Montana cont....

The sun was out almost everyday.

It made everything that much better.

We took a break from sledding one day to take advantage of the giant soccer/ baseball field the lake could be used as.

 Everywhere we went it looked like a train wreck of stuff.

It was also a perfect canvas for these little artist

Can't forget to do Colin's math homework

And Emilie's writing homework.

Emilie did so good learning how to play baseball.

Flat surface + boogie board = super fast flat ground sledding

Most of the toys we played with all week are the same toys we platy with all summer.

He is such a great teacher.

He did not get his patience from me.

To make it easier on us at the end of week we left the water off.

If we didn't have the amazing neighbors that we have it would not have been possible.

Their kindness and generosity made it possible because I would take all of these containers over at least once a day to gather water and do dishes.

We would put food out every morning for the birds.

Molly loved it!

I would also like to give a big thanks Vino Solo...

I put the camera down long enough to take a few runs.

Growing up I never wore a helmet. Should have but didn't.

I thought on this sledding trip it would be a good idea since we where an hour from medical help and I'm getting old.

We finally got some trucks for our little guy.

The last two days it snowed and snowed.

That snow falling from the sky made a perfect ending to our week.

It was really hard to leave and say goodbye to the quiet, privacy and freedom.

It was really nice to get home to family, friends and running water.

February...Really?

There is so much that I need to put on this little 'ole blog.

Winter storm, Emilie's birthday, etc. 

Instead of trying to get all of that on here this morning I am going to just go with the most recent and extremely fun adventure that we just got home from.

Good bye Washington

Hello Montana!

Its hard to believe that the lake we spend our summers on becomes....

A perfect snowy wonderland.

It was just what this little family needed

It was also what Emilie wanted for her birthday.

To see real snow and the lake frozen.

One of the many things I forgot was this little city dogs snow shoes.

By mid day his right paw was leaving bloody tracks.

He hated the gloves going on but I think he secretly loved them.

The main reason for our 10 hour drive was sledding.

It was awesome!

Doug did everything he could to make that sledding hill perfect.

Growing up we never wore helmets sledding. 

Should have, but didn't.

Being out at the cabin, which is an hour from medical help made me a little a lot nervous.

Helmet  up kiddos!

Colin also lost his loose tooth the first night at the cabin

The tooth fairy left him a box of pop tarts.

That was sure nice of her to come out to the middle of nowhere.

This one turns 15 3 in a week.

How is that possible?

We spent one sunny day over at turtle cove.

Much easier walking the half mile then the summer way of paddling over.

I have no idea how I survived before our S'well bottles.

Hot cocoa for the kiddos that stays hot all day and hot cocoa/creme de cocoa for mama that stays hot all day. 

Not all day, its gone pretty darn fast.

Even on a flat surface this family can find a way to sled.

Enjoying the view with my cocoa.

Another thing I forgot was trucks for Colin.

Thankfully trains have wheels and also enjoy the snow.

Reason 1,040,8000 that Max is the best dog in the world.

He loves to ride on the sled.

Funny dog....

Much, much more to come later.

Right now I need to fix breakfast and try to remember how to get Colin and Emilie ready for school.

I am really missing those lazy mornings in Montana.

My favorite moments from christmas

I can't believe this magical fun time of year is over.

These three little kiddos are at the perfect age for the magic.

Every morning I would have a wrapped Christmas book for each of them to open and a little treat or craft for them to enjoy while I made breakfast.

How could you not love December?

This was my favorite craft. They unwrapped the gingerbread house kit on the 22nd and where in pure sugar rush heaven all day.

I eventually had to put it up high and out of reach from the Queen of sugar, Molly.

This was the funnest craft to watch her do.

She really took an interest in those cute little snowman cutouts.

I tried making peppermint marshmallows this year.

They are surprisingly yummy.

Once again Colin and I where the only two people still awake on Christmas eve.

It has become our little secret tradition.

Its a nice quiet time for us to chat while he writes a super sweet note to Santa and we decide what things he should leave out for Santa to see.

Molly was more amazed by the magical footprints left behind then the presents he left behind.

Once everything was torn open it was time for eggs and cinnamon rolls.

Yummy!

Up late and early to rise makes for a very sleepy/bitter Molly.

She is still so cute.

Time to build.

Once we where done lounging at home we headed north to my sisters.

It was the perfect afternoon. 

The kiddos spent most of the day outside riding their new bikes.

And sweet Emilie would sneak in every once in awhile to help me make noodles.

Molly's bike this year was a smoke-in fast stroller.

Emilie's gift from us was my favorite.

She got her very own Canon camera.

I love up-loading them at the end of the day to see what she sees.

Here are some of my favorites.

Emilie was the only one that took a picture of the advent calender that our amazing friend Samantha gave them.

She even captured the yummy, goodness of our cinnamon rolls.

Love this one so much. 

Thank you Emilie!!

And this one of Colin and Grammy.

My Christmas cactus bloomed on Christmas day this year.

That is pretty damn special. It has never bloomed before Jan. 1st.

Thank you Christmas Cactus.

Colin's favorite gift.

It has been 3 days since Christmas and he is still playing with it non stop.

Emilie woke up this morning with the stomach flu so going to the store was out of the question which made this little helicopter pilot very happy.

That meant more air time for him.

And lots of games for all of us. 

This LEGO game was a ton of fun.

But molly played my favorites with me. 

Connect 4 and princess memory game.

Tomorrow is another day closer to the new year.

Time is going way too fast.