As soon as Uncle John got into the car with Macklin at the airport, Macklin asked, "Do you have any treasure?" He knew something was coming his way. After they got unpacked (John and Kevin brought one each in their carry on bags! One of them had to open it up at the security check, and then they didn't bother with the second one ;), John hid the chest so that Macklin could go search. Check out the hunt!
The rest of the weekend and to this point (a week later), Macklin has enjoyed his pirate treasure! The hooks have provided a great villain and the little rubber rat has slept in his bed more than once.
John made these chests completely himself. He is such a skilled wood-worker. Who would have known that when he made that sweet table in middle school shop class, that he would be able to create awesome things this like for my kids (early birthday) gifts. So grateful for your willingness to share your talents with my kids!
The Spragues came for a visit!!! My dad brought out my two brothers for their second annual ski trip. My kids were anxiously awaiting their arrival (and their treasure). We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon when they arrived last Thursday. After picking up the groceries together, we started the first of many yummy meals!
Friday we headed out as early as the crew could move. I took Macklin to ski school while the boys went to grab their gear from the local rental shop. There was not a ton of new snow (more powder came this week, sorry guys) but that did not halt our fun! We skied as much of Beaver Creek as we possibly could. Friday we did not stop until 3:30pm, postponing lunch until the day was done. Saturday we did take a lunch break, but then realized our tummies were so full we could hardly ski more.
This time together was Justin's first time on the mountain after his MCL surgery in November. He snowboarded well and did his best not to overdue his knee. It was a bit swollen afterwards, but it took the beating well.
We enjoyed our chocolate chip cookies and live music after each day of skiing before heading back to relieve my sweet babysitter that was staying with Macy. Macklin was such a trooper during his two days of ski school (additional post needed).
Highlights from the Ski Days:
-Macklin learning to ski!!!!
-Stalking Macklin while he learned
-Just cruising in Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead
-Tree runs and jumps with Kevin and Justin
-Crashing into Justin and landing in a pile of bushes in the trees
-Hearing more about Kevin's upcoming wedding on the lift rides
-Dad "following" John full speed into the mogul fields (i.e. big crash)
-Justin riding for the first time this year
-Lunch in Spruce Saddle
Sprague Family Ski Pic
The guys came to church with us on Sunday before heading to the airport. We squeezed into some shade for a picture of us while we weren't in ski gear.
Little did we know…there would be time for more adventures! Since the plane to Denver was delayed and would have caused them to miss their flight to St. Louis, they had to wait until Monday to fly out. We spent the afternoon hiking up the mountains on the north side of the highway in Gypsum. I call this hill Narnia because the high school soccer team gave it that name. While I have hiked/ran it often, I had never taken the kids up there but they did relatively well (Macklin is not a fan of windy situations…not good for this hike). There was some snow and a lot of mud, but we all managed and it turned into a fun little adventure!
A few more yummy meals and the Spragues would be on their way. We so appreciate all of the fun that you brought our way. Thanks for be willing to take time out of your work schedules to come play in Colorado. Thanks for engaging with the kids and playing. Thanks for cooking yummy meals and having real conversations. I appreciate my time with you all so much! It means the world to me that we get to have these fun trips together!
The kids received a special package in the mail last week…And they don't even know how exciting tomorrow will be when Uncle John (along with Uncle Kevin and Papa) arrive! I had a fun idea for a birthday present for them from Uncle John (TBA if you can't guess). Being the creative guy that he is, he sent them something to get them excited. A treasure map and keys arrived for them! Not sure that they totally get it yet, but they are excited!
After a long travel day, Mimi finally got here! We thought that she wasn't going to get to come out this winter, but with Justin's last minute trip, she took advantage…and we were so happy to have her! She arrived with Ninja Turtles in hand and Macklin was excited for every minute with her from that point on!
Sunday was filled with a morning at church, followed by lunch at Northside Cafe where Macklin decided he needed a nap. That left time for Mimi and I to have a couple hours of chat time. Then we ran a few errands and headed up to the mountain for a little skiing and Beaver Creek cookies!
Macklin was a bit slow to get moving, but he finished on a great note! He was making "pizzas" and stopping on his own. Mimi even got stuck on the gondola with a perfect view of Macklin skiing down below her! I hope he is ready for Papa's visit later in the week. Any time on the mountain always includes a little snow play!
Mimi and Macklin with their Starbucks (first time for Macklin to get a Vanilla Steamer..he loved it!)
Monday was filled with more adventures. After a lazy morning, we headed to Glenwood for lunch at the Pullman (which was super yummy) and some errands. Then we ventured out to 4 Mile Recreation area near Sunlight Ski Resort. It was a beautiful drive and Macklin got a nap while we traveled. After testing my car through some thick snow, we parked and ventured around on our snowshoes (and without that caused us to sink!). It was a fun day!
Mom - Thanks so much for making time to come visit! I cherish every moment with you!
Hopefully you were fooled by my post, Grandpa! I said that "I wish we could be with you." …. SURPRISE! Justin and Macy were!!!! Mema helped plan a surprise visit from two of Grandpa's favorite people for his birthday! What fun! Justin was so excited to go see his dad and Macy was a bonus since she still flies free. They enjoyed time with the Brandts and Schlottachs while in town - playing at the house and the winery. Thanks so much to Mema for providing this opportunity. I know Macy and Justin cherish the time with you two!
Travel Pictures
Macy had a blast traveling. She thought the flight from Eagle to Denver was a fun ride instead of the "worst flight I've ever been on" as quoted by Justin. They were blessed with an open seat next to her in (I think) every leg. Justin said she even slept the whole way from St. Louis to Denver on the way home. Macy also got to visit her Grandma and Papa during transitions to and from Grandpa's house.
With the warm weather, the 25 inches of snow around here is quickly leaving. Mack and Macy are glad that it lingers a bit in the form of puddles before totally disappearing!
