MLK weekend we took a ride...

to AZ to ride with kids and grands.

So, off we went.

This was my view most of the time and I loved watching these kids navigate the trails.

Our caravan included three dirt bikes and three 4-wheelers.

The weather was perfect and the scenery was beautiful.

We rode two days and had lunches on the trails.

These guys are always up for rock climbing.

PawPaw needed some trailer light repairs done and they got right under it.

Thank you all for a fun visit and great rides!

This week in the mountains...

This was hanging above Mickey's truck until it became a hazard.

Our winter sunsets are perfectly peaceful.

Especially from the hot tub.

Today is foggy and cold, but our winter mountain beauty is still prominent.

A couple of new holiday recipes...

Festive Candied Cranberries

You will need:
:: Bag of fresh cranberries
:: 2 cups water
:: 3 cups sugar divided

To make:
Rinse and drain cranberries. Remove any stems or over-ripe berries. Make simple syrup by mixing 2 cups water and 2 cups sugar in a saucepan and cooking over medium heat until thickened and sugar is dissolved. (Do not boil. If the syrup does boil, let cool for several minutes before adding to berries to prevent popping berries.)

In a large bowl combine syrup and berries. Cover. Refrigerate overnight.

The next day, drain cranberries and spread on a large baking sheet. Pour 1 cup sugar over berries and gently shake baking sheet until cranberries are coated with sugar. Using a spatula, transfer coated berries to a fresh baking sheet. Let sit uncovered for an hour or so until dry and crisp. Serve immediately or store covered up to 3 days.

Mini Peppermint Cream White Chocolate Cheesecake Tarts

Yield: 24 desserts; 12 servings

Ingredients:

24 Athens® Mini Fillo Shells

3 oz. white chocolate

6 oz. softened cream cheese

1 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided

1 cup heavy whipping cream

½ teaspoon vanilla

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 candy cane or 3 peppermint candies, crushed

Directions:

Arrange 24 mini fillo tarts on serving platter and set aside.

In a large bowl, gently melt white chocolate in microwave, stirring every 20 seconds. Stir in softened cream cheese and ½ teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth. Using a teaspoon, fill each tart to be level with the top of the tart. Refrigerate.

For the cream- whip heavy cream together with remaining ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, vanilla and powdered sugar. Place into piping bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe rosettes onto each tart. Sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Christmas at the Cabin

Cory's family arrived for a few days.

Morning coffee with PawPaw is still a tradition.

There is always work to be done at the cabin and these grandsons are always willing.

Splitting firewood.

Shooting paint ball markers.

Hot Tub.

Frozen swim suits had to go to the dryer.

Plowing snow with the tractor.

Riding 4 wheelers in the snow is a little different.

Donuts in the snow is a lot of fun.

When the fire wood was all split, the trailer became a toy hauler.

Yes, these boys hooked up the trailer, loaded the small 4 wheeler on and tied it down.

The Torch Light Parade.

The Fireworks.

New Years Eve in Angel Fire.

Fireworks at the cabin.

Making Smoke Bombs.

What a fun holiday!

Thanksgiving 2014

When we arrived at the GSP airport, our sweet granddaughter surprised us there!

We enjoyed a new game that Charlotte made.

Jack is a fun 15 year old.

Charlotte likes to make pie crusts with Grammy.

More games with Mitchell and Crissy.

Our Thanksgiving

The search for the perfect Christmas Tree.

This is it! Everyone agrees.

Charlotte and her best friend, Boudreaux.

Fall in South Carolina where we had a wonderful visit with our daughter and her family.