Winter Wonderland



While we were in Texas for that week, we missed out on the historical ice storm that hit much of Missouri. Springfield was devastated. It looked like a war zone. Tens of thousands were without power. We were kept aware of everything by our neighbors, Gary and Karie, and by the news in Texas. It was all over TV there. We were glad we were not home at that time. We heard we were without power a few times but not for very long stretches at a time. We left Abilene right after the funeral so that we could get home before the next storm came in. It was supposed to start in NW Texas that night so we hit the road. We stopped in OKC that night to rest and then continued on our way Wednesday. It was amazing as we drove into MO. From Joplin to Springfield, I don't think I saw one tree that wasn't bent over, broken, split in two or down on the ground. It was sad. I have never seen anything like it.



It has been well over a week since this storm hit, and yet there are still thousands here without power. We have been very fortunate. They are saying that it could be another week before we are fully restored in the area. Springfield is just unbelievable though. Streets are just covered with downed limbs, trees and debris. Yards are covered. It's a mess. We are also expecting a round 2 tonight of snow/sleet, so that will only add to the mess around this area. There are crews from all over the U.S. trying to help with utilities, clean up, etc.

Below are some pictures I took as we were coming in that day! They are sad but somehow even beautiful in a way. I don't think the pictures can do the situation justice but here they are! :)

Together again

We went to Texas on Friday, January 5th to be there in time for Holly's 30th birthday party Jason was throwing for her on Saturday at their Country Club. We also knew before we left that Mark's Granddad was not doing well and could maybe pass away at any time. So, we packed enough clothes to be able to stay for a week or so. The party went on as planned on Saturday and we spent the next week there. We got to spend a lot of time with Holly, Jason and Jacob! It was great seeing them almost daily. Jacob is a sweetie pie! We also got to spend some time several days at Granddad's nursing home with him. It was good for Mark and the boys to get to see him! We got the call on Friday morning that he had passed. The funeral was in Abilene, TX on Tuesday so we left out for Abilene on Monday morning. It had iced that morning so that made the ride there very interesting! The family that could make it in, all stayed in the same hotel. The boys loved that because their cousins were there too! (Cole, Nathan, Daniel and newest addition, Lydia). We all went out to dinner at Mark's favorite, Joe Allen's, for steak and b-b-q. It was great spending time with everyone. I just wish it wasn't for that reason.

On Tuesday, we went to the visitation/funeral/graveside. I must say it was one of the best funerals (if there is such a thing) that I have ever been to. It was more like a life celebration than a funeral. Those who spoke that day, truly brought out who Granddad was. Each one of them spoke about what a wonderful husband, father, friend, fisherman and most of all, a Man of God, that he was. Even if you didn't know him very well (like me, I had only got to spend time with him a few times), you left there feeling like you had known him all of your life or that you should would have liked to. He was loved so much by all of his friends and family and will be dearly missed but we know he is in a better place and that brings us comfort.

Here are some pictures of our time with family!

The boys on ice

While in Texas, we took the boys to the Dallas Stars ice rink. It was Dylan's first time but he wasn't scared at all. He got right out there and tried it. He mostly clinged to the wall or to one of us but he didn't care. Bryce has been a few times and gets better each time. Mark of course can still skate like a pro. Me? I do a bit better than the boys. I don't cling to walls but I am not going to be a figure skater in this lifetime either! :)

Newest Member of Family

We finally got to meet our newest nephew, Brody Jax Walton, last week while we were in Texas. He was born in August so we were anxious to finally see him! His room is so adorable. It is orange, black and white and Harley-Davidson stuff everywhere! He is a sweetie! He looks just like Mommy!
:) Love you Brody!

Christmas Day 2006

The boys woke up on Christmas morning anxious to come out and see what Santa had left for them. We made sure everyone else was up and then let them downstairs! They were so excited to see their presents! Of course, they ripped and tore things open and began playing with new "stuff". Afterwards, we spent the next couple of hours opening all of our gifts! Later, we ate a great lunch and spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying our time together!

Grandma & Grandpa's goodies.....

On Sunday, we got up and went to my parent's house for the Burks family Christmas (Dad's side). Sandy and Danny brought Grandma Dorothy, Donald, Shane, Hailey, Russell, Jim and Aric were all there. After everyone left, we opened gifts. They boys had an awesome day filled with NASCAR helmets, race suits, crash cars... you name it, they got it! Dylan got Tony Stewart stuff and Bryce got Dale Jr (who else) and (against my better judgement) a Jeff Gordan race suit that Dylan can also wear. They both dressed up and played the part all day. They would start their conversations with "hey Junior" or "hey Jeff". It was cute! Of course, when we got home it was race time! Clear the driveway, there was a race starting according to them! We had a great time! I just love Christmas. It's so much fun seeing the excitement of the kids!
Here are a few pictures! We used the video camera more than still so I don't have many of these!

From Texas to Missouri

This year, we had the priviledge of hosting Christmas at our house! Nana and Papa, Holly, Jason and Baby Jacob came up from Texas on Thursday! They spent the night at our house that night. The next day we all loaded up and went to Branson to a condo and stayed Friday and Saturday. We spent Friday hanging out at the condo and cooked a great steak dinner! Then, Saturday we got up and went to Silver Dollar City with the rest of America I do believe to see the lights. Actually, for some of us just went for the hot chocolate, pork rines, and other junk food! Anyway, we spent about 6 or 7 hours riding rides, seeing some shows, and enjoying the hills of SDC! We went home that night because we needed to get up early for the Christmas we were having the next morning with the Burks side (my Dad's side) of the family! Here are some pictures of our time in Branson!

Uncle Aric does it again......

Uncle Aric seems to always have the best gifts! Every year it seems he out does us all! (Not that we keep score) We had our Christmas with him on Sunday since he wouldn't be in for Christmas weekend. This year, Bryce got a Green Machine and Dylan got a new Hot Wheels "bike" from him. The boys were so excited. They loved the gifts and of course, Uncle Aric was their "hero" once again! ;)

Christmas 2006

We had many Christmas celebrations this year! We had our first one the Saturday before Christmas weekend. The McNish side (my Mom's side) of family came to our house. There were 20 some of us here and lots of little boys! Bryce and Dylan have many boy cousins to play with that are close in age! They enjoyed their time! We ate lunch and had a white elephant exchange. It was a great day!

Here are some pictures of that day!