I remember Christmas Break as a kid seeming like it lasted forever. As an adult, it has flown by. We've spent a fair amount of time simply sleeping in, and taking a break from the daily grind. I've been able to sneak in a few beautiful runs outside when the weather and air quality both cooperate. This picture was taken on the Jordan River trail while I was running one morning. Absolutely breathtaking.
Hank had a game up in Salt Lake to kick off our break. I mistakenly sat in the other teams cheering section. That won't happen again unless I feel like beating people up. No one messes with my #99! Other than that game, Hank had a much needed break from practice and games.
We took the kids to the movie "Frozen" and it was the first movie Sam has watched from start to finish in the same seat. It was awesome. We decided to keep the Frozen theme and take the kids ice skating later that day.
I just had to put ice skates on Sam when I found out they had his size. It was short lived but amazing while it lasted.
Grandma Jackie's ice skates were short lived as well. She opted to not break a hip that night. Thank you for watching Sam while I got my skate on mom!
Max was in a great mood and ready to learn how to skate. I forgot how hard, and dangerous ice skating is.
Lucy and Isabel got the hang of skating pretty quick.
Max had some treacherous falls but he just kept on trying.
Sam preferred dry land and "Grandma Jackie".
Hank also took a few really hard falls and called it quits at least 5 times but he'd always come back out. I can't remember the last time he held my hand for that long. I think we need go ice skating more for just that reason.
Although it may not have been the safest activity I could've picked, we ended up having a great time. May I add that I kinda rock at ice skating? Perhaps I missed my calling.
On to our next winter adventure. Randy and I took the kids up to Brighton for our first ski date of the season. We had a rough start. We were too late for the morning ski lessons, Max's boots and ski's were way too small, and Hank flat out refused to go to ski school. After we rented Max some gear that fit, we took him and Hank up on the beginner hill. Max immediately wrecked hard and wouldn't get up for 10 minutes or longer. After some negotiating, he agreed to go down the mountain and we actually made some great progress. Just as I was complimenting Max, he noticed Hank and Randy getting on the lift ahead of us. He flipped out, took his helmet off and threw it on the ground, took his gloves off and started taking his skis off. This is all while we are in line to get on the lift. I removed him from the line, not calmly, and told him to sit in a snow bank until Randy and Hank came down. At this point I was wondering why I decided skiing needed to be a family activity of ours. I was exhausted, hungry and totally frustrated. It's times like these that I'm grateful to be married to Randy. He remained calm and fed the boys lunch and the next thing I knew, Max was getting ready to go to his ski lesson.
There was no talking Hank into going to a lesson so he stayed with Randy and I.
I have to admit that Hank really does ski well. I just wish he'd believe me when I tell him he doesn't need his edgie wedgie's anymore. Oh well. We had a couple great runs together and then wanted to spy on Max's progress.
We spotted Max in line holding his instructors hand. Melt my heart.
Then I watched him ski and I couldn't believe he was the same kid I struggled with earlier in the day.
He perfected his little snow plow and had so much control.
I don't know if I've ever been more proud of my little boy. His instructor told me he made the last two runs without his clamps and that he was totally ready to move up to a level 3! I'm so glad we stuck it out because it ended up being such a great day. My mom watched Sam for us and when we went to pick him up she had made us a delicious dinner. It was awesome.
Sam was in rare form when we got home. He wanted to wear his new underwear and eat mints.
Stop growing up Sammy Boy!
While I'm on the topic of Sam, he found a clip in my drawer the other day and wanted to wear it in his hair. I couldn't resist. He even told me to take a picture. I think this is what my little girl would've looked like. I better start saving now for the therapy this poor boy is going to need later in life.
He is always making us laugh!
Nothing like a BBQ-ing wolf.
Over the break, we've located 3 new binkeys. I'm afraid we've taken a giant step backwards in the binkey department. This habit is not going to be broken easily.
James gave Randy a Go Pro camera for Christmas and it has taken our sledding adventures to a whole new level. Although, I think they were tinkering with the camera more than they were sledding! Oh and there was that incident with the gorilla glue, hahaha! Randy is the best dad ever.
Hank struck this pose for me and then immediately told me I couldn't put it on instagram. He didn't say anything about me putting it on my blog though!
Randy and Max were ready to give Hank the ride of his life.
Hold on Hanksta!
Max also had a turn and held on like a pro!
After we had done every winter activity possible, I decided it was time to pretend it wasn't January and head to the pool.
Max was a little fish. He stayed in the pool the longest by far.
He mastered the underwater flip.
Jack and Sam were my little buddies. Sarah was occupied with Tucker so I got to take these little water rats for a bit. We had so much fun.
Hank had basketball practice for almost 2 hours before we went swimming so he was starving and wanting to go before Sam was ready. I've got to keep my diabetic fed!
After we polished off a pizza we headed to U-Swirl to complete our feast.
Hank loves him some fro-yo!
Sam's sugar coma was taking effect here.
My sisters and I gave my grandparents a dinner date with us for Christmas. It was a total self-serving gift. After we ate dinner we decided to head up to their house for a bit. I just can't get enough of these two.
Since my mom was out of town my dad joined us. I love watching him interact with his parents. Even though he is a 60 year old man, his parents still take care of him. In fact as we left, they asked him if he wanted to just spend the night there so he wouldn't be alone. So darling! I love these humans so very, very much.
We've had a great break from reality but unfortunately it's time to go back to our regular routine. My kids are going to have a rough time waking up for school tomorrow!
