How to waste time when your husband is out of town.

And some random thoughts:

I cut Isaac's hair. This is usually Jeff's department, but the length and stick-uppiness was making me crazy. I stuck him in the high chair and buzzed away while Anna fed him at least two packets of fruit snacks. I was really proud of myself until we went outside the next day and the sun pointed out all the spots I had missed.

I ran a ten-minute mile this week. I haven't done that since the good ol' SUU soccer days. It felt good. Too bad my waist hasn't followed suit. BOO to slowing metabolism.

Wrangling two kids myself at church was...interesting. Thankfully, I have great friends who helped me out during all three blocks since I had to teach primary this week. (Thanks, guys!)Isaac will enter nursery in two weeks. I'd like to say that I can't believe he's already 18 months and my baby is growing up, blah blah blah. But honestly, I can't wait to throw him in there and shut the door behind me. I really miss going to Sunday School and Relief Society. I'll be glad to have a little spiritual nourishment from church meeting again.

It snowed twice in the last week. It's also been in the high 60's a couple of times. Crazy Colorado. I have, surprisingly, enjoyed the snow this go around. Maybe it's the promise that it won't stay long. It's been really beautiful, though. I love a super snowy day followed by a sunny warm day. Melty snow, blue skies, and crisp air make me happy.

Anna has been a little under the weather so the humidifier has been next to her bed the last few nights. She told me yesterday she just loves to have it on so she can keep her hands and feet warm. I asked her what she meant. She led me to her room and demonstrated how she first puts each hand over the steam and then lays back and puts each foot over the steam until they warm up. "I even wake up in the middle of the night and do it, Mom." Silly girl.

Thank You, Chick-Fil-A.

Balloons are the best. The kiddos were entertained by these most of the day. I tied Isaac's to his wrist. It bobbed along behind him wherever he went.

Swimming Lessons

(One of the many, many thumbs up Anna gave me during the session.)

Anna finished her first session of swimming lessons. Thankfully we ended on a really high note with Anna begging to take more lessons. I wasn't so sure she would want to because near the midpoint of the session she hit a major roadblock with putting her face in the water. She's still not a huge fan of it, but is willing to try.


Her favorite parts of lessons were doing small and big kicks during a game called Red Light, Green Light, floating on her back, and doing arm circles. I loved every minute of watching her in a new environment. After each skill she worked on she would turn to me and give me a big thumbs up, which I would return. She did this every time, every lesson. Loved, loved it!

Practicing kicks with teacher, Melissa.

The last day of lesson the kids got to go down the big water slides and play with water toys. They also received a report card with a message from their teacher. Anna carried hers around with her all the next day and asked me to read the message over and over until she pretty much had it memorized and could say it herself.

Another Saturday Post

We were up to our usual antics this Saturday, running around town, getting some good eats, and playing with the kids. I happened to have my camera with me, so the day was well documented.

This is quite possibly my favorite photo of the day. Anna's undies sticking out is still killing me.

After our usual Benny's fair, we returned/exchanged a couple of things at Cherry Creek Mall and stopped at their breakfast themed play area. Anna ran around gobbling up the food and Isaac ran around shoving kids and bullying babies. I did my best to keep up while leaving a trail of apologies behind me.

Next up was our favorite ice-cream shop, Bonnie Braes. It was a beautiful day, in the 60's, so ice-cream was perfect. Anna insisted on Vanilla. Because we couldn't get that flavor just anywhere, you know. I branched out a little further and tried the Lemon Custard. Yum. I love that the have itty bitty cones, just perfect for the Buds.

Finally, we stopped by Bass Pro Shops so Jeff could try on waders and dream about future fishing expeditions. They had a bunch of exhibits set up for the kids. We made t-shirts, practiced casting, and tested all the toys.

VAIL VALLEY

Jeff was finally able to take a day snowboarding. It was sadly his one and only time riding the mountains this season. He headed up to Vail with some work friends and had an amazing time.

One of the best things was riding multiple lifts to the summit of the resort. It's there they have grills, tables, and an incredible view for those who want to pack in lunch. The guys did just that and had a brat roast on top of the mountains.

Jeff returned home a little sore and little sunburned, but oh-so-satisfied. I don't think there is much better than pushing yourself to the physical limit while doing something you love. And the hot shower after...the best.

According to Jeff this picture doesn't do the view justice.

Todd at the lodge.

Chad and Jeff.

At the summit.

David, Jacob, Chad, Steve, Phil, and Todd

5280 Date Night

It's no secret that I love food. So the 5280 Restaurant Week is right up my alley. Amazing restaurants all over the city offer tasting menus at $52.80 for a couple. After a couple of hours (not kidding) of scouring the possible options and menus we decided on sushi. We were not disappointed with our decision. After the first two course of pork dumplings and soup we were brought this monstrosity.



It's a boat. Full of fresh sushi. Heavenly.

I love you, March. Post-Edit

It's 55 degrees here today and we are doing our best to soak it up.

The kids and I headed out the front door to play on the patch of grass/rock pile/sidewalk that is our front yard. Blessed sun shone down and we took in all the vitamin D we could.

Isaac was grateful to wander to his heart's content while Anna and I drew hopscotch squares. We found a perfect little nest in the pine tree down the way. Both kids practiced throwing rocks at the fence.

It was an hour of perfection. And to be honest, I don't feel like I have to many of those moments in my day-to-day life.

It was nice.

Post-Edit: After reading this post again today, I feel like I need to clarify my tone. I don't want to come off as though my days are without happy and loving moments. It is just rare that we all are engaged at the same time, in the same place and without some sort of tears, bumps, whines or shoves. I am grateful and happy to be able to spend my days with such lovable kiddos.