SNoW & mOre SnOW!

We got all decked out to go sledding this morning. Mel and Steve took us to this awesome hill. To be honest, I was a little nervous…for my kids of course. It had been a long time since I went sledding, and I was sure I had never been to a hill that steep. I kept thinking as I watched kids flying down all around me that I could do it if they could. I was surprising myself- I am usually the thrill seeking type!

I think it was the story that was fresh in my mind of my newlywed parents going sledding. They were with a group and got cruisin’ so fast that mom broke from the group and slid the rest of the way down the hill on her face. A trip to the emergency room later and after my dad’s description of her sweet face looking like ‘hamburger’, Mom realized it would be months before she would look the same. I would venture to guess she hasn’t been sledding since.

I pushed away the vision of ground beef and pushed myself down. It was awesome! Once more down and I was a sledding fool. I couldn’t wait to try the different types of sleds, but after a couple of times back up the hill I was sucking wind. Did I mention it was a really big hill?

Since my perfect body is in perfect shape, I am sure it was my dad’s borrowed parka that was slowing me down. I wasn’t willing to take that off and get hives, so I had to mentally prepare myself to suck it up- ok, suck wind.

Before I had a chance to plan our next run, Landon waddled over to me and told me he was cold. Being the responsible mother that I am, I went on a search for snow clothes in Texas before we left for Utah. I bought some on sale for Landon, but later found out that 'snow' clothes in Texas don’t quite cut it for the real snow of Utah. The poor kid was freezing. We got to spend the next hour watching everyone else from the car, but we were warm. Everyone had a blast!

We caravanned to Park City to spend the evening with the Nichols in their beautiful new home. They were my second parents growing up, and their kids are some of my family's best friends. It was the first time we were able to spend time together in YEARS and relive some memories. It was so much fun!

They haven’t changed at all- especially Tanner. His wife, Katie, was telling us about his latest white elephant gift: His Pet Fart. Yes, Tanner proudly kept a log of his cuisine and jarred all his gas. In case you were wondering, yes it does work IF you use the jar with a rubber seal AND yes, he still is my friend. Some things never change!

Paige made some yummy tortilla soup, and they asked us to bring dessert.

Here is the apple cake recipe that I made. It got rave reviews:

Apple Brown Betty

Courtesy of: Jill Parkinson

Cake:

1 c. sugar

1 egg

½ C chopped nuts

1 C flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. salt

¼ C butter

2 C. shredded apples

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp. nutmeg

Cream sugar and butter. Add egg and beat well. Add apples and remaining ingredients. Bake in a 9x9” pan, well greased and floured at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until done.

Sauce:

½ C butter

1 C sugar

1 C evaporated milk

1 ½ tsp. vanilla

Combine in a saucepan and stir constantly over low heat until thickened. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Serve cake in individual pieces. Pour sauce over cake. Optional: Top with whipped cream.