Best Snow on Earth!

We took the whole family skiing for the first time last Saturday. Well, first time for Luke and the first time we've all gone together. It was so much fun!!! Luke said, "Mom, I REALLY like skiing." He didn't quite get the hang of it, but did like standing between our legs and flying down the hill. So, it looks like we have one of every level. Scott and Jackson love the black runs. Jackson lives for jumps and paths through the trees. He's a speed demon and Scott was sore the next day from keeping up with him. Jackson pretty much meets Kaitlyn and I at the bottom of the hill. I'm a blue/green run girl. I haven't skiied in fourteen years--embarassing, I know. I wasn't that good to begin with, so it's taking me a few runs to get back into it. Kaitlyn can do blues, but prefers greens. She kept saying all the way down a long blue run "Mom, I don't want to do this one again." In all honesty, she was doing fabulous, so I'm not quite sure what her deal was.

The thing I loved most about the entire day was we spent it together! Luke is finally old enough to go do things with the rest of us and I'm loving it. Even if we are all at different levels, we still spent the afternoon at the resort together. It reminded me of Legoland last summer. It was the first time EVER we were ALL able to go on ALL the rides. How cool is that?

Sunday afternoons

I love Sundays. I know many people who would disagree with me. I love the predictability and routine of it all. I love going to church and being with my friends and people who love me. I love recentering (is that a word?) my priorities. I love seeing my kids in their nice clothes--who doesn't love a four-year-old in his dress pants, button down shirt and tie? He's just too stinkin' cute! I love coming home with my cute family and eating grilled cheese and tomato soup. I especially look forward to the afternoon when the kids have quiet time and I have a nap. I love having a day off TV/computers/Wii. I know, I'm a mean mom. There is something so sweet about listening to your kids play together in the basement. They get along so much better when the options don't include anything that plugs in. I love going to Scott's parents for dinner. Talk about predictability and tradition. Every week it's roast (beef or pork), mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and roll. Sometimes they push the envelope and have a turkey or pot roast. I doubt I will ever attempt a pot roast. Rich is king at this, and no one will ever top his pot roast. It would be insulting to even try because he has so perfected it. I love the peacefulness of the entire day. No errands to run, no laundry to do, no carpools, no gym (although I should after dinner. I calculated the calories one time. That wasn't smart. I really should just enjoy it and have a second roll with butter and Rich's homemade raspberry jam.). The house is generally messy because it really is my day off. Nap or cleaning the bathroom? Duh! I don't have to think about which one I choose.

Anyone? Anyone?

Does anyone ever read my blog? Or is it just for me to ramble on and post pictures of my family?

Tonight Scott came home with roses for me--just because! I was so thrilled! He said it gets him off the hook for next month, Valentine's Day. He knows I'd rather get them now, for no other reason than he loves me and was thinking about me on an otherwise ordinary day. I'm one lucky girl.

Christmas Traditions

We made it downtown to Temple Square this year to see the lights. It was cold as usual, but not too crowded, which was great. The one thing I will remember is the homeless man we walked past as we walked into Temple Square. Kaitlyn started crying because she was so upset he was there in the cold, with no home and presumably no food. She just couldn't get over it. I told her we'd make blankets and take to the homeless shelter the next week. She just kept asking, "Well, what about that man? What will he do right now?" She was so upset over it Scott finally had to take her back and give him some money. She was okay after that, but it still left an impression on all of us the rest of the evening.


They only light what we call "The Cranberry Tree" every other year, so we were so excited to see it was on "on" year.
Walking down Main Street
Every year, Nana and Bapa have a big family dinner with Santa. Mrs. Clause came too. Santa was amazing in his knowledge of each child. He knew what things they were good at and what things they need to work on a little (like having a good attitude and doing what you are asked the first time). It was, as usual, a fun evening for all.

The kids all slept in Jackson's bed Christmas Eve.

New Christmas jammies!!!

Monster Mash!

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Fall is here!

We spent the last couple of weekends at the cabin in Midway. Two weekends ago, the colors were AMAZING! I don't think I've ever seen leaves that vibrant. It was the most beautiful day and we spent pretty much any daylight playing outside. Last weekend the colors were slightly muted, but still brilliant. I took the kids to two different spots to take their pictures. The first place we went is the commemorative bridge that's along the bike/walking path between Midway and Heber. The second place we stopped was this great old red barn in Midway. I'm surprised at how well most of the pictures turned out. I did have to take Jackson back later on for another shoot because I'm not good at taking pictures of him without getting a reflection on his glasses. It was a good sign of what Jackson as a teenager will be like. He was so irritated with me that I was taking him back. It was the biggest, "Oh, Mommmmm...get over it!" moment. I had to chuckle. He's still bugging me that I took seven (only!) more pictures when I told him I would only take three. Oh well. I'm the mom. Isn't it my job to bug him?

September Races

Jackson competed in his first triathalon ON HIS 10TH BIRTHDAY, no less. He smoked 'em, especially on the bike leg. He came in 8th in his age division (9-14)...not bad!! I think he really enjoyed it. It was well organized and fun to watch all the kids compete.

Last Saturday I ran a marathon relay with four of my friends. It was such a fun morning! The weather was perfect, although it got a little hot by the end. I was glad I was third. The chill was gone from the early morning, but not nearly as warm as the last leg of the race. Thanks to Jeanette, Karen, Stephanie and Raphael! We really were the Hot Holladay Mamas! Can't wait to do it again next year! Maybe we really can attack the Wasatch Back next summer! As long as I don't get Ragnar at 2 a.m, I'm in for it. In any case, if this race had been a Boston qualifier, we'd be in. Too bad that one isn't a relay!