Bodie & Jett

I had a blast with my grandsons in St. George over Christmas. The smartest, funniest, cutest kids on earth. Soon to be joined by their little sister. Can't wait to hold her too.

Let It Snow My Ass

The view from our front door. 100 inches of snow in December. It ain't funny.
I spent our first day home from Utah digging out with a backhoe. More snow coming this week.

Midway Homestead

I just spent another night in Midway at this home. I have never lived here, didn't grow up there, but it still is very special to me. It is a great old home, rich in history and full of charm. In the winter, like this picture I just took, it is the epitome of a country Christmas. In the summer the lush yards, trees and pasture are perfect for being outside.

When we arrived on New Year's Eve it was lit up with Christmas lights and inside a fire was burning in the potbellied stove in the kitchen. Everyone is always welcome here. The extra bedroom is sometimes free but more often than not it is being occupied by one of the grandkids or whomever might be needing a place to stay or a hand up at the time. But no matter, people might shuffle around but you can always find a place to sleep, mom will even try to give you her bed if you don't refuse. But you will be welcome, always.

This is the house where my children spent summers and holidays. Where they took their first piano lessons. had great times with their cousins during the infamous 'Cousin Week' , where they petted their first bunny, took a pony cart ride with Grandpa, jumped on the trampoline and threw frisbees to Molly the dog for hours.

Over the years Midway has changed, like everything does. It has grown and people have moved there. The funny thing about change is we usually don't like it and sometimes for good reasons, but the most important things if we really cherish them don't change all that much. Yea, there is a tire store across the street (which seemed like the end of the world at the time, but is trivial now) and there are houses out back where hay fields once were. But in the confines of this small property, the trees are still tall, the grass green, the flowers still bloom, children still laugh and play and the beautiful old rock home still stands, full of love. My grandchildren go there now and I hope they always can.

Polka, Polka, Polka

On the way back to Coeur d'Alene we stopped in Midway on New Year's Eve. Dad was able to get us into a party at the Zermatt and we ended up having a great time. Incredible food and a polka band variety show that was very entertaining. ( things I can cross of my bucket list - spend New Years with a polka band ) And then they had music with a demented DJ who made me and some other dudes come up and dress as one of the Village People and do the YMCA song. Many peoples laughed at my expense, even though I nailed it big time. All in all a good time.