Snow Caving

Really!! Who does this and why? Conner and Jason went snow caving with the scouts. They spent all day digging their caves, then changed out of their wet clothes and went back into the caves to spend the night. Really?? All I could think about was being incredibly claustrophobic! But, they made it all night and didn't even freeze. I guess next time we are out in the frozen wilderness stranded we will know how to survive ;0 In all reality I am very impressed by both of them!

A snowy blizzardy day, but we were all smiles having most of our family skiing/snowboarding together!

Conner taking a jump! He only wishes I could keep up with him on the black diamonds.

Anika, after taking a year off, is back at it!!

And the newest - Lucas was on the hill for the first time and had his 'edgie-wedgie' off after the 3rd run. He was definately the easiest to teach so far and can't wait to get back up the mountain! He prompted me for the picture to the below, caption included!

So happy to have more than half our kids on the mountain!!

I took the 2 little ones to the small hill for Trey to try out his new snowboard. He has quite the balance and the most fun attitude to go with it! Greta liked the sledding, but not the waiting to watch her brother :)

gingerbread

Gingerbread men, gingerbread performances and gingerbread houses!

New York

There are 5 children 6 and under running around my house screaming, a kitchen that needs to be cleaned and laundry that needs to be folded. This always seems to be my excuse for not blogging (which like many of you is my only means of journaling). So here I sit . . .

My husband (aka: world's best gift giver (never forgets what I have mentioned I might want)) gave me a trip to New York to see Wicked for my birthday. And the lucky trip partner, Anika! The two of us took a red eye flight, made it to our hotel, visited the Empire State Building, and were on our way back from the Statue of Liberty when we called Jason as he was waking up in the morning. Time is so weird that way.

Can you spy me and Anika on the megatron in Times Square?

I had seen Wicked once before and Anika was dying to see it. She had become familiar with the musical when her production company did a medley of Wicked songs. It was a fantastic show!

I don't know, however, which won over her heart more . . . Wicked or the American Girl store. A little girls paradise!
After bussing, taxying, subwaying, and walking and walking all over Manhattan in chilly weather I heard no complaints from Anika. Then, we made it over to New Jersey.

If you know the show

This was our next stop, and the wait in line ended up being totally worth it. The best pastry (canolli) I have had. We also brought home a delicious cake to share with the boys while watching an episode. . .

She was a terrific travel buddy and we had such a great time! Thanks Jasy!!

Merry Christmas!!

This really should be a picture of my darling husband, but he had a little helper. With our anniversary a day away Jason took Trey on some errands. When they came home Trey jumped out of the car and with the most sincere smile said, "I am not even going to tell you that Dad and I got you a chocolate cake and flowers." Trying to stifle my laugh I said, "You're not going to tell me, huh?" Trey resolutely said, "Never!" ~ That is what you get when a 3 year old keeps your secrets!

Family "Staycation"

A highlight of our family vacation, "A Minute to Win It"! Ha! Ha! Thanks for coming out guys!