2nd annual ice skating outing

{December 29th} We attempted to go ice skating a few times before Christmas, but something got in the way. Finally we made it last week. And my sweet visiting teacher watched Oliver so we wouldn't have to bring him in the cold. 

Ice skating is fun. But ice skating at the cutest little outdoor rink with a giant Christmas tree with my little ones and husband is one of my new favorite Christmas activities. i couldn't get over the cuteness of the tiny ice skates. It look Evelyn a little while to warm up (in all senses of the word) and want to try it, but once she did, she liked, especially daddy taking her fast. Blake liked helping her, too. 2nd annual ice skating adventure a success. Can't wait for next year! 

the best work christmas party ever!

Over the weekend, we got to escape for a night with Oliver in tow for Brandon's company Christmas party. And let me tell you, it was the most perfect Christmas party ever. I've planned a lot of corporate events, but this one takes the cake. And we want to go back. Right. Now. 

Just to compare, last year, they sent us to Wendover for dinner, a show and a night and it was horrible. We both got sick from the food and it was the most anti-Christmas event there ever was. We promised we would never go back. 

But they redeemed themselves this year 100000%. (Can you tell I'm still so giddy over this weekend we had?) Besides the fact that I didn't get the memo to wear a cute cocktail dress to the dinner, it was magical. 

(a really blurry photo of a really perfect night)

We enjoyed our non-alcoholic Sierra Mist and Root Beer at the cocktail party and then were seated at the Seven Summits Club around tables with Christmas tree centerpieces for dinner. The food was actually good (I'm picky when it comes to banquet foods).  Oliver slept int his carseat the entire time, giving us a nice chance to eat and socialize with some of his co-workers. The owners of the company were so nice and told me how appreciative they are for Brandon's contributions. I'm glad they value his hard work and they are so great at expressing that in various ways. For that I'm so grateful. 

After dinner, we caught a quick glimpse at the snow-covered trees and then were shuttled back to our room at the Cliff Lodge. We finally got around to watching a Christmas movie. We aren't very good at just slowing down sometimes so it was heaven. And the view from our room. Spectacular!

^traditional ring photo we get at the hotels we stay at

And then, as if it could get any better, we got to venture out in the morning to go skiing. One of his co-workers offered to watch Oliver since she loves babies. That's the first time we have left him, but knowing we were still close to him made it easier. 

We got outfitted and then off to the slopes we went. It was Brandon's first time skiing and my 2nd, but we had a blast. I kept saying over and over again how much fun I was having. Sometimes I get so serious in my mommy-mode that I forget that I can actually be fun! Ha! I guess we need to ski more often. :) I also couldn't get over how beautiful it was.

^a hot cocoa break at the lodge

We already can't wait to go skiing again together. And thanks to the Sundays for watching Blake and Evelyn so could have such a great little getaway. 

fathers and sons: blake's first!

I really should have Brandon be writing this post since he was there, but I'll paraphrase their experience. First thing to note. Blake was SO excited to go camping. Brandon was cute and took him around to a few of his friend's houses last week to invite them to come. The night before, we packed Blake's bag and the next morning before Brandon went to work, he came down and said, "Dad, I'm so ecited to go camping. I'm ready to go." Too bad B had to work first! I put together a little package for him--his first flashlight and some treats. 

He was super happy to stop and eat out. It's too bad his friend Zack got carsick on the way down and back. But hey, we got a free detail out of it! 

It took them so long to get there for numerous reasons, so when they finally did, they set up the tent and pretty much went straight to bed. The next morning, they woke up to snow! The boys were super cold and wet, so they ate a quick breakfast and packed up to come home.

They were still smiling and laughing when they got back. Even though it wasn't perfect, it was memorable to say the least! Hopefully next year will turn out better. I'm glad we have a little camper on our hands! And thanks to Brandon for following my instructions of getting at least 3 photos on their trip. :)

january happenings

Riding the train to the city. We will totally be doing this again! It was a dream come true for Blake. 

Visited the Treehouse Musuem with our pass from Grandma and Grandpa Sunday. We didn't even get through half of it. We'll be going back soon! 

I was in charge of Mojo last week. Our theme was snow. We collected snow and did experiments with it and let it melt. Also melted jolly ranchers for suckers and made cotton ball snomwen and had music time. The kids were darling. 

We had Halle and Sawyer over one night to play. They were cute and goofy and had a blast together. 

We've taken a few walks lately. Blake insists on bringing his pack-pack along. 

And would wear his jersey every minute if we let him. He wanted to put it on over his church clothes so this is how he ate Sunday dinner. Funny boy. 

And funny girl Evelyn... somehow got ahold of the green marker twice and got it all over! Blake never got into things so this is new territory for us. Good thing she is so dang cute.

a december night i didn't want to end

First: ice skating at the cutest little ice rink there ever was. We held Blake's hand the whole time, but he picked up on it rather quickly and really enjoyed himself. Evelyn was happy to get out of the stroller and skate around with Brandon. The dance party on the ice was a moment not to forget. 

Then: picking up hamburgers and doing a little shopping. 

Next: reading Christmas stories. Blake's favorite right now is "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." I snuck outside to capture the moment. 

Lastly: the sweetest thing. Blake insisted on bringing Mary, Joseph, and Jesus that Grandma Sunday gave to him up to bed with him. He carefully placed each on on his pillow.  He decided he didn't want Joseph so he dropped it, but then yelled back to me to bring him back. He is catching on the true spirit and moments like those are paychecks!