When Will is away…

… Tessa picks what to watch!

Snow In Nederweert

Happy times in Nederweert, my home town!

This picture is taken in front of my parents’ house.

No More Dutch

We were talking with Will about citizenship the other day.

I asked him if he thought I should apply for American citizenship.

His answer:

“Yes mom, because then you’ll never have to speak Dutch again!”

Do I sense a little frustration with me speaking Dutch to Tessa here?

Playing in the snow near Mona on Sunday.

 

 

 

Sneak Peak

http://photographybyld.blogspot.com/2010/11/families-wood.html

Gratitude

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.

W.T. Purkiser

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Snow = Sledding!

What to do when there is all that snow outside?

SLEDDING

Tessa isn’t too sure about it yet!

Still not too sure about it.

Will IS sure about it!

I Love Blueberry Sauce!

Moab

Moab is one of our favorite places to spend time.

Last weekend it was time for a break from the kids, so Moab is where Trevor and I went.

We stayed at the Red Cliffs Lodge along the Colorado River (where we held our wedding reception 4 years ago). It is such a beautiful place.

We visited Arches NP on Sunday. Trevor recently read the book Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey, who spent three seasons as a park ranger in Arches in the 1950’s. Back then (from 1936-58) the entrance road, called Willow Flats, was a dirt road several miles north of the current road. Trevor wanted to drive that road into the park. From there you can get to the Eye of the Whale Arch. It was really quiet out there, since very few people go there. We hiked there for about an hour.

Arches N. P. with the La Sal Mountains

After that we drove to the Devil’s Garden area. 3 Years ago we hiked the whole loop with Will. We hadn’t been back there since. Along the trail you can see several arches, Landscape Arch, Navajo Arch, Double O Arch, Partition Arch, and a few more if you take the primitive trail back to Landscape Arch. 3 Years ago we also walked past Wall Arch, but it came down in August of ’08. Now you pass it on the other side, since the trail is covered completely with big boulders.

This time we hiked to the Dark Angel, a short walk from Double O Arch, and then we walked back.

I just love that Moab and the National Parks around it are only a 3.5 hour drive away. The area is so beautiful and there is so much to do that we already talked about where we’re going to hike next time.

Will and Tessa had a great time with Granny Kris. Will told Grampy (Dean) “My mom and dad needed a break from Tessa and me!” That boy is just too smart.

PS. I love Red Cliffs Lodge’s address: Mile 14 on scenic Hwy. 128.

 

Update

Here are the hikes we did:

http://www.mtbguru.com/trip/show/15832-eye-of-the-whale-arch

http://www.mtbguru.com/trip/show/15834-dark-angel

Two Up, One Down

After some encouragement from Will:

She actually climbed all the way to the second floor, sat down and clapped her hands.

Next up: teaching her how to get down (safely)!

Will’s First Karate Tournament

Will has been practicing Karate for most of the year now.

He’s been doing really well and has the Purple belt. He is also participating in the Leadership Program, which will take him to Black belt.

Last Saturday was his first tournament. On the drive there he was pretty quiet. Could be the nerves or the fact we had to leave home at 7.30 am.

He did really well. I accidentally signed him up for one level too high (“Nice work, mom!”), but he showed some really good form.

“Really, do you have to take a picture?!”

Last minute practice with his friend Talon.

Waiting, waiting, waiting. Almost his turn!

And here he goes…

(His introduction: “My name is Will Wood. My style is Kwon Shu. I will do Heian Shodan. May I begin?”)

All done! Will was a little bit disappointed he didn’t win a medal. Better luck next time!

His next test will be in the first week of December: Blue belt!