Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From Japan!

What do you do in the winter time, when all the grass is white?

I grew up with a lot of snow. I remember after my brothers shoveled the sidewalks the snow seemed like it was piled up higher than me. My brothers would help me build snow caves and huge snowmen. We use to put on my mom's slippers and run from the porch to slide down the sidewalk. If you did it right you could make it all the way to the car. Then when we got bigger we use to go down to the end of the block by Mrs. Broadwater's house and slide down her sidewalk. It had a hill. I borrowed some cross-country skis once and skied down the streets because they were snow packed. Sledding on the hill across the street at the college. In high school we would go sledding in the mountains and we would build a fire down at the bottom to cook hotdogs.

Now that I am older we take the family sledding at the local golf course (driving range). Snowshoeing in the mountains. Sometimes night skiing. However, the older I get my favorite activity is to sit on the couch and watch the snow fall outside.

Digging in the Christmas Tree

One of Kael's fovorite Christmas activities is to dig ornaments off the Christmas Tree! We put all of the fabric and tough ornaments on the bottom so we aren't afraid when he scatters them around the house. I love Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays from the Latours!

(Click to see larger image)

It was great to be home

This isn't Kelli, it's Colin hacking her account. As Kelli has already mentioned I have been home for the last couple of weeks for my mid tour R and R. I am heading back on Sunday to finish my last 4 months in Afghanistan. Its been great being home and just relaxing. Been hanging out with Kelli alot much to her chagrin. Also went out to California for a week to work my life post Afghanistan as well as to make sure myhouse hasn't burnt down (it hasn't). I am ready to go back, this is the most time I have had off since high school, so I am getting a little fidgety. The job in Afghanistan has been rewarding, but also very frustrating and borning at times. I am definelty ready to get back in the cockpit and controlling my own future.
I hope everyone has a great holiday season and I will be back in April!
Colin

Everyone, meet Sandy.

We have chosen the name Sandy for our puppy. The kids love her and she is so funny. She can't stand having one toy in the house. It is a stuffed animal and every time she sees it in the house she picks it up and carries outside. She is sleeping through the night...Yipppee for me! She has learned how to sit and we are working on lay down.

New member of the family

We added a cute little puppy to our family. Any ideas on some good names for her?

My oldest wants to name her Leah, my boy Daisy and my youngest wants Peanut Butter. If you have any new ideas let us know. :)