Snow Frenzy!

Since we have had one of the mildest winters I can remember, the last snow storm brought so much excitement.  Finally we could go to the mountains and enjoy the winter.  Max and I began the weekend with a drive up American Fork Canyon for a Bear Hollow field trip.  I thought Miss Molly had lost her mind when she decided to take 60 3-5 year old kids sledding.  I guess I should never doubt her because it was by far the most fun Max and I have ever had on a field trip.

We took Gracie in our car.  Max was totally jamming out to Michael Jackson the entire ride up.  She didn't know what to think about that!  I'm pretty sure she has no clue who Michael Jackson is.

Max was so excited to ride his sled.  I think he went up and down the hill nearly 15 times!

He even let me ride with him a couple times.

He only knocked down a few kids as he sped down the hill!

Miss Molly brought hot chocolate for everyone and Max discovered putting snow in his cup made the temperature just right.

Max looks pissed in this picture but I assure you he was not.  We had a blast together.  Being out in the fresh mountain air got me obsessed with going skiing.  It is my personal mission to teach my children how to ski.  Maybe it's the spirit of my Grandpa Karl pushing me.  On Saturday, Randy and I headed up to a second hand sporting good store to buy the kids ski's.  I also scored a new pair of boots and skis.

Max wasn't too excited about skiing until he tried the gear on.  He spent the rest of the night putting his boots on and snapping into his skis.  Hank was still a little unsure of the whole idea.

We headed up to Alta on Sunday afternoon to try them out.  Randy and I had no game plan.  Clearly, I need to work on my ski instruction skills!  I had no idea how much physical strength it takes to teach two small kids to ski.  We started on the rope tow but after a few failed attempts of getting up the hill we got on the lift.

Things got much better after that.  Hank is a natural.  I know with a little more instruction, he will take off.

Mino, wasn't quite sure what to make of the whole experience.  He had moments of loving it, as well as moments of complete break down.  

Hank loved it!  He had convinced himself that skiing was something he never wanted to try but quickly changed his mind after his first attempt.

Randy was on Max patrol and I took Hank-man.

As Hank and I rode up on the lift, the memories of Grandpa Karl on the ski hill came flooding to my mind.  I spent the entire ride up telling Hank stories about his great-grandpa on the slopes.  It made me a little teary seeing the boys decked out in their ski gear.  Grandpa would've loved to see that.  My goal for the day was to make sure they had fun.  Even though my ski instruction wasn't up to par, the kids had a good time and that's all that matters to me. 

Sam was well taken care of by Sarah, Jenni, and Grandpa Griff while we were enjoying the snow this week.  

Poor little buddy has been sick the last 2 days.  He's got a nasty cough, runny nose, and I'm sure and ear infection won't be too far away.  Watching a baby cough might be the most heart breaking thing ever.  He has his loving older brothers to thank for his illness.  I had all 3 boys in to see Dr.Weipert yesterday. 

Here are some pictures of Sam prior to his illness.  He is seriously chunking out.  He is busting out of his 3-6 month clothes as well as his size 2 diapers.  I love it!

He loves standing in the exersaucer.

We haven't really pushed the rice cereal eating yet.  He isn't having a problem putting on weight!

 

I watched Lennon for Jenni a few days ago and Sam was so happy to spend some quality time with his cousin.  She better watch out, he might roll over and crush her!