An impromptu hike

Getting away from it all

This is where we went this weekend: Way far away:

To a colder, quieter world:

Up to the mountains

And they missed most of the scenery to watch a movie they've seen a million times

He knows I'm taking this picture.

Au and Ax getting ready to go back out into the snow.

The view once the clouds cleared!

Ax sleadding

Clearing off the tree trunk

Shoveling to make the sledding better

Au immitating penguin

As much work as swim training

Thank you to our friends who invited us to their cabin to get away. We really needed that.

Boat show

Every year, as a late anniversary date, Matt and I go to the boat show. This year, we took our oldest. It was fun to see it all through his eyes. The shiny new PWC were what really caught his eye. Matt, though, still likes the most $$$--like me!?! Learning how it all works...

Remote control bumper boat that attracted children everywhere it went...

I recommend the boat show for any of you interested in water life. It really is enjoyable.

Christmas trip to AZ 2009

Au is setting up a shot A new way to play pool

This year we had our 15th wedding anniversary!

Au is pointing out his favorite parts of a house in the dream home book. And starting to notice girls, apparently

Mama was able to walk out caroling from the car to four doors. I think she's doing fairly well on a new medication regimen. Although she was tired, she sure impressed me! That's me, with the clarinet. I couldn't afford to bring the french horn, so had to make do.

Pictures from our hike:

I practically had to pin him down to get him to sit with me. There is so much to do and see out there. And it was a beautiful perfect day.

Watching my Papa climb up the face of a rock.

Papa climbing the rock

Ax prefers to go under rocks. Caveman!

Another beautiful view

Our family together for a brief moment. Doesn't happen often enough now that the kids are growing and we are so busy.

Goofing off together, just because we can

My cutie

Just look at the contrast in colors!

The boys feeling chummy:

Don't smile, Au!

It really is bright and beautiful out there

At least someone brought sun glasses!

But what a gorgeous view!

This is what it looks like from my parent's house

Papa spending time with his grandson

I decided to make a gingerbread house with the kids. And what yummy fun it turned out to be! Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Sisters puzzling

And so, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and that you will remember why we celebrate.

May you find the joy and wonder of Christ's birth as a child would.

May you never forget the price he paid for your life.

Thank you, to those nurses who took shifts to cover mine so that I could go on this trip. Thank you, to my Mama and Papa for hosting the whole family. Thank you, to my brother, who gave me his companion fare so that we could afford to travel down. It was a wonderful Christmas.