Happy Spring ~Things in our House Thursday ~The Little Things that Make Me Smile

Spring has Sprung.

Jack’s Mama purchased these

cheerful yellow tulips to grace our table.

Everything spring-like is a good reminder that

fresh and new is just around the corner.

While I stayed in their home, caring for Jack,

we often spent time playing outside on the patio.

We enjoyed some mild weather...

...so then, we brought the Outside Tonka Trucks out to play.

Can you think of any better activity?!

Playing with Trucks, Cars, and Tractors is always a good time.

Today, the first day of Spring,

brings a hope of better and brighter days to come.

Happy Spring, Everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

As you all know, I traveled home early due to the COVID-19 Crisis.

But I have lots of photos to share of the time spent with our family.

I hope you enjoy my memories!

It is a Good Weekend to Stay Inside ~How’s the Weather in Your Neck of the Woods ~Thank Goodness for FaceTime and Bluetooth

It’s January in the Dakotas...

It is cold and there is snow.

Everyone is talking about our weather.

Since the holidays are now a memory,

and our family has gone home,

there’s not much happening here that is blog worthy...

Except for our winter weather.

There’s plenty of wind out here on the open prairie,

which causes blowing snow...

...and dangerous wind chills.

The combination of snow, wind, and cold

classify this as a Blizzard.

This is the view from our front door.

This is the view out back.

Our patio table has a muffin top.

Hubby bundles up to go out and clear our sidewalks.

I am thankful for our treadmill so I can walk inside.

This is how our house looks from the street.

We are also thankful that our neighbor has a Bobcat to

help clear our driveway after the plow goes by.

To all of you empty nesters that have

launched your adult children into the world,

you all know that a highlight of the day is hearing your phone ring.

When this daughter calls on her way home from work,

this photo shows up...It’s like I’m riding shotgun

and listening to her tell about her day.

It is also a blessing to have this daughter and family

live a little closer..now, only one time zone away. 

We enjoy our FaceTime chats with them.

Jack had so much to tell us on this call.

I hope you all are staying safe and warm.

Cherish those connections you have

with your family and friends.

Take care,

~Natalie

College Football ~How About Those Bison ~Championship Game ~An Exciting Finish to a Most Successful Season

Hubby and I do enjoy watching the

North Dakota State University Bison play football.

From the first game of the season at Target Field in Minneapolis...

To the atmosphere inside the Fargo Dome...

To the comfort of our Family Room...

We try not to miss a game.

I have a Pinterest Board of recipes for Football Food

to prepare when we are Homegating.

This Cheesy Herb Garlic Bread is Easy and Delicious.

And this recipe for Loaded Tator Tots is a keeper.

How can something that is so bad for you, taste so good?!

We always have plenty to cheer about...

the Bison were undefeated this season.

Under the leadership of a new quarterback,

redshirt freshman, Trey Lance.

So impressive that he was the Walter Payton Award Recipient

at the FCS Banquet on Friday Night.

Saturday Morning is Game Day.

When we get up, we all get dressed in our Bison Gear.

Everyone has their own special seat in the family room.

This game was intense...

I mean, the game was really intense!

But our quarterback remained calm, cool, and collected

and led his team to another National Championship.

And for the eighth time in the last nine years,

Hubby has taken our flag off the patio

to wave it at the end of the driveway.

Yes, it is winter in the Dakotas,

the temperature outside is in the single digits,

and my hubby is wearing shorts.

But that doesn’t stop him from showing his Bison Pride.

Congratulations to our Coach, our Quarterback,

and to the entire Bison Team that played

their hearts out..all..season..long.

Take care,

~Natalie

Where the Weekend Went ~We Partied Like We Were Half Our Age ~Happy Birthday, Logan

Most of you know these friends...

our hubbies met in college and

we’ve all been close for four decades.

Their daughter invited us to a

Surprise 30th Birthday Party for her husband.

We parents met early in the day for a light lunch.

After checking into our hotel and changing into our party clothes,

we all met up at the venue.

Ashley showed up with her squad to decorate.

The girls had a party plan, Ashley’s parents lent a hand.

I thought it was best to just stay out of their way!

Ashley and her girlfriends tested the photo booth.

While waiting, we shared this huge platter of Nachos.

Ashley is a teacher, so naturally

she made sure all the boys were behaving.

Finally, the Birthday Boy showed up.

He had been watching football with his buddies,

the guys that belonged to the girls in Ashley’s Squad.

Of course, she had planned his party attire.

A golden jacket to match hers...

...in celebration of his Golden Birthday.

Logan turned 30 on December 30th.

It was our turn in the Photo Booth.

It was an honor to be included in the celebration.

The younger generation was still going strong,

when we parents went back to enjoy

a nightcap in the quiet of our hotel.

The morning after...we all met for a brunch buffet

before getting on the road.

It was sunny and chilly.

That might look like water,

but it is a thin layer of ice on top of the snow.

You can see how windy it was

when we stopped here to stretch our legs.

That wind created  plenty of ground drifting,

which made the roads slushy and slick.

I was glad when we pulled into our driveway,

and Lizzie was there to welcome us home.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Take care,

~Natalie