Falling Snow

Just hanging out with the family on a Sunday afternoon - kids are making the universe (in a puzzle), McKinley is making the Solar System (again, puzzle) and Anders is frustrated that he doesn't know how to do it. But a rice krispy treat solves that problem. I didn't think I would miss snow on the ground in January but I did. However, just as soon as the snow melted completely from our front yard, it started to snow again today. The resorts needed it. We skied twice last week and the ice was becoming a bit much. Boy are we spoiled here in Utah. It is a good thing the boys are skiing better and can go off less skied runs with me. We hit more tree trails than I can count and almost got lost in one. I took Jake and his friend Caden Stewart on a really cool run at Alta named Razorback. This sits on a ridge to the east of Sugarloaf lift overlooking Cecret Lake with Greeley Bowl above it. Even though it wasn't crowded to start the day, hitting this run made us feel like we were totally alone. The thing that made my day was something Tanner said as he and his friend Reed were riding up the lift with me. He said "Dad, your dream came true." I didn't know what he was talking about so I asked, "What do you mean?" "Well", he said, "it has always been your dream to ski with your boys, and now we are good enough to do it." He is right. One of my dreams has come true - and it is in the form of two 70 lb. packages barrelling through tree trails and over humps and jumps while strapped to a pair of boards made to navigate the white stuff we call Virgin when at its very best. Yes, it was a very good day.

Worth Watching

If you every need a pick me up, move 'em forward reminder here is a clip that you need to watch.
I received it as a forward from my mom, and have been in awe of this man and the message he shares. Take a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MslbhDZoniY

Christmas documentation

I couldn't believe it - I went to download the photos we have of Thanksgiving and Christmas and realized we didn't have have for Christmas. Not a single photo of our Christmas holiday. We forgot to take the camera to Midway, didn't take any on Christmas Eve or Day and nothing for the New Year's Eve party at Matt and Amanda's home. I'm such a visual person, without photos, forget the details. But at least I got Christmas Day documented on the video camera - I haven't missed one since 1997. I only get about 10 minutes worth because our camera battery is shot after 12 years and I'm too cheap to buy a new one.

Here are some photos of our latest happenings (minus Christmas). One was a spill by Anders that led to the first 5 stitches in our family (Steve excepted). He'll have a great looking scare - covered by his hair. McKinley held onto her first loose tooth as long as possible. When I went in to grab it from her mouth, I barely touched it and it fell out. She couldn't believe it - I wished I had a photo of her face just after I took it out and she realized it was out, shock, amazement, wonder and relief that now she could eat and brush her teeth normally.

Cost Cutters

Adrianne has been cutting the boys hair in this family for a long time. Anders doesn't love the haircut - he loves the candy that comes with the haircut. I used to be the "Distractor", you all know, the one you makes the funny noises and tickles before a flu shot. However, I lost the distraction battle long ago and press forward to fight other battles. Adrianne does a fantastic job and saves us about $45/month. Add that to the annual salary she should be paid of approximately $135K for "homemaker".