Bike riding

Today is a sunny, beautiful day. Drew decided that after we took Claire and Braden to school, he wanted to go for a bike ride. We left our house and he rode until his legs could go no more. Really, I think it was about 20 minutes, but for his little legs, I am sure it felt like an eternity. We rode through our neighborhood, up to another area that has a bike lane. He loved that he was riding on the "real" road, and that he had to watch the stop signs. It was a lot of fun!

Yes, Drew IS still in his pajamas in these pictures. I didn't was to slow his momentum by making him change clothes. Once he gets inside of the house he never wants to leave. Again, mom of the year...allowing him to ride through town in his p.j. OH WELL!!!

Winter Park Part Deux

This weekend we went to Winter Park. Justin's parents were here, so the kids wanted to show them their "ski skills." We were informed (after we were in Winter Park), that this is the busiest weekend of the ski season. Who knew? I guess the long weekend is everyone's perfect trip to the slopes.

The first day of skiing was warm and sunny. We were still unsure about Drew's ablities, so we took him to ski school. He was not happy about that decision, but we felt it was best.

By the second day, Drew was skiing with us. He did a great job, but he did tire quickly. We were on a blue slope (after about one to two hours of skiing) and he fell. He began to cry and we couldn't calm him. Finally, Justin cradled him in his arms and snowboarded down the mountain. That was the end of the day for Drew. We often forget how much work it is for their little legs and muscles. They work twice as hard as we do to cover the same distance.

Claire and Braden did great! They have really progressed. Braden said he thinks blue slopes are easier. I agree, especially on a day as crowded as Sunday.

All in all, it was a great weekend. We were thrilled to have Nonna and Popa here. We are missing everyone at home, so it was great to have a little Arkansas influence. Nonna cooked some good ol' southern food for us Saturday night. It tasted sooooo good. Especially after a hard day of skiing. "Ain't" nothing better than a good ol' southern meal.

More Valentine's Day

Drew and I were able to attend Claire and Braden's Valentine's Day parties. Drew had such a great time, and I am pleased to say that he was on his best behavior. (Of course, I had threatened him within an inch of his life...but whatever it takes!!)

When Claire and I were making her box for Valentine's Day, Drew wanted to make one too. I allowed him to make one. He covered his box in dinosaur paper and had me print out Darth Vader and Power Rangers so he could apply them on top of the dinosaurs. The box turned out to be pretty cute, and definitely reflective of Drew's "style." Anyway, I thought he had forgotten about the box, but when I told him it was time to leave for the parties, he ran upstairs, grabbed a backpack, and packed his box in it. It was so cute that I couldn't stop him. When we got to Claire's party, I feared her teacher would be upset that I allowed him to bring his box, or that none of the kids would have extra Valentines for him. It was priceless when he placed his box on the table next to Claire's. He then sat in front of the box with a look of patience and excitement. The first two kids passed him without placing a Valentine in his box. I could see his shoulders beginning to "slump" with sadness. THEN...Claire's friends came to the table. Now you must know that Drew is somewhat of a celebrity among Claire's friends. They love how "spunky" he is, and are often amused by his actions. When Claire's friends began putting cards in Drew's box, his face began to smile. It was a sly, confident smile, as if he knew all along that "his girls" would come through for him. He was very excited!!

I must tell everyone about the parties here in Colorado. As you know, there is a "NO SUGAR" policy in Braden and Claire's classes. Generally, I am ok with this. The kids don't need sugar, etc., and since they are allowed to eat snacks at school, I think it is a good idea that those snacks have to be healthy. I have to admit, there is a little pressure about how healthy you make the snacks...somewhat of a competition, but,whatever I am over it.

I did find humor in the fact that the Valentine parties were equally as healthy. For example, my participation in Claire's party was to bring a veggie tray. We were laughing at the image of "Happy Valentine's Day...here is your carrot." It was quite funny. Braden's class did have good snacks, and the kids seemed not to miss the sugar. They were served real popped corn, fruit, cheese, etc. I did miss the beautifully decorated sugar cookies and cupcakes. It seems traditional to have them at the parties; however, I did enjoy a good night of sleep the day before. As you know I am often up until late hours preparing the treats for the parties. The veggie tray didn't require that much preparation time. I just walked to the counter at Costco and paid for it...much easier, huh?

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!!! The kids are so excited about school today. Even Braden was ready to go this morning. It is such a fun day at school. Last night, we completed Braden's box for his Valentines. (Claire finished her box two weeks ago...true to form).

We also received about three inches of snow during the night. Yesterday, the temperatures were in the high sixties, but today...back to the snow.

I hope everyone has a great holiday. Hopefully, I can get some cute pictures at the parties, and I will post them later.

Skiing/Boarding without kids!!!

Yesterday, Justin and I were able to go skiing without the kids...thanks to Gee!! We had a great time. It makes you remember why you like to ski. When we take the kids our experience is quite different, and makes you feel as though you have lost your love for the sport.

It was a beautiful day with sunshine and only moderately cold. We only felt the "pain" of the chill when we were at the top of the mountain.

Overall, it was a great day. Hopefully, we can do it again (sans kids) before our "adventures" in Colorado end.

A Day in the Life...and other thoughts

I wanted to show everyone our daily routine. We are fortunate and live within walking distance of our school. This means that every morning and afternoon, we make our cold, snowy pilgrimage to the school. It has proven to be very convenient, but my preference would be without freezing temperatures and precipitation. When walking to school, I often think about the stories my parents would tell of how poor they were and walking to school. Their stories often had them walking in the cold and snow, no shoes, uphill both ways...etc...you get the picture. I now feel that I can relate. Someday, our kids will exaggerate... I mean tell...the same stories to their kids.

On another note, I have to share a conversation I had with Braden. This morning we were listening to the news while getting ready for school. They were talking about Valentine's Day. Braden asked why they kept talking about the holiday since Valentine's Day wasn't for a long time. I corrected him and said that it was next week. He paused for a minute, and then with a very serious and concerned look said, "Man, I gotta get a girlfriend."

I found such amusement in this conversation with Braden. As many of you know, he is a man of few words. He is so "laid back" about everything, and seems uninterested in most social things. It truly caught me "off guard." The conversation then continued with a discussion of who could be his girlfriend. He said one little girl, EF, could NOT be his girlfriend because she was a "pencil-stealer." Apparently, Braden dropped his pencil and she picked it up and would not return it to him. This action, removed her from his list of possiblities. (You know...serious consequences for serious actions. How dare her steal his pencil).


P.S. I just read that it is 75 degrees in Arkansas. This really "chaps my hide." It is snowing and 27 degrees here. UGH!!!