Winter Fun In The Sun

Early in February we had a couple of really beautiful blue sky days that coincided with a day that wasn't already full of committments.

This was a perfect opportunity to take the kids up to play in the fresh snow on Mount Baker.

We left at a leisurely 9:00am and were back home by about 3:00pm.
The car was packed with warm winter clothes, two pairs of snowshoes, three sleds, snacks and sunscreen. We put all of them to good use.

It takes about an hour and a half to drive to the upper ski area from our house. For those that have never been there before, the ski area is accessed through Bellingham via Hwy 542. The ski area is at the end of the road.

Upon our arrival at Heather Meadows we made our way toward Austin Pass. Both the kids were able to make use of the snowshoes - they were a bit large for their size, but much more appropriate than the 'toddler' snowshoes (shaped like a bear paw) that can be bought from REI.

The kids enjoyed the snowshoes, but not quite as much as they enjoyed discovering an igloo, a snow cave and a perfect sledding hill.




















~E

Progress in the gym

Last weekend the girls both participated in a gymnastics competition at their gym in Mount Vernon.

Knowing this was a big event, we were all pleased to have both sets of grandparents available to come and watch the show.

Both kids performed well and they both scored high enough to qualify for sectionals (scheduled for early March).

Here are two videos, one for Mikayla's Level 5 routines and one for Alexia's Level 4 routines.





We are all looking forward to another fun competition this weekend... wish us luck!

~E

Good Clean Fun at HHHH 12-28-2011

There's no other way to end up another fun year of 4H than to have a club sleepover in the dog barn.

Dogs weren't invited to this shindig, but I have reason to believe that they organized their own soiree. It's just a matter of time before one of them lets the secret out by posting a picture on facebook. Or one of the neighbor cats posts about it on his blog.

The activities involved during the 4H sleepover included soap making, a spaghetti feed and a bonfire + smores (despite the rain storm). Plus lots of kids enjoying good friendship (and plenty of goofiness) into all hours of the morning.











Thank you Christy for all your dedication and effort you put into this club. We all greatly appreciate what you do!

~E

Christmas Images from 2011

We enjoyed spending Christmas 2011 with our closest family members right here at home.

Here are a few of the treasured images from those days.

Mikayla, Tanya, Margie & Dave:


Rachel, Alexia & Eric










Alexia and Aleigh


Mikayla and Gavin


Back row L to R: Gavin, Nana, Poppy
Front Row L to R: Aleigh, Mikayla, Alexia


Back row L to R: T & E
Front Row L to R: A & M


Back row L to R: Dawn & Tory
Front Row L to R: Aleigh & Gavin


I'm not really sure what dog this is, much less whose dog it is. Heaven only knows.


You may find that hard to believe, but honestly, look at what I'm dealing with.


That's not a fluke either. It's considered 'normal' in our house.


Would you believe me if I told you those pics were taken at the same time?

N, P & G... and no L.


A & A having breakfast, or a snack. At least it has milk in it.


With four dogs that look almost identical, someone thought it would be a good idea to add in some dolls (with pets) that look identical to their owners. Can you guess which doll goes with which kid?


Learning to knit. Or crochet. Probably they're going to make a dog. Or a scarf.


Thank you to all the family members who were able to come spend some time with us this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!