Getting out of Dodge

There are some things that you just can't do in the city.  Riding around on a 4-wheeler and towing a sled behind it is one of them.  The kiddos loved the snow we got last week and happily suited up in their snow gear to play in it.  The only downside was that the snow in our tiny backyard was packed down or rolled up into snowman parts in about 30 minutes flat.  So on Saturday we headed down south to Kyle's parents for some more snow fun.  Kyle got out his old 4-wheeler that he got in 7th grade and tied a sled to the back and the boys (all 3 of them) were happy as clams.

I love watching Kyle when we are down in Tumwater or anywhere out of the hustle and bustle of the big city.  It's his natural environment and he thrives in it.  The stresses and weights fall off and he comes alive.  He is tough and manly, and a kid again at the same time.  He wears camo, and shoots his bow, and introduces the boys to the adventures he had when he was their age.

My Wild Man

The boys could not get enough of the sled rides.  They were loving every minute of it, whether they were on the 4-wheeler with dad or behind it in the sled, or on their faces in a pile of powdery snow.  They had a BLAST!

All Smiles

just like dad

Isaiah's expressions... priceless

Mom even got in on the fun

Lizzy was not as into the loud, moving machine as her brothers.  More accurately she didn't want anything to do with it.  She was content to stick with her favorite past-time at Nana and Papa's; saying Hi to Lady the horse and getting lots of attention from Nana and Papa.  Kyle comes from good folk- we are blessed to feel so loved and spoiled when we go visit.  We love Nana and Papa! And we love getting out in the country a little, it is good for our souls!

I couldn't help myself from taking lots of pictures of this weekend's snow adventure.  Everyone was having so much fun!  I just can't resist the smiles and squeals of laughter, and the face plants into the snow.  My picture taking hand was freezing cold by the end but my heart was warm and full.

Long weekends- oh how I love thee!

Well folks, just a quick post tonight before I hit the sack.  I loved the long weekend but I am pooped!

Reason #1-  I've had a sore throat and cough for about a week now.  I don't know about you but coughing wears me out.  I think everyone in my house is ready for me to be done too.  To sooth the throat and stop the cough I've been drinking fluids nonstop, which means I've been visiting the bathroom nonstop.  Ugh!

Reason #2- We had a busy, fun filled weekend.  The cough couldn't put a damper on a visit from my parents.  The kids love it when they come for a "sleep-over" as Lukey calls it.  We were so glad they got to stay for two nights and the kids made the most of it by getting up nice and early to play.  (Although Isaiah came downstairs this morning and with a big stretch announced, "I was pretty tired so I decided to sleep in today"  It was 7:13am.)  We enjoyed some sun at the park, a big family dinner, a trip to Northwest Trek and lots of fun time together.  Kyle was especially happy that my dad got up on the roof with him to finish scraping the moss off. Luke and Isaiah got in lots of loud, rowdy games of "pig pile"with Grampa and Lizzy was glued to Grammy Bee all two days.  We LOVE Grammy Bee and Grampa so much and are always sad when it's time to say goodbye.  Thanks for the great visit!

   

Lizzy was so excited to hold her cousin Isabelle

Fun at the park with Grampa

after morning bath snuggles

Me, after a fitful night of coughing-  just kidding!  (kind of)

Well, it's Niquil and bed for me.  Hope everyone out there had a wonderful weekend!

love, Em