Long over due...and long!

So I thought that having a blog would encourage me to keep more current with the 'going-ons' in my life. Instead, I look at it and just feel quilty for being such a slacker. So, once again, I am turning over a new leaf and promising to be better.

Since my last post, we have been doing a few things. Here is a look...

-SKI BUMS

We are a family of skiiers! The kids both started this year and are doing amazing and having a blast. We have been trying to go once a weekend at Beaver and have even made it night skiing at Wolf Mountain. We made the big commitment and just bought season passes for next year. I hope that we are all still excited when next December rolls around.

-GREETINGS FROM TEXAS

Jake's little brother Spencer and his family, Aunt Mindy and cousins, Morgan and Emerson came to visit from Texas. They chose the perfect weekend to come, not too cold and tons of fluffy white stuff. We skiied, built a snow cave, took the girls for manicures, bowled at the fun park and celebrated Elli's birthday. We were so glad that they took the time to come and look forward to seeing them in Texas in May and meeting their baby, brother Sloan whe is due the end of April.

-ELLI FAYE TURNS 6!

Elli turned 6!!! She is still busy and opinionated and fast becoming a big girl! Jake and I are always saying that we can't believe that it as been six years since we brought our first baby home and are so proud of the little girl she is becoming. She loves Kindergarten, her two Webkinz, skiing, dance, Zac Efron (as either Troy in HSM or Link in Hairspray), Hannah Montana, her friends from school, sometimes her brother, girl time with me, seeing her Dad anytime, and her Just Like Me American Girl doll. We are looking forward to lots a fun times ahead with her.

-BIG WILL THE PILL

Our Hunk of Burnin' Love. Will is an independent, physically strong, highly energetic and super loving little guy. He is also having a lot of fun skiing (preferably on the jumps, not the catwalk), loving preschool with Mrs. Donalee, helping his Dad fix anything, cuddling with Mom and having Elli read to him. We know that they really do love each other, in spite of the day to day battles. Since the weather has started turning, we have already had a skinned knee and a serious headplant on a cinderblock while trying to dig out his car. I am not looking forward to that part of Spring or Summer.

-ST. GEORGE GET-A-WAY

We got away with the Saxton's for a quick trip to St. George. Just a couple days of clear sky and warmer temperatures is enough to get you through the last few weeks of winter and help you look forward to the beautiful Spring that is just around the corner. Our days started the way most trips with kids start, a quick and restless breakfast followed by swimming. If your are lucky, you get to have Will run through the hotel and lobby into the cafe, stark naked because he can't find his swimsuit. I couldn't even be mad at him, it was too stinkin' cute and funny. We had so much fun doing a short, but very wet hike in beautiful Zion's National Park. The kids were better sports than me, but the view was worth the soggy toes. We managed to squeeze in some very fun mountain bike rides through the desert and drank plenty of mochas and ate lots of food. It was the perfect weekend get-a-way with the perfect friends. Thanks!

-THE TOULMER'S CAME A KNOCKIN'

My cousin Matt, his sweet wife Amy and their darling, six-week old baby Miles came to stay with us for a couple days. They were in town because Amy was interviewing for a fellowship so that they can move here while she gets her PhD. We do not see them very often so it was great to have them stay with us. We got to catch-up, play with the new baby and enjoy a wonderfull meal cooked for us in our own house by Matt. Now that is a treat.

Well, we really don't have anything to complain about. We manage to spend time together in our hectic lives and even have fun doing it. We hope this finds you all well and looking forward to Spring as much as us. Keep in touch and you'll hear from me again soon...I promise!