Science Projects and other mischief

Currently, Hannah and Hudson are studiously working (ha ha) on their science projects they are taking to the home school conference we are attending in a few weeks. The theme is space travel. We have watched October Sky and Apollo 13 to get ourselves in the zone for space research. Hannah has now researched and written a paper on Sputnik 2 and is preparing to build a 12 inch model to present with the paper. (I am wondering how it last through a plane trip and overnight train ride). Hudson has researched several astronauts and has chosen Neil Armstrong. He is preparing a poster with facts and pictures about his life.

So....in their spare time.....they are dropping water balloons off the balcony, labeled with the names of their own space missions.

Hannah about to drop Sputnik 322 off the 6th floor balcony.

Hudson really just looks like trouble. Hannah also looks like trouble, but she hides it much better than her brother. Ah....home school. The fun never ends.

Time flies....

I was looking at one of Hannah's new pictures today and thought I would share it with you.

Pretty sure she should still be 9 with ponytail and binnoculars around her neck. I am truly blessed to have the most awesome daughter! She is my friend and amazing helper in all things. I love her dearly!!

Keeping Warm

Last week, when we were at one of our coldest moments, Rob grabbed the grill and took it to the rooftop of our apartment and we started an amazing fire. It was on this day that our town turned off the water and electricity for the day. So.....we sat by the big fire and kept warm. I think it was the warmest we have all been in weeks!!

I believe I mention, gripe, groan, complain about the cold every year. Until you experience it....it is so hard to explain, except that you never get warm. Getting up in the morning is difficult, moving from any warm spot takes extreme effort, however, I have learned if I can start moving and move all day than I can stay relatively warm. At this point in the month, our house has now reached refridgerator state....meaning it is colder inside than outside. But, I will not bore you with my endless talk of how cold it is and share with you what we have been doing about it. :)

This is my hero....providing for his family by making fire!!
Hudson enjoying the fire. You will note that as the night goes on, the fire gets larger. Do not fear, Hudson was not burned in any of the taking of these pictures. This was what my kitchen looked like while Hannah and I made dinner: popcorn and Grilled Ham and cheese sandwiches. At this point I would like to say "thank you" to all those who have sent me candles this year. The boys, looking a little like homeless people being warmed by the fire. Yes, Ryan is in shorts. This is due to the fact that his knee had all the skin ripped off during his motorcycle accident and so long pants really hurt it. So he was especially thankful for the fire! As I said, the fire kept getting bigger and Hudson was never burned!

Ahhh....and yes there is the daughter. She too sat and warmed herself by the fire. All were present for this event.
After a while, Ryan brought out his guitar and we had a fun campfire sing-a-long. We will always remember our fire on the rooftop!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Many Blessings from the O Fam as you finish 2010 and welcome 2011! We love you all and are thankful for each one of our family and friends!

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas 2010 will go down as an exciting Christmas!! It has definitely been different than all the ones I have had, but it has so been worth it. We have had 14 friends from the States here with us for 2 weeks. We did Christmas programs at high schools, junior highs, and a college, performing for over 8000 students. It was truly a blessed Christmas, focusing on the Reason for the Season and getting to share that Reason with so many who had no idea why we celebrate this holiday. Here are some pictures of what we have been doing for the last 2 weeks.

Hudson and I singing a duet together. Hannah singing her solo. I was so proud of her! She did an excellent job in every part of the performance! I have a character on my hands....in case you didn't know. Hannah sitting on Santa's lap....aka...Rob.

I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Christmas!!!

Christmas Day...after

We have been traveling so on Christmas morning we awoke in a countryside hotel room and ate chewy chips ahoy (a new arrival here in the Big country). So we decided to postpone Christmas Day until the 26th. We arrived home the afternoon of the 25th and our "extra" family came over. We ate chili and cornbread, watched Christmas movies, and Skyped our families the rest of Christmas Day. Everyone slept over at our house on the 25th and we all woke up to Christmas morning the next day. I made the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls....YUM......and we had a very fun time opening presents together. This is our 3rd Christmas away from home and while we are looking forward to being with family next year.....our family away from family sure is a good substitute! We love you guys!

All of "the kids" waiting to see what is in their stockings.

Luigi...I mean Hudson... Stocking Time!

Thanks Manners Family! Thanks Nana for the Bob Stoops football!! Hudson gave Ryan Dr. Pepper for Christmas. Santa's Little Helper!

Christmas Climb

What did you do on Christmas Eve? We climbed a mountain. It was a lot of fun and I am glad we had the chance to see the beauty and majesty of the area where we live.

View from the top.So sad our girls had to go home. :( The O Fam!

There was a cave in the middle of the mountain. There has been a temple built inside of it. This is a balcony built off of the cave. Our family on Christmas Eve. So happy Ryan can be here with us on Christmas.