First Snow Sports of the Year!

We got out for the first snow sports of the year in very mild temps - in the mid 50s. As I pointed out to the kids, it was about 15 degrees warmer than the triathlon I did in October!! I was not able to ski last year so it was nice to get out with them this year, and nice to be familiar with the facility. Spencer put this video together (more on Cort the Sport's blog):

The Movie Trailer

Spencer and his friend Davis had some fun the other night!! I don't know what it is about this movie trailer but it makes me laugh every time!! It's well worth the 55 seconds to watch!

Family Photo!

We were long overdue for a Martin family photo! So here we are, the day after Christmas, outside enjoying some mild temperatures.

Christmas Day!!

It was a terrific Christmas here in Blacksburg, still unseasonably mild and sunny. That didn't prevent Santa from coming (nor did our lack of chimney). Spencer enjoyed his MacBook and Arduino hardware and Grant was excited about his Acer tablet and videorecorder plus night-vision goggles. Christmas Eve included the Martin family traditions of herring salad and bread, while Christmas morning featured Cortney's homemade waffles, sausage, fruit salad, and coffee cake from the local bakery. The kids are now entrenched in their new electronics and Cortney had time for the annual Christmas Day nap!! It's shaping up to be a relaxing lazy day around here.

Merry Christmas!!

Brotherly love!

Oma and Grandfriend

Let's try the new rock hammer on the gingerbread house!

Good morning!!

New rule: nothing made of cloth for Christmas please!

Cheese puffs and a new MacBook. Who could ask for more?

The aftermath!

Winter Break, Week 1

We've had a BUSY and fun first week of winter break!

• Bowling with William and Andrew
• Ice skating with William and friends
• Grant worked out with his gym teacher Dan White
• Swimming with Vivian, Simon, and William followed by snacks at the coffee shop
• A shopping trip with Aunt Elisabeth
• A return trip to the pool for Grant with Andrew
• Spencer cheered on the VT Basketball team with Davis
• Spencer attended John's birthday party
• Cortney and Grant had dinner out together
• More cookie making
• LOTS of programming as Grant is wrapping up his biggest and best computer game yet.
• Started on another puzzle!
• Frosty 5K

The Elf

Just a few pictures of our elf, Grant! He wore the Santa hat to school a few days where he also learned to make an origami "ninja star" which now adorns our tree!!

Oh, Christmas Tree

I finally talked the family into trying the tree in the front hall and I think we have a winner!!!  It was easy to put up and gave us a lot more room and less furniture to relocate.

Robert and Spencer cut the tree and put the lights on, then Spencer and I decorated. Grant helped for five minutes, but in his defense he had a very busy and scheduled weekend.

I requested a skinny tree...

wow!

The new location means a new viewpoint!

Some weekend rest!

One way to put the angel on!

Goo enjoying a nap

We are ready!

Spencer plays Bass!

When Spencer started playing cello and I saw how big it was, I said "at least he's not playing bass." Well, now he's playing bass...part time.

Spencer's middle school band director made a bass available to Spencer so he wouldn't have to haul his cello back and forth to school. He's had exactly one real lesson on it but still managed to play just fine in the winter concert. We were too far away to give me any hope of a good photo or recording so this is the best I can do for now. His orchestra concert is this week so I expect to have some good video from that.

Spencer, you rock that bass!!! We are proud of you!