New Years Eve Sledding

We were invited to go sledding with some friends near Leavenworth. It was a full day adventure and we all left satisfied with the day. 

K8 was our sledding hill tester. She was the first down and the last down the hill. 

These two set up snow chairs for optimal sledding viewing. And also to throw snow at the sledders. 

It finally happened, this girl got too much snow. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way how important it is to wear your gloves in the snow. 

Celebratory drinks on the drive home! Note: we weren't the ones driving. 

Crafting

I always have a bucket list of crafts. Here are a few I worked on:

I made a basket using my hot glue gun. 

And an R2D2 garbage can for Leia's upcoming Star Wars birthday party. 

I am in the process of making a Sounders blanket out of all of our scarves. 

Finally Skiing

After a nonexistent ski season last year the girls were eager to get back on the slopes. They popped into their skis and off they went. It was great to see them take to it so quickly. 

And of course there was time to play. 

Two days later I went up to the mountain with my friend Ellen and spent the day snowboarding. We had a great time and only went through the trees once, whoops!

A Winter Wedding

January got off to a fun start. One of Scott's friends got married. It snowed just enough to be magical and there was a hot chocolate bar! We forgot to get a family photo of all of us dressed up. Sad. 

Snow Hunt

Aunt Skyann came for a visit and the snow this year has been amazing so we decided to go find some to play in. We ended up near Denny Creek playing in an unplowed road. It wasn't fancy but it was beautiful. 

No I'm not dying, just making a snow angel. Not a very photogenic activity. 

Joy

These kiddos are spoiled by so many people who love them. Between all the Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, and Santa they got everything on their lists (and plenty more....mostly Star Wars related). 

Every night they were their new jammies from Aunt Michelle and Uncle Christjan. Leia gets frustrated when hers are dirty!

Nothing like a new book to make this kid glow. She finished it in 4 days. 

New sheets AND a blanket. This kid is in pony heaven. 

The girls really embraced making presents for people this year. There were piles of Xmas cards, some paintings and lots of knitting. It was fun to watch what they came up with. 

And to all those who received these gifts, thanks for smiling and being appreciative of their efforts. 

Christmas Activities

The girls and I always find some fun holiday activities to do during school break. This year we tried some new stuff, did some favorites, and put a twist on some standards. 

The Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Hotel was a new experience and the girls loved it. We hung out with the Bears for almost an hour. Then we headed home so they could make a Stuffed Animal Suite in the living room. We can't wait to do this again next year. 

Our annual favorite is the Bellevue Botanical Garden lights. We went twice this year. 

The Olympic Scuplture Park did a one night lights experience. We went even though it was pouring. The lights were super disappointing, especially for how much traffic we had to endure. But it made me thankful that my kids are willing to adventure with me and keep a positive attitude when the adventure is a bust. 

For Christmas cookies this year we made Melting Snowmen. Overall they were pretty cute, some of the facial expressions were questionable. 

Star Wars Day!!!!

Holy smokes were we in eager anticipation of the new Star Wars movie. Scott dedicated many hours to educating the girls on the intricacies of the movie plot and viewing all the movies with them. We had a family recap night watching Episode 6 before Dec 18. 

On the morning of the big day we woke the kids early (but set the clocks forward so they wouldn't know it was early) and headed to school as usual. Just before getting to school Scott asked the girls if they wanted to skip school and go see Star Wars instead. This was met with a chorus of Yay's and lots of giggling. They had no idea we had planned this ahead of time. Family bonding at its best. 

The girls set out their Star Wars shirts the night before just because it was Release Day. 

My movie buddy. 

Motley Crue Getaway

For Dagny's birthday Scott and I played hooky on a Tuesday and drove to Portland, OR to see Motley Crue with her. It was a fantastic show. I super love that a quick trip to hang out with my Dagny is a thing. And that Scott willingly joins in the adventure. 

Running Buddies

Aidan and I have found a trail to run on while we wait for the girls to get out of school. It gets easier each time and we have fun challenging each other. Plus it means he doesn't have to do his homework with me! That definitely makes him happy. 

Yoga Time

On the list of "Things I Never Thought Would Happen" is doing yoga with Scott. And yet somehow we ended up getting a private lesson from our friend Becky and now we are hooked. I expect plenty more of this will be happening in 2016.