Family Ski Trip

Last weekend we decided to join a few friends on a skiing trip to Brian Head. The kids had never been skiing before, and Luke doesn't even have much experience with snow. When we first arrived, Luke looked so confused. He couldn't figure out why it was so cold outside. After a little bit of whining, he finally got used to it. Mia and Cole were put in ski school from 10am until 3:30. Cole figured it out right away and did an amazing job. He's just a natural.

This picture freaked me out a bit. That's my first born on a lift all by herself. She was really nervous, but did great.
Mia was a little more timid than Cole, but she's a natural too, and had a really fun time.
My lack of pictures is due to the fact that Luke fell asleep on my lap and I couldn't run around with the camera. When he woke up, he once again decided that the cold weather was not for him.



Unfortunately Drew had a bit of an accident. It had been a long time since he'd snowboarded and luckily I made sure he wore a helmet. He doesn't really remember much of what happened, but he does know (from eyewitness accounts) that he crashed and hit the back of his head really hard on the ground. The helmet forced his goggles and glasses into his nose, causing two large cuts. He was a little confused for a while and had a bad headache for the rest of the day, but was a good sport about still taking the kids on a few runs in the afternoon.




We weren't ever able to get an entire group shot. Everyone was having too much fun on the slopes. But I did get a few of the Aikeles and Bodilys in this photo.
It was a fun trip and I'm sure we'll go back again next year, when I can join the group skiing. But as for this trip, me and my wiggly belly were content with sipping hot cocoa in the lodge.

Happy BIRTHDAY

I had a wonderful 33rd birthday. Drew surprised me the night before my birthday, with a night stay at the Trump Tower. We had so much fun together (thanks to his parents for watching the kids). We stayed out until late and slept in late. It was great. He also got me a beautiful watch, perfume, flowers, and candy. It was a dream birthday. When I came home, this is what greeted me. Mia made signs to wish me a happy birthday.
Mia's always so thoughtful....ALWAYS!
We topped off the night with an ice cream cake and 33 blazing candles. I'm surprised the ice cream didn't melt. Here's a photo with me and the kids, and cousin Austin who came to visit.

It was a wonderful birthday and I feel so lucky to live the life I do. Thank you honey for a great day.

FINALLY HOME!!!!

Yesterday, after 164 days, Drew finally arrived home! We surprised him at the airport. We told him we'd be meeting him at the baggage claim, but instead we got security passes and met him as he got off the plane. We arrived at the gate 15 minutes early, so the kids killed some time playing their DS's. Luke's "DS" - AKA the Leapster
Mia worked really hard on her sign. It was done a full month before he headed home.
Cole watching the plane pull up to the gate.

Mia was ready with the sign.
I loved the surprised look on his face. He changed out of his uniform back in Minnesota.

People were staring and cheering and we were crying. It was awesome.

Our family shot was a little blurry (which happens often when I hand my camera over), but that's OK. It's good to get a photo of all 5 1/2 of us.
Since his arrival home, it's been non-stop fun. After we left the airport we went to dinner at Chili's (mia's choice) and headed home. Drew was exhausted from the day and a half of straight travel, so we let him sleep a bit. He's doing well and we're so excited to have him back.

Who is this???

Not quite sure what's wrong with my little Bubba, but he sure doesn't look like himself. He has a swollen face and ears. Mia couldn't stop staring at him this morning and saying "You don't look like my brother". He says he feels fine, but he's staying home from school anyway.

**UPDATE** Turns out Cole has Strep Throat. His body reacted to the infection with a sandpaper rash all over his body and swelling, but no sore throat. Strange!

Last night he made us laugh with one of his famous comments.

Cole - "Mia, guess who had your DS today?"

Mia - "I don't know."

Cole - "LUKE!"

Mia - "What?"

Mom - "Don't worry Mia, I took it from him. It's fine. Cole, why don't you tell Mia who GAVE the DS to Luke."

Cole - sign.... "I did"

Mia - "What???? Why would you do that Cole?"

Cole - pause... "I don't know, I forgot to choose the right."

Mia and I laughed for a good 5 minutes, and Cole was angry that we thought he was so funny.

Merry Christmas

Ward Christmas Party

Last Saturday was the ward Christmas party. After dinner the kids lined up by the stage to watch a really fun Christmas show.
Cole and his cute, messy face.
Mia played the "pipes" for part of the show. She was excited to contribute her ONE note. Way to go Mia.
And we can't forget the men's synchronized swimmers. Such talent.

And is that a familiar face I see in there? The President is showing up all over the place these days.

"White" Christmas

The Whites hosted an awesome Christmas party. We had dinner and played fun games. And they served their traditional English Christmas Pudding... or something like that. I was too focused on the flaming sugar cubes to pay attention to the name. I thought it was yummy and fancy. Two awesome adjectives.
It's always fun to exchange white elephant gifts. This was the winner of the night.

The Nutcracker

Mia's adorable friend Makenna, invited her to the Nutcracker Ballet today. She was so excited to get dressed up and see the show with a wonderful friend.

Kinder Christmas Program

Meet Dasher...

Cole was Dasher in the kindergarten Christmas program. He did a wonderful job singing and acting like a real reindeer.

He just loved his reindeer nose. I couldn't get him to wash it off until 7pm that night.