Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Trace “learns” to ski

I’ve been doing a count down for Chad before he turn’s 30! It all started with this poem:

30

There’s thirty days left till you’re thirty,

And that means you’re pretty old.

So to make the transition run smoothly,

I’ve concocted a plan that’s quite bold.

Leading up to the main event,

Some surprises will come your way.

And hopefully in the process,

These small things will make your day.

Because nobody likes getting older,

And easing the pain of this is my duty.

So I’ll start by reminding you that with age,

Comes not only wisdom but beauty.

Still it’s not like you’re forty,

Though that will be here in no time.

It’s probably safe to say however,

That you’re certainly past your prime.

Regardless of this I still love you,

You’re a wonderful husband and father.

Which made all this planning and scheming,

Real exciting instead of a bother.

I do hope this will be a great year for you,

And I pray for many, many, more.

Despite all the years we’ve had together so far,

I can’t wait to see what else is in store.

So here’s to a mile stone birthday,

Now sit back, relax, and don’t fret.

Cause these thirty days till you’re thirty,

Will be ones that you’ll never forget.

-I wish I wrote it, but, I didn’t. I called Chad’s brother Brian, and he had it written that night!

Each day the kids and I have planned something fun that revolves around the number 30. One Sunday we gave him a tie from 1980, and one from today. Some of the other things he has gotten are: 30 reasons I love you, a rubix cube (top Christmas gift from 1980), 30 procakes, I promised to keep the house clean for 30 days, 30 cookies, 30 wax worms, and last weekend Chad and I got to sneak away for the night to Sherwood Hills (gas costs $1.15 in 1980, and even though it now costs more than $2.55, we were still leaving.). It’s always good to be together.

Last night for family night we gave Chad 30 one dollar bills and told him we were going to the slopes. (That is all that it costs for all four of us to go night skiing!) We had a lot of fun, but I’m not sure Trace is ready quite yet! He was a great sport though, and loved being CARRIED down the mountain. We tried to teach him Pizza and French Fries for the first hour or so, but he kept saying he just wanted to go fast. So after about the hundred time, we finally said fine. We took him up to the top, and let him go. Chad got a little ways in front of him and told him to go. He started fine, but then looked at Chad and full speed ahead saying “WEEEE”, headed right for Chad’s arm! At least he isn’t afraid?? Chad ended up picking him up and skiing down with him. At the bottom Trace said he wanted to go again, and then again, and then again! Porter did great after the first half run… it took him just a minute to remember how it works. I think Porter would have stayed all night. He kept asking for one more run.

Well, one thing about it, they are cute little ski bums!

skiing 008d

skiing 021d

skiing 028a

skiing 055d

skiing 058a

Hanging out with Dad by the fire…

skiing 084a

And my favorite part of any ski trip – SKI TRIP SANDWICHES! We had a break in the lodge and ate our dinner.

skiing 087a

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Hardware Ranch

Chads in Montana Hunting and Fishing this weekend, SOOO...










Grandma and Grandpa took us for a day of fun! We headed up to Hardware Ranch after an egg breakfast. The kids have never been up there, and were pretty excited to see a whole bunch of Elk. There weren't very many bulls up there, and the few that were there were pretty small, but it was cool to see all the cows. After a ride on the trailer out to see the Elk, we loaded back up to head down the canyon for lunch. As if all this wasn't already a great day, we found a sledding hill, and had to try it out! Porter was worried that it might be a wussy hill, so he had to hike all the way to the top his very fist ride down. It wasn't the best idea. He flew down it... Scared him half to death, but survived to tell about it. So, after a few minutes of crying, he decided it might be better to just go half way up. Trace loved it, and by the end Porter was loving it too.
On our way up to hardware ranch, Trace told Grandpa he was thirsty. The next thing I knew we had stopped at the Gas station for a sprite! On the way home the kids wanted a treat, so once again we stopped to buy candy bars. What spoiled kids, thanks to wonderful grandparents!



Sunday, January 10, 2010

Baby Olivia

Our good friends Brett and Sarah had a new baby girl a couple of weeks ago. Because of the season, and all of the sickness', we weren't allowed to go see them in the hospital. When they got home, their other little girl got sick... So it has taken a few weeks for us to get to see her. Wow, she is beautiful. Hunter came to play for a little bit on Friday. The kids had a blast sledding on the hill Chad made them in our front yard. Trace kept asking why Sammy wasn't there too, so I guess we will try again next week.










Sunday, January 3, 2010

New Years Eve and Day

We were invited back to Jolley's cabin this year... I am hoping that it becomes a tradition. We all have so much fun. The kids run around and play with out too much trouble. They have made it really kid safe. The rest of us enjoy lots of good food, games, Discovery Chanel, movies, crafts, sledding, fishing, sitting by the fire, and being with great friends. It is the perfect way to bring in the New Year! We feel blessed through 2009, and hope 2010 will be as good.