Week 10/52

Dearest Jax and Colton,

Let me start by back-tracking a little bit...back to a night in December when we were out to eat with the Vaughn & Harycki families.  The Haryckis mentioned something about a visit they were preparing for to Pagosa Springs, Colorado over Spring Break and the Vaughns chimed in about going on a ski trip during that same week.  They nicely suggested that we join them and I quickly agreed without really understanding what I was getting us into.  It wasn't long before we were booking a cabin and scouring the internet for all.the.things it takes for a week in the snow.

So, we'd all been anxiously awaiting 2016's Week 10 since 2015's Week 49! 

It started on Friday night when we had soccer practice for the both of you and last minute packing.  We tried to go to bed at a decent time since we knew we had to be up early - but we were all too excited!

Just as planned, we were out the door at 5AM on Saturday!   We made it to our first rest stop & made you 4 kids run off as much energy as possible.

It wasn't long before we were driving under this:

 

And this awesome sign greeted us at about 5PM.

  

You kids wanted to play in the snow immediately...although there really wasn't much to play in.

 We all went out to dinner that night before Michelle & I took off for a girls night.  (Ok, it was actually just to grocery shop -- but still fun!)

The four kids took over the lower level of the house and us adults stayed upstairs on the main level.  

Sunday morning was literally the calm before the storm.  Our plans to go snow tubing had to be cancelled as there simply wasn't enough snow.  Instead, the dads went off "hunting and gathering" (headed into town to go to the store), us moms relaxed by the fire with our books, and you littles ran around playing games.

We went to lunch before picking up our ski equipment.

We wrapped up the day by soaking in the Hot Springs.  All of our belongings were kept in lockers, which means we didn't get any pictures of us sampling the 100+ degree tubs...but here's a shot I borrowed from the internet -- so you can just imagine us down there ;)

Shortly thereafter, the snow started to fall and I was soooo grateful for this comfy spot and roaring fire.

We woke up on Monday morning to a snow covered land.  I wish I would've paused as I was rushing around gathering all.the.things so I could've taken a picture of the beautiful scene from our cabin -- but I did not.  Again, you're left to imagine.

Now, before I get to all the "Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy" photos, it's time for some blunt honesty.  

This was y'all as Michelle dropped you off at ski school that first morning:

 

See those fake smiles?  I'm not even mad about them because I had one too!  The altitude, combined with lugging all.the.things up some evil hills, mixed with frigid weather -- had us starting off on the wrong ski boot.  There were tears and a lot of uncertainty.  But, I'm proud to report that that was the last picture that was less than stellar.  All of us picked up skiing really well and our smiles turned from forced to for-real!

Mommy and Daddy graduated from our group ski class after only 1 hour and had our own personal instructor for the rest of the day!

 I was so excited to break for lunch!!!!

 

We took it easy once we got home and tried to let our bodies recuperate for the days to come. 

In keeping with our Monday tradition, Brandie came over that night to watch our trashy television addiction.  I was laid across the couch for the whole show and Brandie & Doug commented that I seemed really tired.  And then I saw this picture and I understood.  

#WOAH

 Could I be any more exhausted?!?  It's hard work being a ski bunny! 

 

Tuesday morning's drop off was MUCH more pleasant!

 We skied a few runs with the Vaughns that morning and took advantage of having extra hands for photography.

Day 2 was a night & day difference from Day 1.  Although we had less fresh powder, the temperatures were near perfection!

Tuesday night was super fun because The Haryckis came over for game night!  Lucky for me, the games required very little movement ;)

Everything still hurt on Wednesday morning.  Instead of shredding that mountain, we took it easy and stalked your ski school.  We became the unofficial photographers of the Wolf Pup program that morning.

That afternoon we got to do what we'd all been looking forward to the most:  family skiing!!  

It was so fun to cruise down the mountain together -- but it was also nerve-wracking and, at times, down right scary.  You kids have NO fear and little understanding of how dangerous cliffs can be so you just whipped down and never looked back!  You both skied remarkably well and I was in awe when I wasn't panicking!  

We stopped by Treasure Falls on the way back to town.  You 2 were ready to hike to the top of it, while our adult legs were screaming for us to get back in the car!  : )

We packed up all.the.things slowly on Wednesday night and reflected on all the fun we had before taking our one and only whole group photo - in the driveway of our home away from home.

We were on the road bright and early Thursday morning and the drive home was, thankfully, uneventful.  Some of us even got in some angelic napping : )

Week 10 was the best yet & you two are already wondering when we can ski again.  Surprisingly, you're not the only ones who wants to go back ASAP!

Weeks 8 and 9

Dearest Colton and Jax,

Well, that didn't last long before I got so far behind that I had to start combining blog posts.  From what I remember, the 8th and 9th weeks of the year were FAST!  Between our regular sports schedule, Open House hoopla, and prepping for Spring Break, we had very little down time. 

There was little brother league during baseball one night...

There was some stretching before a soccer game...

There was the first church service of 2016...

There was Open House at your school, where you were Jackie Robinson for 2nd grade's Living History Museum...

At that same Open House, you got to work on a short science activity with us before bashfully showing off your work...

There was a 2nd grade performance in which we tried to take a huge Boy Buddy picture...

 

And you played instruments when you weren't singing...

 When I wasn't participating in the above mentioned activities, I was shopping online trying to get all the things we needed for Week 10. 

Week 7/52

Dearest Jackson & Colt,

Week 7 had its highs and its lows.  It started with class parties - a definite high!  The room moms for your classes are so creative and put a lot of effort into making your parties fun.  While I can't be at all of them, I do love it when pictures are shared with me -- like this one:

 Saturday morning couldn't come soon enough - because you were SO excited about your first soccer game, Colt!  Your game wasn't until 11:00 but I walked into the living room at 8:30 to find you already dressed!  Looks like a lot of your teammates were excited too!

 

 

As if it weren't already fun enough, you got to play against your buddy, Kohen.

Sunday was Valentine's day.  And I went the entire day and only took 1 picture.

THIS IS IT.

 Your hair was epic, dude!  I dropped you off at your grandparents' house like that too!  You boys spent the night with them while my amazing valentine cooked a fabulous dinner for the two of us!  Take note, gentlemen.  Handing your love a glass of wine and telling them to relax while you do all the cooking earns you major bonus points!!

You two stayed with Grandpa on Monday because it was a professional development day for teachers.  Y'all miss your friends when you aren't at school, which is why I think you only made it about 3 seconds at home before you asked to go to a friend's house. 

And that picture right there represents a new chapter in our lives.  It's a chapter of independence for you and unrest for us.  That little, blue dot is you as you pedal away.  A friend from school lives just down the street and we now allow you to bike down to his house alone.  The first time it happened, Dad walked back in the house and said, "I'm not ready for what just happened."  Luckily, his mom is understanding so she texts me, "Jax is here." once you arrive and I do the same for her when her darling is here with us.  

Tuesday started on a high note - this is you, Colt, getting your very first (last? Please!) cavity filled.  You are a dental rock-star, sir.  You got into that chair without a fuss and happily breathed in the good stuff while they drilled at your angry tooth.  This alone made me swell with pride because I was MUCH older before I stopped running away from the dentist.  (Remind me to tell you about the time that the dentist told Grandma to just take me home because he wasn't going to be able to get any work done.)  Everything was honky dory until they took the nitrous away and you immediately felt nauseous.  You got sick right there in that chair and had a tricky time recovering. 

 Grandpa saved the day by letting you stay with him for the rest of the day!  I rushed to get you after school and you fell asleep during the 7 minute ride home.  You remained asleep for the next 2 hours until I woke you up for dinner!  That procedure really kicked your butt and now I'm hesitant to allow you to have nitrous again.

 Everyone woke up fit and ready to go the next day so we finished the week strong.  

Now who do I have to talk to about making this 4-day-week concept more permanent?!

Week 6/52

Dearest Boys,

While my "photo-a-day" mission failed, I do have multiple pictures -- and stories -- from our week.

Saturday was a big deal!  Colt, you went to your very first soccer practice!  Parents were quick to notice that you're almost a full head taller than your teammates and inquire about your birthday.  You showed zero signs of being timid/shy/nervous and ran all over the field.

 

Saturday also happened to be your first soccer game with your new team, Jackson!  Someone snapped some shots for your team's facebook page and I got a kick (pun totally intended) out of your signature "tongue of determination"!

Your team won with a score of 2-0 and you scored one of those goals!!!!  We just had to celebrate with dinner out with the Fletchers.

The Vaughns were kind enough to host all the Stephamilies at their house for the Super Bowl on Sunday.  We tested the limits of their new couch as we watched my boyfriend the greatest quarterback in history win his second championship ring.

Later, we got down to business - the tooth brushing business.  Turns out, Colt, you have your first cavity : (  Dad, being the Sonicare believer that he is, bought you two your own expensive brushes so you can be like him (& hopefully we can avoid any more of those dental reports!).

Mother Nature has been in a fabulous mood lately and you, Jax, have wanted to play outside as much as possible.  Well, you've recently made friends with a new boy that lives just down the street and you often bike to his house or play outside together.  I didn't want to be the creepy, picture-taking mom to the new kid so I secretly snapped this one of y'all the other day.

Not long after that covert mission, his dad came over to tell him it was time to return home.  Since we'd never met the man, I didn't want to be rude so I had to invite him in.  And this is how our living room looked as we stood there making small talk.

  And that was the time I learned my lesson the hard, embarrassing way.  Listen to your wise mother, children:  If nothing else, keep your living room & guest bathroom clean.  Either that, or never answer your front door (probably what I'll do from now on).

Anyway...the week wrapped up with another soccer practice and you killed it, Colton!

How cute are you as you dribble around those cones?!  Precious!!

You were equally as precious one night at Jackson's soccer practice.  I was sitting in the car reading a book and you were getting out of the car to go play.  I said, "Have fun & be safe." and you replied with, "Keep reading but try not to get car sick." 

It's the little things, my funny boys!

Week 5/52

Dearest Jax & Colton,

I knew this week would be a-ok because we started it with ice cream for dinner.  Dad had to work late on Friday night, so we stopped by the frozen yogurt shop on the way to soccer practice. 

 Saturday had us back at the baseball fields after a 2 month hiatus.  Jax, you and about two dozen other little boys tried out for a brand new team.  The organization that you've played baseball with for your entire "career" has created a premiere team.  According to their website, this team is "for those seeking more advanced play than recreational baseball but not yet ready for select ball."  Considering that you're already committed to one select sport, we're thinking this could be the perfect fit for you.  And looks like we'll find out soon enough - because YOU MADE THE TEAM!  : ) 

 

The weekend weather was spectacular!  Grandma came over for a brisk walk and then cooled down by helping you, Colt, with a school project.

The Vaughns treated us to another yummy meal at their house on Monday night.

But you were hard at work the next night!  Colt, you wrote the names of each of your classmates on valentines and did a great job!

Another sign of a great week:  new shoes!  I think we might be the exception, but the way we do it is that y'all only own 3 or 4 pairs of shoes at any one time (not counting shoes for soccer/baseball).  Of those, one pair consists of tennis shoes and you wear them every day to school.  This lifestyle choice leads to shoes wearing out every few weeks so we literally buy new shoes about once a month.  This time, you picked out your first pair of Chuck Taylors!  Adorable.  And perfect for forcing us to teach you shoe-tying!

The week ended with a fun surprise!  Dad was your school's Watch D.O.G. (The Watch DOGS program stands for Dad Of Great Students.) for the day so he got to spend the entire day with you at school!  #jealousmommy