Just the weekend I needed!

I was in a bit of a funk lately. A lot of my time was spent in the house with sick kids and a husband out of town on business. I was ready for some fun. And that is exactly what we had!

Brad took Friday off since Ayden was home from school and we decided to go skiing as a family. I was hesitant because I didn't know if all the work of getting us all ready and then driving 45 minutes to the ski hill would be worth it. (Yes, 45 minutes to go skiing is a long way away to me. People here think that is crazy but I am used to a 5 minute bus ride to three different resorts and 45 minutes away are 4 more!) I worried that Laela wouldn't do well in the backpack all day missing both naps (except what she managed to take in the car) and I wondered if the whole day would be spent with grumpy whiny kids. We have actually never taken Alex skiing so I really didn't know what she would be like and Ayden is definitely hit or miss. The drive up didn't ease my concern as Ayden screamed most of the way because her ears were popping but when we arrived and started our ski adventure everyone did so well! It couldn't have been a better day. I was so impressed with everyone and I had a blast spending the day with my family.

Brad had Laela in the backpack and she was so cute all bundled up just hanging out. She was happy and content just looking around and hanging on for a ride. She smiled and cooed and was just adorable. Something clicked with Ayden and the fear that would hold her back on previous ski adventures disappeared. She was confident and happy. No complaining! Anyone who knows Ayden knows that is pretty incredible. She was skiing so well and having fun in the process. Alex did wonderful too. Her first time skiing was above and beyond my expectations. After a couple runs she was loving it and had a blast. She was skiing down on her own and did a great job. I do think a little healthy competition between the two older girls helped out. Before we knew it 4 hours had passed by and everyone was still happy so we figured we would leave on a good note. It was a great family day. The only bummer of the day was that we forgot the camera. Brad thought he put it in the backpack but I couldn't find it... that is until we got home and realized it was there the whole time. Oh well, it helped us focus on the kids and not worry about taking pictures. Before we left we got one shot of Laela in the backpack as we were trying it on and making sure it was adjusted properly. So this picture can help you with your mental image.

Saturday we were invited by some friends to go to some hot springs near Donnely, ID about 1-1/2 north of Boise. We had all had a great time and the hot springs were a blast. The water was actually really nice and felt pretty clean and when we got out I didn't even feel dry. It was about 34 degrees outside but it felt great as long as we were in the water.

The second we got there Ayden put her life jacket on and jumped right on in. It was just a moment where I was reminded that she is growing up. There was a time not too long ago she would have been afraid and would wait for me.

The only shot I have of everyone. As I was putting this blog together I was bummed we didn't get a good one of everyone but oh well. The Terry's, Blake's and England's. Thanks guys!

Saturday night Brad's sister, Emily, and her family came over and spent the night with us. It was a perfect way to finish off the weekend and get to spend Valentines day with them. We started the morning off with heart shaped, blueberry, whole wheat, flax pancakes.

Laela sure loved hers. She had a purple tongue and I noticed she also had blue finger nails when we were at church.

Jeremiah holding Miabella and Laela.

It was fun to watch Laela have a blast playing with her older cousins. They would build a tower with these blocks and then Laela would knock it down and then clap. Ayden is covering her eyes in the picture so she won't knock it down until they are all the way finished.

For dinner I made some shrimp linguine, homemade rolls, salad, and artichokes and for desert I made a chocolate torte. I think it all turned out good if I say so myself. Valentines day was a free day with my wellness challenge so I got to eat some of the torte. It was good but it did help me realize I am fine without sugar.

Ayden, Brad, Alex, Chase and Caleb with the heart shaped torte.
Happy Valentines day!