Running for Carrots?

Yes, you read the the title correctly. Yesterday I was making soup when I got a text from Sarah asking me if I wanted to go for a run with her in spirit (she loves 2 hours away). I said sure (why not? I didn't have to do anything besides encourage her). So I gave her a few encouraging word and got a text back from her telling me that I had to run too. Huh? I was warm, dry, warm and in the middle of making soup. But, I got dressed, put on my running shoes and was on my way to Sobie Meats to get some carrots for my next soup recipe. I can only imagine what people who drove past me thought when they saw me running in the cold and snow with a bag of carrots. Lol.  It was my first time running in the cold (15ish') and snow covered roads. It was a bit tricky, but much more fun than the treadmill.  So long story short, I ran the 2.25 miles round trip and got the carrots.  I'm thankful for Sarah who pushed me to get out and run. And it was her first run since this summer. Good for her!! It's good to have someone to hold me accountable and encourage me to run. 

And we sent pictures to each other to prove we ran. 

This is after sledding and running today.

Sledding

So these pictures were uploaded backwards, but you'll get the idea anyways. We went sledding yesterday with our neighbors. There is a great sledding hill at Union High School, which happens to be right by our old house. Mark and I have only been sledding once in the 14 years we've been together. He told me that that was the only time he's been sledding. I digress... The snow had finally stopped and it warmed up (to 15') so we headed out. The kids weren't sure what to think of sledding. There's a picture of Erin that says it all. She went down twice and then decided that she didn't like sledding. I wasn't surprised. She liked watching and then finally decided that she would sled on her bottom. She's all about being in control and I totally get that so I don't force her to do something she is not comfortable with.  So she and I hung out while Will, Mark, Ben, Cameron, Stacie and Jack were sledding. 

Going down the hill is fun, but the climb back up is a beast. The hill is steep and then you add 30lbs of dead weight and its exhausting to go up the hill. We lasted about an hour and then headed home to play outside some more. Cameron's family came over for some soup dinner and the kids always have fun playing together. It was a great afternoon with our neighbors. 

This is how Erin decided she liked to sled. 

Will had fun, but he didn't want his face to get covered in snow. 

After we went down the hill. 

She's so excited...lol 

Crystal Mountain

We are now at Crystal Mountain with Mark's family. We celebrated Christmas together on Dec 27. We don't have any snow on the ground (there is some on the hill) and it was 45' and pouring rain when we arrived yesterday. We've spent a lot of time hanging out in the house. Erin wanted to go skiing with daddy and Will wanted to go to the pool with me. So we were able to spend some one on one time with them today. Will was so excited to go to the pool that we couldn't get ready fast enough. Erin told me that she did a good job of skiing and that daddy taught her a new way to ski by putting her hands on her knees. I love seeing her so excited about skiing. 

We've been having fun with everyone and chasing baby Austin (who is 1) around. I forgot how busy one year olds are. I am quickly reminded of why I didn't have a compete conversation with anyone for about two years.  

Grandma and Grandpa skied with daddy and Erin today. 

He wouldn't stand still long enough to take a picture. 

Last night we were able to get a babysitter at the last minute and go to the Vista to watch the Outer Vibe play. It was a fun night out and I'm glad we got to go. 

Here are a few pictures from the past years at Crystal. 

Christmas Day

We arrived at G & G's house around noon. W and E had no trouble knowing what to do with the presents. They quickly ran to the pile under the tree and wanted to open the presents. Thankfully, G and G were good about letting the kids open presents first. They got fun toys and some clothes too. 

We were able to spend another Chrostmas at my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Ron's house. The kids are all growing so quickly and the boys and Kylie were so good with W and E. Will was a little shy at first, but quickly warmed up after we opened some presents. Then he and Erin had a lot of fun playing with their big cousins. And I think the big cousins had fun playing with the little kids. And I enjoyed being able to sit with the adult and visit. We spent a few hours visiting and caching up. 

Erin and Joseph 

We're all wearing our new Christmas sweatshirts. 

Will and grandpa made is breakfast the next morning. Grandpa was starting to make breakfast and Will ran into the kitchen to see what grandpa was doing. He had to help because Will loves to cook!

Christmas Morning

This Christmas has been magical. The kids understand the idea of Christmas, Santa and all that goes with it. Erin was asking for a Snow Glow Elsa (from the movie Frozen). It sounded like she was asking for a Snowglobe Elsa so I'm glad figured out what she was asking for. Will wanted an orange dragon. Those were the only toys they were asking for from Santa. 

On Christmas morning, the kids were up at 7:30 after daddy played Christmas music to wake them up. They were a little sleepy and unsure of what to do, but they soon figured it out. 

Erin opened her first present, a fork and spoon set, and she promptly threw it across the room, sprawled out on the floor and started to cry because it wasn't a Snow Glow Elsa. Erin was not happy. Will suggested that she try a bigger box and he handed her the biggest one he could find. She opened it up and was shrieking with excitement because it was Elsa!! Her voice was high pitch because she was so excited. It was fun to watch her open her present. Thank goodness Santa was able to get Elsa in his sleigh. 

Will was excited to see the orange dragon in the Christmas tree. Santa wrapped half of it and put him in the tree. Will opened another box and that has what is now known as 'scary dragon' in it. Santa brought him two dragons! What a lucky boy! 

Will quickly opened his pile of gifts and stocking gifts. He had fun playing with everything. Erin took her time and really seem to enjoy opening each present. 

After we played for a few hours, it was time to pack up and head to Grandpa Paul and Grandma Connie's house. 

Instagram Pictures

These were the ladies that I trained and ran my half marathon with in September. 

Fire fighter Willy to the rescue!! 

Waiting in line at Aavra's gymnastics party in August. We didn't plan to dress them alike sometimes it just happens. 

Will and Erin thought they were so funny 'driving' (or as Will says 'sriving) the van. They laughed and laughed and laughed. 

Will and Blueberry were camping with grandma Melanie. 

This boy loves to bake and eat the batter. 

Erin and Stinky are twins! And yes, you read that correctly, her Bitty Baby is named Stinky. :-) 

So pretty! 

Erin was so excited to decorate the house and set up the tree. If you look closely you'll notice that Will has turned the ornament box into a ramp for his cars. 

She was ready to go to Meijer.