Did we miss winter?

We had such a gorgeous weekend here!  It was warm and sunny, which made me excited for spring and summer.  I know I'm jumping the gun a little, but I'm starting to think we aren't going to have much of a winter.  It's almost February and there is barely enough snow on the mountings for skiing, which is where we spent Saturday morning.  Braedon is taking ski lessons and he loves it.  Last weekend just him and Derek went up, and Derek was able to ski during Braedon's lesson.  However, because of the lack of snow, the conditions kind of suck, so this weekend we all went up to hang out during his lesson.  Adi got to play in the snow, we got to hang out by a fire, and Braedon got his ski on.

As you can see, Adi had quite a bit of fun playing in the snow.

Ski lessons are two hours long, and by the end, Baeo is wiped and starving.  He usually tells us he doesn't want to go again, but by the end of the week I think he forgets about being tired and is ready to go again.

Another big achievement this weekend!  Braedon completed his first hike.  Ever since he got to big for the hiking back pack, we have been limited to short 30-45 minute hikes, because that is usually when Braedon calls it quits and I end up having to carry him back.  This weekend he totally surprised Derek and I and not only hiked little Si, which is almost 4.5 miles up a mountain, but ran half of it.  He was very excited to carry his own camelback with water and snacks.

Okay, I just thought this was hilarious.  About 10 minutes into our walk, Baeo finds a nice rock to sit on and starts opening up his camel back.  I ask him what he's doing and he responds back with, "Just getting out my snack."  I was cracking up, but also thought this hike might take all day!

We made it to the top and sat up on a rock with a beautiful view, enjoying another snack of course:)

By the time we got back to the jeep, Braedon was spent.  He fell right asleep and even came home and took a nap.  This kid never naps!

I am loving the ages that my kids are right now.  We are almost completely done with the diaper stage, they are becoming more and more independent, and they are just funny little people that I love hanging with.  Parts of me still thinks they are growing way too fast and I wish they would stop for a bit.  On the other hand, I love watching them learn and do things.  Braedon surprises me with something every day and there are times where I look at him and see a grown little boy that I can have real conversations with.  Then there is Adilyn, who is definitely not a baby anymore.  She is out of her crib and in a bed, she puts on her shoes and is very helpful and motherly.  She talks up a storm and is very dramatic.  She is starting preschool in the fall and is so excited for it!  I just can't believe how fast the time has gone, with each day getting better and better.

Catch up!

And just like that, the holidays are over.  Like always, they flew by in a whirlwind of a couple weeks. The Thursday before Christmas, we headed to Kennewick to spend a few days with Derek's family.  The kids had a blast playing with their cousins and seeing Grandma and Grandpa Peterson.  We came home the day before Christmas Eve and then spent Christmas Eve and Christmas day at home.  On the day after Christmas we got in the car again and headed to Portland to spend a couple of days with my family.  Lots of driving, but lots of fun!

There is nothing more fun then seeing your kids' faces as they come down the stairs and see that Santa has come.

The kids tore through their stockings and presents and were very happy with what they got.

Here are some stand out memories from this year.

-Driving around looking at Christmas lights while listening to Christmas music.
-Having a gingerbread man decorating party with preschool friends.
-Sitting in front of our cozy fire with all the lights off except for our tree and watching a movie.
-Seeing both sets of grandparents.
-Braedon telling me that Santa is probably going to just drop the big trampoline in our back yard with a crane, all set up and ready to go.
-Spending lots of family time together at home just hanging out.

We had a great holiday season, but are ready to get back to our normal routines.  Baeo is very excited for preschool today!