President's Day

ON THE SLOPES!!

The Year of the Snake!

Our annual tradition is to celebrate Chinese New Year.  This time, we had the chance to to share the tradition with my niece Breea, who has never been before! 

 Even after all these years, Dawson is still a little shy when it comes to feeding

 the dragon the red envelope!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Hundred's Day

Happy 100's Day!  Most schools now celebrate the one hundredth day of school.  We even do it in second grade.  It's a way to celebrate what has been learned since the beginning of the school year!  Dawson's class had lots of writing to do along with bringing in 100 of something.  She picked Twizzler Sticks!  The best part about her licorice is that she didn't share them at school, she wanted to bring them home and give them all to her sister Kennedy!  

 HMMM...she has been begging for a puppy for 3 years.  Do you think $100 will get her a puppy? 

 Here she is as a 100 year old lady.  I think she looks pretty good!

Her favorite toy of all is her blue teddy bear.  I love how she wished for 100 of them.  They look just like the one she has except for the colors are different.

 We are not big bee fans!  

And my favorite picture of all is this one.  I love how she showed herself running with lines by her shoes.  So creative!!!

Sunday Sledding

It was snowy, cold and a great day for some sled riding with some friends!  As you know, we live quite close to the national parks.  I would have to say we spend every season doing tons of park activities.  Today, we went to a huge hill to sled ride.  I had to think twice about going here because the hills are enormous and I was worried we would only get a few rides down due to the long walk up.  To my surprise, we were there for over 90 minutes!

The first run down!  Notice the two wearing goggles.  They insisted on wearing them.  

 Sometimes the ride was long and smooth...

 And sometimes there was a bump in the road......

 Every single time, these two asked for a huge push.  The faster the better!

 And the hard part....carrying the sled back up the hill.  

 As the day went by, we did get a few carry me pleases but, no one gave in.  The girls did all the walking!

Over and over again they girls changed sleds.  They loved going together and they loved going apart.

 What a super, duper day!  Friends, sledding, snow and just plain old fun!

Skiing On a Very Snowy Day

If you can't beat the weather, join the weather.  I don't think there are many sports that the whole family can do together besides skiing!  Anyone young and old can ski! This winter, Dawson decided she wanted to ski.  Now, as you know, I have been skiing for years but, one can never teach their own children anything....they just won't listen.  So after two lessons....(by someone else) she is off and skiing both the green and blue hills.  It was a very snowy, cold and windy day so I did my best with the pictures!

 Here she is off with her instructor.  I love the patience and dedication of her instructor...and she's super petite.  She's only 4'10" so she makes a great team with Dawson.   They are adorable together!

 She can ski completely on her own after two lessons but, prefers to hold the hand of her instructor all the time.  I have no idea why!  The instructor told me today that she is completely controlling the both of them as they ski down the hill.  

  Look at the great form!

Next week, I'm digging out my skis and joining in the fun.  Dawson and I will be skiing together.  I have to ski without poles so I can lift her up onto the ski lift....she's still too small to get on by herself!

Sledding

Three of my favorite things....a new camera, snow and Dawson!  With a perfect snowy day, we went to my brother's house to get in some snow fun.  There's always a boy around that house willing to play outside with Dawson!

First comes a snow angel.

 Next, comes the work to build a snowman.

 Some final touches.

 And the final project.

 When the snowman work was done, they headed to the backyard hill for some sledding.  This sled went crooked a lot so she shared her cousins sled instead!

 A neighbor friend came over to join in the fun!

 Dawson and her cousin Alex...keep in mind, he is 18 and still having a great time with his little cousin!

All three of them headed down the hill and boy did they go fast!  It was a great day filled with so much laughter and a ton of smiles!!!

SANTA WAS HERE!!!

Santa came and left a special sack for Dawson.  Was she ever surprised when she saw a big red sack filled with presents for her!!!  She really has been a good girl this year!

 It didn't take long to dig in and find out what all the presents were in the bag!

One of her favorite gifts....Chubby Bunny!

(named by Dawson)

An Ariel doll for Dawson and Alice in Wonderland doll for Bella.  

I wasn't sure which one Dawson liked better?

 After Santa presents, breakfast and some play time, we headed over to my mom and dad's house for more XMAS.  Here are all of the grandchildren together!

 Presents, presents and more presents!

Finally, another favorite...Butterscotch.  Santa forgot to bring it but, Grammy and Papa came through!

Merry Christmas 2012.