Snow On The Pines

              Today I am updating you from the comfort of my own couch here in Michigan. It is 8 degrees out and has been snowing for 3 days straight. We really haven't gotten as much snow as you would think. Anyways today was my first ("snow day") no go to work day. I had to shovel the driveway and the porches though, that is much much more work then I normally accomplish in the CG.
             Last weekend was filled with sports. Some wins, some loses, the Pats will try again next year while the Bruins have finally just started. Norah is going to be raised in a sports loving family, hopefully she adapts.She seems to like being dressed up in Boston sports apparel, she is already playing the part of a Boston fan, but her fragile heart is still unknowing the torment her favorite teams will put her though year after year.
             Norah is getting stronger and smarter everyday. At night while I'm home I like to hold her up so she is standing, she can go for quite a while now. Norah has found her hands and has realized that she can use them. Its so funny to see the delight in her eyes as she simply bats at her stuffed animal hanging above her on her play mat. Norah has a doctors appointment on Friday for her 2 month shots, we will also find out how much she has grown. She is growing up much to fast for my liking.
             When Norah was born Allison sent her birth announcement to the White House, today we received a letter back from the President. I thought that was pretty cool and a great idea of Allison's.
               I brewed my first batch of beer on Sunday and now I just sit and wait a couple of weeks until bottling day. I look am looking forward to tasting the fruits of my labor.
             Papa White introduced me to audio books and now I can't get enough.It sure makes my 40 minute ride to and from work much more enjoyable. Our local library is very nice and I am amazed with the amount of books and audio books at my disposal. I just finished The Woods by Harlan Coben, I really liked it and would recommend it.
             Anyways here are a few pictures to tide you over.

Look at the weirdo plows Whitehall has, they do a pretty aweful job as well.

Before last Sundays game.

Norah wants you all to know her thighs are not chubby, we have been doing squats and those thighs are pure muscle.

Sad face after last Sundays game.

Photos From Vacation

Jackson Daigle and Norah Mae

Uncle Cam and Baily

Testing out snowshoes.

Eloise and Norah

Cousins!!!

Nana D with Norah Mae

Passed out in Buffalo NY. She is a good traveler.

Home For The Holidays

            19 days ago we left Michigan and headed East bound for New Hampshire. The drive was surprisingly painless. Norah, Stella and Allison were great to have in the car with me. The first day we drove 11 hours and spent the night in Utica NY. What a pit that place was. I wouldn't recommend vacationing there. The next day we left the hotel early and drove through Vermont. I read online somewhere about Route 9 being one of the most scenic rides in America. Route 9 may very well be a scenic drive but we wouldn't know it. We started our drive through VT in the dark followed by about 15 minutes of scenery before the sunrise was so blinding we again couldn't see a darn thing. Anyways I don't believe we will be driving Route 9 again.
           
            Once we reached NH all sorts of festivities unsued. I was delighted to see that both sides of the family had purchased plenty of Hood Golden egg nog. Its just not Christmas without it. We had a few great days with my parents at the beging of our stay. Christmas eve eve found us at the Whites house doing a family Yankee Swap. I had never taken part in a Yankee Swap before and I thought it was a hoot. Kimmy stole my "Ipad" and I ended up with a very nice plate set. Allison ended up with a Target gift card, which I'm sure will get good use. Nanny and Papa made us all a delicious meal, I think the best part was the Gorganzola sauce though, I'd like to shake the hand of the man who made that haha. On actual Christmas Eve we again enjoyed a nice evening with the Whites and Katie Kimble. The 3 of us swung by the Croteau's party at my uncle Bub's as well. Christmas morning was spent opening presents and watching my nephew Bailey open his. Christmas has a whole different meaning when children are present. After our time at the Whites we went to Nana and Grampie D's house for more presents and food. It was great to see the whole Durant side of the family. December 26th we woke up and opened presents at mom and dads house. It was a nice way to make Christmas last.

         We got plenty of snow shortly after Christmas so dad and I took out his new snowmobile. I was happy to see him having fun with his new toy. I had a blast as well, I hadn't been on a sled since Alaska. Dad and I woke up early one morning to go to LL Bean so that I could return some stuff. That store really is great, they took all of my returns no questions asked. With our return money Allison bought herself a new winter jacket and I got a sun tent sowe can take Norah to the beach this summer. John and Ashley Daigle stopped by my mom and dads so we could all meet our new family members. There little boy and girl are pretty cute and we couldn't be happier for them.

          All of Allisons siblings were around for Norah Mae's Christening . This made for a chaotic White house but it was a lot of fun. Nanny White got all 8 grand kids together for a photo. I'm not sure how she managed to get everyone to sit still long enough.

         It was extremely hard to leave NH and our family behind and head back to Michigan but I guess we all have to do things we don't want to. The ride home went pretty well also. We travelled 10 hours to Erie Pennsylvania where we spent the night. Erie wasn't to bad from what I saw of it. Today we woke early and made the remaining 7 hour drive home. What a day, without anything to really look forward to those 7 hours felt like 40. We are home now and all unpacked. It feels good to be in our own house and sitting in my own chair. Its a great feeling to know that 900 miles away we have a bunch of people who care so greatly for us. We care for you all as well.  We can't wait to see you again in May!!!

Pictures to come, the website is having difficulties.