New Years Eve

Ryder was the first one out in the snow this morning. It was cloudy and snowy but the kids still had a lot of fun sledding outside. It’s been a lazy day and we’ve enjoyed sleeping in, catching up, chatting with out missionaries, eating, snacking, and playing games. We let the oldest three stay up until midnight to enjoy the countdown with us. 2019 has been a great year and we’re excited for 2020!

Playing in the Snow

It was freezing cold outside today, but the sun was shining and the snow was deep and fluffy so we spent the morning playing outside. The kids went sledding and begged the adults for rides on the snow machines. Brad and I went on a nice snowshoe hike. After lunch we spent time playing games and the kids made more bracelets. It’s been great to catch up and watch the kids play.

Cousin Time

We are so excited to be with our family and cousins in a cozy little cabin in the middle of the frigid snow. It is beautiful and we are grateful for a warm fireplace. It’s going to be a fun few days! 
Tenley has been teaching all her cousins how to make bracelets, Kade is playing lots of catch, Ryder is wrestling everyone, and Luke has been wandering around begging for snacks. They’re in heaven.

Sleeping Babies

We spent the day prepping for our trip to see cousins tomorrow. We’re going to have a fun New Years party with them in Island Park and my kids can’t wait! A lot of preparation is involved in a trip like this. We have to plan, prepare, and pack for meals and snacks. But it’s worth it to have three straight lazy days at a cabin in the middle of no where with family. I’m exhausted now and can’t wait to get to sleep like this cute little baby of mine. He is irresistible when he’s sleeping so soundly.

Skiing

We headed up to the ski hill again today. Apparently the rest of the city decided to go as well! It was crowded! But we should have guesses as much since it was Christmas break. Tenley has been making lots of progress and went on several blue runs with the boys. She loves it! I remember that last season was hard for her and she didn't seem to love it that much, so it's a lot of fun to see her progress in this way.
Ryder is defintely improving as well, but he still loves the magic carpet the best. Luke and I would stand at the bottom and watch him go up and down until Luke couldn't handle the cold anymore. Then we'd go inside and warm up while we ate snacks and played Go Fish.
I was able to go on a few runs with Kade and Tenley. They showed me more of the mountain that I haven't seen yet. It was beautiful 'bluebird' day as Kade would say since the sun was shining. We had a blast!

My LEGO Master

Kade spent all of yesterday and today (minus mealtimes and a few breaks to race his remote control car outside) working on his huge LEGO sets that he got for Christmas. He finished the castle last night right before bed and he finished the ship today. He is a fast, motivated, and hard worker! He always builds in his closet so he can hide from Luke the destroyer. Ryder likes to join him and watch. It’s been a quiet few days with them busy building. I wonder what he’ll spend his time on now!

Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas together today. The kids all slept in until 8. I love them for that! We had them find their Santa presents first thing and then we had our big traditional Christmas breakfast of orange rolls and omelet. It was delicious. Then we opened family gifts. Tenley was such a sweet heart and hand made everyone a craft. She has such a big heart and a creative soul. I always worry that the kids will be sad that they didn’t get particular things in their wish list, but they’re always so happy and grateful for whatever they receive and I’m grateful for that.

We got to video chat with family throughout the day which made it so nice. I’m really grateful for that. It’s nice to have conversations with them “face to face” even though we can’t physically be in the same room.

It was truly a wonderful day. I’m so grateful for our happy family life and that we were able to celebrate Christmas together today.

Christmas Eve and New Traditions

We decided to try a new tradition for Christmas Eve today and go skiing as a family. We had a blast at the hill. It wasn’t too crowded and the kids did so well. I loved being able to go on a few runs with them and Luke and I had fun hanging out in the lodge as well. Ryder still loves the magic carpet more than a real run. He could do it al day with no help. It’s pretty fun to watch.

We picked up take out on our way home and watched The Christmas Story in the kids’ new pajamas. They went to bed so excited for tomorrow!