Early Snow

We have been enjoying the early winter snow this year. Beaver Creek is reporting a 27" base already and 67" total this season. Gypsum enjoyed a major snow the weekend before Thanksgiving and the first week of Dec that is still on the ground today! I think we got somewhere between 14-18" in a 3 day span. It was awesome! Even living in Colorado, some people still complain about the weather...not us! That is why we walk to school (yes, we still have school when you wake up to 12" of powder) and play as much as possible in the white powder! 

Sledding near Homestead Peak School

Our yard the morning of the 12"+ snow. 

 

We took a little walk! 

Yesterday, Macklin asked if we could go play in the big snow piles near the post office. I said, "Of course!" No need for toys when you have snow piles! By the way, check out the kids new coordinating hats :) Thanks to our friends Hailee and Kari! They look so stylish! 

This was actually the first day I felt like Macy really enjoyed playing in the snow. I am not sure she is sold yet, but hopefully she will get there! 

Happy Anniversary Mimi & Papa

We hope you had an awesome date day! Happy 32nd to my awesome parents! 

Macklin's First Dentist Appointment

Macklin did a great job at his first appointment. I took him with me last spring for a "quick peak" at things around the office. Our hygienist was amazing with him and he was not scared one bit. He just kept asking when he was going to get his new toothbrush!!! When he got his toothbrush and then they told him to pick out a toy from the prize bin, he was ecstatic! He wants to know when he can go back! 

Macklin's 2nd Season Skiing

Macklin did a great job at his first day on the mountain for 2013. We did get in between 6-8 days last season and now are off to an active start! It is so obvious how much more coordinated he is this season than he was last year. He just stood up and took off once his skis were on. He still has no idea how to stop or turn, but he is much more comfortable than last year. We hit four loops on the magic carpet and then headed all the way to the bottom (on ropes with me). We will have to fix our Edgie-Wedgie and get back out there next time to add some more skills to Mack's toolbox. 

We are still uncertain as to our ski situation for this year. We borrowed this from a friend to get him on the mountain this day. We managed to snag everything else (helmet, boots, googles) from the Thrifty Shop for $35 but could not find skis. I think we will buy them for this year (so we can pass them down in the future). The good part - we have the next size waiting for him for the future due to some generous YL friends. 

Macklin's Art

Thanksgiving Turkey with Wings!

Not sure why this bear in his snow cave is sad...guess he got woken up :)

He is getting better at faces these days. This last one here is a face with eyes, ears, a nose, and a mouth. I am impressed :)

Grandma's Visit

Grandma is Here!

We are so grateful that Grandma came to visit. She came at this time because we asked her to hang with the kids for the weekend while we attend our winter camp for Young Life that we call Polar Bear Weekend. We were able to play all together for the few days before we left (amongst the late YL sign ups and camp preparations) and then she had precious Grandma Time with the kids over the weekend. We had a morning at the Glenwood Hot Springs, played at the parks, took our Christmas card pic, ate lots of yummy food (Grandma spoils us), and just enjoyed having Grandma around. 

 

Late Night Snow Ball Fight

What do you do at 9pm when you 3 year old is still wide awake??? You have a snowball fight of course! After winding down for the night, we noticed how much the snow was accumulating! Grandma said that she wanted to go sit on the porch and watch the snow fall. I suggested that we all join her and prolong bed time a bit (Macy was already asleep). What followed was one rowdy (and loud, sorry to my neighbors) and fantastic time! We played football, threw snowballs, tried to make a snowman, made snow angels, went down the slide....it was awesome! I never want to be so busy or occupied that I miss these moments with my family. 

Thanksgiving Celebration

Grandma taught Macklin about the Pilgrims while she was here and they made precious hats! 

Grandma's Birthday

Due to expensive ticket prices, we did not get to keep Grandma all the way through her birthday, but we still celebrated! Grandma got a new Colorado calendar and a lovely new blue sweater! We sung her  Happy Birthday and eat yummy brownies! We can't wait to see her again over Christmas! 

Thank you so much Kathy! We are so grateful for your love for our children and for your support of our ministry. We appreciate you! 

Thanksgiving 2013 & Tree Cutting

Our Thanksgiving Day started by getting ready for Christmas! Funny how the two can merge so quickly. I love both holidays so much that I wish they were further apart so you could more fully enjoy each of them!

Since Justin is still recovering from his knee surgery (meniscus), Daniel and I took the kids out around Minturn to find out annual beauty! Daniel had a great system to share as he tied the tree to the chariot and pulled it back to the truck. Macy took a little snooze as we searched and Macklin was a great helper! 

 

We have actually been preparing for Thanksgiving all month with our Thankful Tree. Now it is time for the big day! We enjoyed our meal with our good friend the Bangtsons in Minturn. They made the turkey and everyone else brought something yummy. I tried really hard to get a group picture, got everyone gathered, and then my camera was on the wrong settings. So, no group pic this time. We just enjoyed our meal. Our night ended with some awesome games and then off to Gypsum for everyone (except me, who crashed at their house and did Black Friday shopping the next day in Silverthorne!). 

Christmas here we come!