January wrap-up

January! Always nice to have new starts and the first month of the year is definitely time for those. We had some snow, we had some ice, the kids played basketball, and we soldiered forward with the renovation in our house - more info on this soon.

We went out to dinner as a small group:

The kids got to go to Wagster's Magical Theater with our wonderful neighbors!

Chris and the kids went and raked leaves for Gaby one day.

Jane got to go ice skating with a friend for a birthday party:

Ben and Rosie had their annual doctor check up:

Rosie looking like a tweenager...

We went to a Tribe game or two...

We had a game night for a friend's 40th birthday:

The month ended much as it started - cold! Onward to more cold weather in February!

Texas

Eric, Lauren, Mom, and I got the opportunity to head to Texas in January to see Grammy and Opa! We went last year and had such a great time hanging out with them, seeing their new (at the time) digs, and hearing stories. I was glad we were able to make another trip this year because apparently they may be moving into another apartment in the months to come!

We did lots of puzzling..

We played several rounds of Yahtzee - one of which I got a double Yahtzee in!

Went to Chuy's and China King to get out while we were there - both delicious!

We took a stroll around their building to hear some of the gossip and meet some of the adorable local pets.

We got to be guest visitors at the memoir class:

Every visit with these wonderful grandparents is such a gift.

On the way back to the airport we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Craft 64 and stopped at White Rock Lake to stretch our legs before hopping on the plane.

It was a lovely trip to see my grandparents. I am so grateful for the time we get to spend with them!

Skiing

The kids have been asking to go skiing for years! Chris has never been on skis before and I also haven't spent much time on skis, so we knew we would have to do a lesson. We decided this was the year to try it. Most lessons were for ages 8-12, so since all the kids fit into that window, we decided to go for it. We went for a day trip to Bryce Mountain. 

It was a loooong drive up:

We started out slow with a lesson on one ski:

And then hit the bunny slope/carpet lift:

After the lesson we took a quick lunch break.

Everyone was feeling optimistic on the bunny slopes:

Because of that we decided to hit the chair lift to the green circles. Honestly, the first time down was a complete disaster. Everyone fell off the lift, then fell on the narrow path to get to the green blocking the slope for everyone, and then fell at least once more (and Ben more than once more). There were tears. I felt regret. 

Then at the bottom of the slope a miracle happened and everyone wanted to go again!

Ben didn't fall a single time on his second run on the real slope. There was even an incident where Ben didn't make the lift in time and they didn't stop it. A very nice lady skiied up and hopped on the lift with him to my great relief. We had many dropped poles, disconnected skis, tears, and successes. 

There were no major injuries. Ben sadly ended on a bad note, but since everyone wants to go again I would call it a huge success!

First time skiing for all, hopefully with many more trips in the future: