Those Saints Come Marchin' In!

In dedication to my son-in-law, Scott McKee, for 25 years of loyalty to his favorite team - the New Orleans Saints! After having seen these loyal fans upfront and personal in their own home town a few weeks back, I was excited to join the ranks myself. How exciting to have seen them realize their dreams and overcome tremendous odds to win the 2010 Super Bowl! It is exciting to watch people reach for the stars - I understand that the New Orleans Saints' victory over Indianapolis in the Super Bowl was watched by more than 106 million people, surpassing the 1983 finale of "M-A-S-H" to become the most-watched program in U.S. television history. Wow!! Go Saints!

Cruisin' the Caribbean

Between January 17-24, my sister, Barbara, and I explored ancient lands - ones that reflect a bygone era. Our first ocean cruise, we treated ourselves to the very best - a balcony that gave us a ringside seat for sunrises, sunsets and the beautiful expanse of ocean that seemingly stretched on forever.

"Book of Mormon stories that my teacher tells to me, are about the Lamanites in ancient history - long ago their fathers came from far across the sea, given this land, if they live righteously!" What an incredible experience winding our way through a maze of waterways to reach these temples that in certain places rose far above the jungle's canopy. All the while, we were surrounded by the dripping heat of the day, the bantering of monkeys overhead, as we invaded their turf. An incredible story that this land leaves behind, one that is full of mystery, yet at the same time, rich with many clues as to the people and the culture.

On the Road Again!

Thursday, December 17 - We hit the road and hit it just right - clear weather, smooth sailing, well at least driving! At every stop, Chase purchased one more piece of clothing to keep warm. He left Sacramento in short sleeves and shorts, but by the time we reached Idaho, he had bundled up appropriately. Here, he couldn't keep from rolling up a snowball to torture his poor unsuspecting mama - all in good fun!

Ashleigh's graduation from BYU-Idaho, a special treat for the whole family, and seeing my Aunt Meryle on the way home was the icing on the cake!

Snow in Sacramento!

Whoopee! Monday morning Sacramento awoke to a winter wonderland - a fine dusting of Spreckel's sugar across the landscape. A rarity, this unsual phenomenon only happens every once in a while - the last time back in 2002. Before that chilly event, the last reported trace of snow in Sacramento was registered on February 27, 1996 - the last official accumulation of snow on February 5, 1976, when two inches of snow fell over the capital city. Topping it all was the all-time record on January 4 and 5, 1888 when the city saw four inches of snowfall.

Caramel Delite!

Who doesn't love ooey-gooey caramel that brings a smile to most anyone's face? One doesn't need much of an excuse to indulge, and so it was, with Uncle Craig's birthday celebration at Leatherby's. Maisen and Bailey were trying to out best one another with devouring a giant sundae dripping with this decadent stuff - all the while, little brother, Aiden, was not to be outdone. Take a look!

Apple Hill

Off to cut a Christmas tree - an annual experience for the family! We missed the three older McKee children.