Living in Munchkinland

Sam's entire fifth grade went on a three day, two night field trip to Snow Mountain Ranch on Tuesday. He had a great time, but was terribly homesick at bedtime. They did a big engineering snow shoe project, learned to cross country ski, swam in the indoor pool, did the rock wall, went roller skating, slept in a dorm, learned outdoor survival skills, took an archery class and had a great time. He got home this afternoon and we were all so happy to be together again and hear his stories. Our school has the best field trips.

Last weekend, the kids and Michael and I left straight from school and headed up to Snow Mountain Ranch. Snow was in the forecast and as we made our way into the mountains the snow appeared right on time. It was a bit scary driving through the pass on our Texas tires in our front wheel car. There was some sliding and it was hard to see, but Michael did a great job and we had an amazing audio book to keep us entertained. (The Forgotten). We arrived and checked into to a wonderful two bedroom cabin with a very big gas fireplace and gorgeous views. We ate dinner and got settled. The next day bright and early we drove through the snow to the library where they we got to do dog sledding! It was snowing, but the dogs did very well and we had such a good time! The kids did crafts and ate s'mores by the fire and then we headed back out to go snow tubing. We all sled down the hill over and over again until lunch, when we headed back to the cafeteria to eat carbs and caffeine up. That

Mom and Michael and I flew into New Orleans on Thursday after Christmas. We got settled and then went to have late lunch at Superior. *WARNING* This blog entry will contain many descriptions of food. We had bloody marys and raw oysters and fried oyster po-boys and bowls of gumbo. Then mom went back to the condo as she wasn't feeling well and Michael and I went on to see Miss Sophie Lee at the Spotted Cat. Because we were early, we stopped in at Maison to see Tuba Skinny. They were great! Then we went over to see Sophie, but it was packed! The crowds were thick on Frenchman! We stayed to say hello and give hugs and then we went next door to outdoor market to shop a bit before heading back up town to the Delachaise for the "Baz" with goose fat fries and rose wine before heading home. Friday day we took the street car to the quarter. We were hungry and looking for brunch, but everything was packed. We finally had the excellent idea to go to Acme Oyster. We figured since i