepted at Bridle Up Hope. To celebrate, Eliza and Hallie got some boba tea from Boba Bee in Provo. The girls said it was really yummy but a little pricey, so it is definitely a celebratory type drink. We're excited for Eliza to have this opportunity! This means she will stop going to Guide 'N' Gallop at the end of the month. We're grateful for the chance she has had to learn with Afton and the horses there. 

For pizza and a movie night, we tried a new local New York style restaurant. Nice to be able to support another local business. We are not sure we will be ordering from them again, but it was worth a try. 

Eliza drew ink "tattoos" on Hallie's arm and foot. Overnight, the cow left another imprint on Hallie's arm. Perhaps this is why real tattoos go a bit deeper, eh, Eliza?

Mike took Landon to get a membership to the local rec center on Saturday morning, and and the boy spent a big chunk of the day there. Mike opted to go riding in the afternoon, where he captured the picture below of Buckley Mountain and its reflection in a flooded sheep pasture. Meanwhile, Hallie and Eliza went to the grand opening of Big Bratt Boutique, which sells cowgirl apparel.  

The girls had a bit of a day out on Sunday and stopped for an early dinner at another local restaurant in Orem called C.R.E.A.M. and Sugar Coffee. Eliza took down this entire BLT. Everything had great flavor, but Hallie (as usual) couldn't finish her whole meal. They had great service! 

Hallie enjoyed this panini and soup combo. 

We had another great meal of breakfast burritos bought Saturday from a small new to the area coffee company called Pueblo Coffee on Main Street. The burritos were very big, and Hallie really enjoyed her chorizo burrito. The gentleman at the drive thru was super nice and gave Eliza free hot chocolate which she thoroughly enjoyed. We love trying new and local eateries.