January 2022

 The girls and David went on a youth ski trip, so Dallin and I got to have an entire Saturday to ourselves. We decided to explore downtown Kalamazoo and hunted for the Rocket Fizz candy store. It had all the different types of candy you can imagine, even more "vintage" candy, some from other countries and some really gross kind too. It also had the same variety of sodas as well. We got a small assortment and sat to try them out. We didn't get anything too extreme. But I really loved the bag that we got when we checked out. 

We sure are grateful for Koda. He supplies us with endless amounts of cuddles and comfort. Our new place doesn't have a fenced yard and he is really missing running around, but he'll jump at any chance to take a car ride. He goes most mornings with me to drop Dallin off at school. 

He even comforts Dallin when it's just too much to have to get ready for church. 

We are sure trying to embrace this Michigan winter weather. I've really had to change my mindset that when it snows we just stick at home and ride out the storm. But if I did that here, we would never leave the house! The kids are constantly asking if I think school will be canceled. They have had a few snow days, but for the most part, life just keeps going when it snows. This is the average road condition around here. Snow packed streets. I'm so glad we decided to trade in the mini van and get the Expedition with all wheel drive! 

We spent another day off of school at the arcade, a different one this time. My all time favorite arcade game will always be the Skeeball. 

One happy surprise about moving to Michigan is that teens can get their learners permit as early as 14 and 8 months. That put Aliza way behind from her new peers. She's been anxious to get started and is now only a week away from getting that permit, assuming she passes the test. I love that she is learning to drive in the snow, what a good skill to have. 

And finding surprised like this on my phone make me smile! 

I decided to take on a project using my new tools I got for Christmas. A board and batten wall sounded like a good first project. It took way longer than it should have, and I absolutely would do it differently next time, but I learned a lot and I love the way it changed the look of the family room. 

And Charlotte and Dallin are both back on the soccer pitch, this time INDOORS. The indoor soccer game really takes on a whole different vibe - it's fast paced and a little more physical. Once you learn to play off the wall, you can really have the advantage.