Karlito Ski Day #6

It's hard to believe this is the 6th Karlito Ski Day.  I've been without my dear grandpa for 5 years.  As painful as it is to have him gone, this annual celebration makes me feel like he's still close by.  Hank and Sam didn't want to ski, so Randy and I took Max.  It was so fun to give Max our undivided attention for a change.  As you can see from this picture, we've had a pretty weak snow year.  I've never seen the conditions so dismal at Sundance.  We didn't let that stop us from having a great day.

Grandma Jackie hasn't made it up to the slopes all year.  I'm so glad she got to see Mino in action.

After our first run, Max asked me if Riley and Larry could help him learn how to ski better.   I love that Max is so teachable.  He really listens to instruction and really wants to learn.  I knew he was in good hands with Riley.

I witnessed a little Karlito Day magic.  Grandpa would be so proud.  It only took a couple runs with Riley before Max was making awesome turns and skiing with more control.

All his hard work earned him a gigantic cookie with dad.

Randy and I very rarely get to spend an entire day with just one of our kids.  It was such a treat to have Max with us.

He's such a fun, easy going, energetic kid.  His one liners are priceless.

I failed to get a big group shot this year.  Here are some of the people in attendance.  Randy, Max, Phil, Ryan, Becky, mom, and me (taking the picture).  Hayley, Riley, Logan, Wyatt, Grant, Monet, Lucca and Larry also skiied with us all day.  I don't get to spend that much time with my cousins anymore but the memories come flooding in when we are skiing at Sundance.  We had so many good times together with grandpa when we were kids.  It was so fun to reminise on the lift.

Hank and Sam came up to the tailgate party later with my dad.  Sam found a buddy right away.

Here's the next generation of skiers!

Grandpa's presence could be felt by everyone as we continue the traditions he started.  I miss him every day but I'll never forget the things he taught me.  Spending quality time with the family is the most important thing you can do.  I hope I'm making you proud gramps, wherever you are.

Disney on Ice

A few weeks ago, Jeri asked if Sam and I wanted to go to Disney on Ice with Jenni and Lennon.  Since our recent trip to Disneyland, Sam can't stop talking about all his favorite guys and Lennon is his best girl so I told her we were in!  We met at Jeri's before the show and these two were dressed to impress.  Sam wasn't quite sure what to expect out of the show.  He was concerned it might be scary.

Once we found our seats, his fears subsided.  He couldn't wait for it to start!

It was so sweet of Jeri to take all of us.  As you can see from the following pictures, Lennon and Sam were loving every second of it.

Three years old is such a magic age.  Everything is so new, so exciting, and so real.  If only I could see everything through his eyes.  

His cotton candy came with this amazing Mickey hat which he insisted on wearing.

Of course the Nightmare Before Christmas part was his favorite.

All the various villains from Disney films came out to skate with Jack.

Lennon passed out from all the excitement.

Sam hogged all the popcorn.

It was such an entertaining show.  He couldn't take his eyes off it and neither could I.  We had such a great time.

My Disney loving boyfriend.  Stay 3 forever, ok buddy.

Basketball Season Wrap-Up

These studs finished up a very successful basketball season.  They played their little hearts out every single game and really improved over the course of the season.  There was never a dull moment when watching these boys play.  They are aggressive, scrappy, and fiercely competitive, not to mention great little athletes.

Such incredible support as always.  Sarah even came on her birthday which deserved some extra love from me.  Brett was not amused.

My little Hank-man is growing up right before my eyes.  I can't believe it.

They made it to the semi-finals in the Dimple Dell League where they lost to a really great team.  They should be so proud of how well they played.

Again, incredible support.  It's such an effort to come to all his games and we appreciate it so much.

Lucy and Isabel came to almost every single Salt Lake game.  Hank is so lucky to have such awesome cousins.

And lets not forget his sweet bro's.  Max and Sam really look up to Hank. 

I've noticed the boys playing basketball together more.  Hank is helping Max with his lay ups.

I can see so much improvement in Max's skills.  It's so fun to see them bond though sports.  Basketball is my favorite to watch so I'm sad the season is over.  Luckily he has a few more games next month since he's playing in a March league!

Sarah's Unforgettable Birthday Party

I don't typically blog about birthdays other than my little families but I have to make an exception for my little sis.  Not only is she my best friend but her birthday party was pretty damn epic.

My mom had all of us over for dinner before Sarah's birthday party.  This tender moment between Grandpa and Max has to be documented.

My dad shooting a rat out the window also needs to be documented.  Redneck much?  The boys were amazed.  Sarah had no clue what was in store for her after cake and ice cream.  Brett had asked all of us to prepare a lip sync number weeks before the party.  My family is seriously the best.  I don't think grandma and grandpa will ever get over it.

Randy kicked off the program with a heartfelt rendition of "You've Lost that Loving Feeling" by the Righteous Brothers.

My dad lip synced a Curt Wankier original birthday tune. 

He recruited some pretty cute back up dancers.

Dan killed his awkward inappropriate song. 

Grandma Jackie had us crying with laughter as she danced and sang "All About that Bass."

The song choice was pretty fitting seeing how my mom has such a big "bass".

It took everything in me to remain in my seat as Kate performed "Young Guns".

No fair she gets to use the cutest back up singers around.

Lucy knocked it out of the part with an MJ song.  I was so glad I decided against doing Michael Jackson after watching her amazing dance moves.

Brett picked some Marvin Gaye to sing to his dear wifey.

Only Izzy would pick a Kenny Loggins jam.  So genius.

I mean, I sorta went for it as you can see.  The obvious song choice was "Tainted Love" since it holds sentimental meaning for me and Sar.  I love her doing the actions on the chair. 

I had no idea I'd have such stiff competition.  Our family represented.  Too bad I couldn't get my kids to participate.  Maybe this needs to be a birthday tradition so they can next time.  I would do anything for my sweet Sarah.  She does so much for me and my family.  My sanity would for sure be in jeopardy without her mug.  It was a night to remember.  Happy Birthday little sis, sure love you!