The White House

We've been trying to keep it alive over here with the weather and wait for Spring. That dang ground hog needs to move house so he can find his shadow and get us an early spring!

We decided to go to Cabela's one Saturday since it was a halfway meeting point for family, we had never been there before, and the real seller - it was free to go look around. That place is pretty amazing with all the different departments and things to look at. Ross loved looking at the fish most of all.

Ross is explaining who they animals are down there to Steve.

"And we don't touch them" - this is Ross's "I'm serious" face :)

Ruby got a bit bored in the cart...

Planning a camping trip with Grandpa

Planes are AWESOME! - especially ones with antlers

THIS is what you need for camping!

We headed in to the aquarium right when they had a feeding time. The fish were all thrashing like crazy for their fish food...and then the terrible slap of reality presented itself in the circle of life as they dumped live goldfish into the tank. All the giant fish went nuts, and I have never seen a poor little goldfish swim so madly for its life. They were gobbled up in seconds. Steve loved it, Ross was amazed, and I was half horrified at how quickly the goldfish went! It was quite the finale for our visit. Ross wanted to stay and watch those fish forever. We took a gander around some more at the mounted animals, and the gun department for Steve's sake. He got real excited about getting a gun someday (which I only OKed when we first get a gun safe...a really nice, extremely expensive (so it will take a long time till we can justify buying one) safe. He got in the mood for hunting for sure.

Ross can't tear his eyes away from the fish.

Squabbling for food

Those poor goldfish!

Ross saw a "really BIG one!" on the other side. :)

We also had my cute cousin Ashley come visit with her daughter Ellie for dinner. Ross and Ruby loved playing with little Ellie Bean. She was so petite - Ruby looked like a giant next to her, but they had a ton of fun playing. They were too fast and uninterested in me to stop for a picture, so this is all we got...

Faster than a speeding train!

The camera flash got their attention for about 1/2 a second.

Cutie cousins :)

One evening, while our upstairs neighbors were gone, we decided to go out and shovel the walk as a family. I found some great snow pants for Ruby at Saver's...love thrifting (even if it isn't as amazing thrifting as Oregon was). She looked like an adorable giant marshmallow and was hilarious to watch try to walk around all bundled up. She mostly waddled around the driveway watching everybody and Ross shoveled snow in and out of his bucket. That kid still refused to put on gloves...or blankets when he sleeps for that matter. It's like he would rather be freezing than be partially restricted in any way. Love that boy.

This girl is READY!

Getting ready to play in the snow

Throwing snow in Daddy's face...

Cuties :)

They are SO over pictures :)

A Cute Boy on a Mission

Ross helping :)

Ruby waddling away :)

As we are getting more and more excited for the Olympics coming up this week, we decided we had to have a Pre-Olympic party. Everyone was assigned to bring a food from a different country, we played a couple Olympic Minute to Win It games, and watched the all time best Olympic movie ever - Cool Runnings.

Ruby ready to party in her ADORABLE outfit from Auntie Rachel and Uncle Dain :) She rocked it!

A few of our favorite quotes:

"He's as handsome as a lion, that one. I could watch that backside AAAaall day!"
"How about I draw a line down the middle of your head to make it look like a butt."
"Will you shup up about the damn Swiss!"
Swiss guy, "Say something Jamaica!"... Yul Brynner, "No problem man!"
"You mean winter? As in igloos and Eskimos and penguins and ICE?!"
"Talula! Sounds like a two dolla hooker...." Jr- "that's my mothers name..."

Oh that movie never gets old! We had a great time eating fabulous food including, Poutine from Canada, Shortbread from Scotland, Yorkshires from England, Bacon wrapped, cheese filled Jalapeno's and soda from Mexico, Jambalaya from Louisiana (inspired from the Spanish and French), French bread from France, Pasta salad from Italy, Buffalo Chicken Dip with veggies and chips, artichoke dip and bread from America along with American Brownies.

Poutine from Canada

Shortbread from Scotland

Yorkshire Puddings from England!

Bacon wrapped, cheese filled Jalapeno's from Mexico!

Mexican Drinks

Artichoke Dip and bread from America?

Mexican chips...that went with the Buffalo Chicken Dip I didn't get a picture of!

After we stuffed ourselves we used our Olympic skills to attempt balancing three golf balls on top of each other. We started on the table, deemed it impossible, went to the carpet and also deemed it impossible. The next game was the best - flicking leis onto your head with only a stick in the mouth. It was both hilarious and doable. The end winners were Stephen and my mom. Go winners!