Sleigh Ride

This video is of a sleigh ride we took in Durango, Colorado with our friends the Veales

Christmas in the Rockies

If you ever have the chance to drive through the Rockies around Christmas, throw in Josh Groban's new Christmas cd. It was a majestic drive as is, but put on Groban and you'll get the full impact of tall, thin pine trees, gigantic mountains covered with snow, little red foxes trotting across the street, elk on the side of the road, and inches of snow.

Brenton and I took on an extra trip when the Veales invited us to visit them during their time in Colorado. After a day and a half in Branson, MO, we packed up and headed to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. We were definitely tired, but we enjoyed our two days of "Christmas in the Rockies" with a sleigh ride and skiing. Brenton and I agreed we entered and left with the Christmas spirit. Let it snow...

The rest of our Christmas adventures are up and coming.

Happy Birthday Caroline!

This is a little tribute to my (Kelly) good friend since college, Caroline Hay. Though her birthday was a little while back, we traveled with her and Kevin to Branson, MO last weekend. It honestly felt like it was my birthday having a chance to get away to such a fun town. Thanks for taking us guys.

Carol and Kev, just know we had the best time with you and we treasure your friendship! Happy Birthday Carol.

Ice Storm '07

Bartlesville experienced the joy of another ice storm this winter. Unlike many others in OK and KS, our campus was blessed to not lose power. The lights flickered on and off a few times, but nothing more. While we did not lose power, we were left with a sparkling coat of ice on campus for a couple of days. The blanket of ice that covered the cement, cars, plants, bikes and buildings was a good 1/2 - 1 in. thick. The ice has mostly melted and as I write I hear chunks of it sliding from the tiles on the Colaw Hall. (A problem which left a huge project and required a good amount of money to fix in '06. I'm assuming that's why terracotta tiles were not meant for OK.)

Amazingly, the leaves themselves were almost an inch high with layers of ice, a phenomenon I never thought possible. Here's a little scene to help you envision the trees, Brenton and I recently went to drive through a small Christmas light show in town. There was a multi-colored light scene consisting of a gingerbread house and pine trees on either side, bending inward to frame the cozy little home. We thought it ironic that the trees around town were also bending over, thought not in efforts to frame a cute little gingerbread house.

The pictures below are of a gorgeous development in town. This home, in particular, has been for sale up to a year now. Brenton and I love dreaming of living in the perfect home with a huge wooden door greeting us on our arrival home. We'll just keep dreaming since we don't plan on ever having a million dollars to spend!

Safe travels over the holiday! Merry Christmas and we'll fill you in after the New Year on all of our travels. You'll be lucky if you see a post before then. ;)

Christmas Parties and Gingerbread

After days of baking, I have come to the end of making Christmas treats. The students all headed out this past week and our Christmas parties are officially over. Normally, this would make me more than disappointed, but I am burnt out of baking this year.

I must say that gingerbread cookies have become one of my favorite holiday cookies. Why, I couldn't tell you since I didn't eat much gingerbread growing up. All I know is that this has been a must for me the past two years. On top of this, we made sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, peppermint almond bark, fudge, rice crispies, heath bars, chocolate cover pretzels, peanut-butter balls and oreo balls for a Christmas Open House (finals break for the students). The bud and I are getting ready for some good vacation time and travel next weekend. Our break is almost here!

A Must See...

So, Brenton and I stopped by a pet store tonight in Tulsa. They didn't have any kittens or dogs, which encompasses the reasons we'd stop to look. Poor Brenton, I made him stop by the rodent isle to make our time worth while; which I'd say was well accomplished!

A few minutes later, we were enthralled by the Robo Dwarf Hamsters. I know this sounds stranges, but all I can say is take the time to stop by the pet store soon. Look for Robo Dwarf Hamsters and give them a little time to entertain you. You'll quickly find that their name suits them well. These little guys move faster than I could have ever thought possible. They pace, run, jump, knock each other over, fight, and move like little speedsters. The pictures above are very fitting of this small creature. Hope you enjoy your next visit to the pet store!