Happy New Year!! I’m finally blogging again. I’m sure that I have lots of funny stories to tell, but this morning I’m focused on getting everyone back to school. Everyone started back last Thursday, but Jia starts back today. I’m anticipating a nice, quiet day at home alone!

We enjoyed our first Christmas in Colorado - and Rowland got just what he asked for - a White Christmas!! There have only been 14 white Christmases in the Denver area in the last 100 years. If you want prayers answered, ask Rowland to pray! We got a major dumping!!! As for the kids, they each got just what they asked for, too. Jia had been begging for a kitchen; KeKe asked for an Ipod Nano; William wanted a Wii, and his daddy happened upon one of the most-coveted gifts of this season; and Carson landed a Les Paul guitar. Needless to say, there were lots of smiles and hugs on Christmas morning!!

The Smith Kids before the Shredding of Wrapping Paper

William with His New Simpson PJs

Carson a/k/a Rowland, Jr. and His Les Paul

We had a wonderful Christmas break. My parents flew out the night after Christmas, and we drove up to Winter Park for a couple of days. My 82 year old dad can still give the slopes a run for their money! Jia tried lessons for a couple of hours but didn’t like that she moved her skis back and forth and didn’t really go anywhere. After some tears, she was rescued by her daddy and stayed with Nana and Mommy in our condo. She’s decided to wait until she’s 6 to try again! The rest of the kids are skiing like crazy. I’m so proud of them. They definitely take after their daddy and not their mommy! Carson and Rowland have been having a blast skiing together, and Carson has become quite the speed king.

The Crew Headed for the Slopes

Nana Confused About Where to Wear Her New PJ Pants!

My parents, Nana and Pop, entertained us all for the week. It was nice just having them around. Lots of days we just hung out at home, but we also made a field trip to Evergreen to eat at Beau Jos one day. The pizza was excellent, and the crust was even better with honey! We drove them through Red Rocks which continues to amaze me. What a creative mind to decide to turn those gorgeous boulders into an amphitheater.

The Gang at Beau Jos (minus Carson and me)

Mom and Dad with Their Favorite Child!!

We found an awesome new restaurant, Terra Cotta, in Old Littleton. Old Littleton is a precious little downtown with neat shops and restaurants. Terra Cotta is in an old house and has a soft, warm feel. The service was great, and the food was outstanding! We had the best tenderloin I’ve ever eaten, and I’m not a big meat eater. They had a large wine selection, and the desserts were divine! (That means a lot coming from me since they didn’t have a vanilla creme brulee, my favorite!!) We’ll definitely go back, and my parents had a good time, too. It’s a great anniversary, birthday, or just-need-to-spend-some-special-time-together place.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. KeKe, Jia, and I took my parents to the airport Friday night. It was hard to say good-bye, but it helped knowing that they’d be back in about 4 weeks. Plus, G.G. is coming in two weeks! More fun to be had by all!!!