On Sunday we took Grandpa to ride on the Grapevine RailRoad. Unfortunately it was closed. Or maybe we should say, thankfully.  Instead on going for a ride on a vintage train we looked at the stock, found a model train set up of Grapevine, and, as a really special treat, stumbled into the repair shop for “Puffy” the 1896 steam train which is undergoing a major tear down and refit. We got to see a steam engine in full tear down. It was great!  

Grandpa has arrived for a visit so the projects have started!  First up is assembling a new trailer. It’s required to pick up supplies for the next projects. 

Colin helped of course. 

It has been a tiring week getting back into Texas life. 

The trip home was ok. We got Booster Juice at Ottawa Airport. Then Laura was feeling sick by the time we got to Dallas. 36 hrs later she was diagnosed with strep throat. She is recovering well and looking forward to finally getting back to school tomorrow. 

Lots of time this weekend was spent playing with cousin Eva. 

We couldn’t have scheduled a better outdoor play weekend in Ottawa. It’s sunny, not too cold, and loads of snow. 

The kids found the bird bath just before they stepped on it, have made slides on the hill, and had fun playing with Eva. 

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Passerby: “I’m guessing there’s no snow where you’re from?”

8:30pm arrival and only steps outside the Ottawa Airport, both kids are into the snow bank.

Colin: “It tastes like water!!”



We went out for sushi for Cliff’s birthday in Sunday, then came home to open presents.

We are off to Ottawa to see Grandmother and Grampy (and to visit Customs and Border Patrol), and to see SNOW!  

Colin had to take a snowman stuffed toy, and then was looking out the window to see snow from above. 

This is Colin’s first time playing in snow. He is VERY excited just from the anticipation. 

We are staying the night at a hotel to avoid the offgassing in the house. 

The hotel gave the kids a box of chocolates for Valentines!  Lucky kids. 

We didn’t get as far as hoped this week, but there is definite progress and we are excited to have the separating plastic down. 

Paint is almost complete, granite and backsplash are scheduled for early this week with appliances installed by week end.