SNOW DAY

Oops. I didn't anticipate a three week absence. But it has been a nice break from 365 and weekly blogging. On the other hand, several long overdue posts. Like this one.
A month ago, I surprised my littles with a trip to the snow. What an adventure that turned out to be. I purchased puffer jackets this year, knowing sweaters were not enough to keep us warm last year. I borrowed snow boots, knowing tennis shoes soaked immediately in the snow. And I doubled up on gloves, knowing frozen fingers put a quick end to any fun. We were fully prepared. I even purchased a couple of sleds when we hit Payson. What I didn't anticipate was a lack of snow. Payson - no snow. Pine - no snow. On top of the Rim - no snow. It was such a let down. Instead of returning home, I headed west for Flagstaff. Slowly, we began to see evidence of snow. It wasn't until we were on the road for Snowbowl that there were decent amounts. Up the mountain we headed. We circled the lots at the top a couple of times before settling on a spot. We ate a quick lunch in the car and then donned our gear. The kids had a blast. Throwing snowballs. Making snow angels. Playing snow tag. We played for about two hours before the cold finally got to us and we were ready to leave. I love this tradition of ours - and I love that the mr.'s sister is part of it.

365.2: WEEK 52

Another 365 project, in the books. Persistence has paid off and I have another year's worth of memories captured. This past week - the last of the year - was spent adventuring. On Monday, the day after Christmas, we went to the new OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale. Tuesday was spent playing in the snow with my birthmother's sister and her two kids. Wednesday we worked on riding bikes - gifts the three oldest received on Christmas. Thursday found me and the littlest two at Build-A-Bear while the bigger kids were at the movies with my parents. Friday was our (now) annual New Year's bonfire. And Saturday we celebrated New Year's Eve with some our favorite neighbors.

 December 26th - December 31st

Part of me wants to keep going with the photo a day, but I am pretty sure the mr. and littles need a break from my camera. So I'll take a year off and revisit my 365 project in 2018. For now, I'll continue capturing major events and adventures.

365.2: WEEK 51

These last few days have been CRAZY busy, hence the late post. Because Christmas. Last week, I soaked up the last bit of having only three littles at home. The three oldest had pajama day at school on their last [half] day, followed by us taking a trip to the zoo to kick off winter break (not pictured). Wednesday evening, we had friends come over for an Elf party - complete with dinner and Christmas mix popcorn. The next day, my mom took all six littles for a cookie decorating and treat making adventure. Friday, we found ourself at Snowbowl on Humphreys Peak, inches deep in snow (not pictured, but soon to be blogged). We returned home just in time to get cleaned up and fed before a surprise visit from Santa. On Christmas Eve morning, I took the littles for donuts and milk - something I hope to make a new tradition. And Sunday, of course, was Christmas - full of presents, church, and family. It was an incredibly busy, yet incredibly fantastic week.

December 19th - December 25th

Hoping you had a fantastic holiday.

365.2: WEEK 50

This past week has been an adventure, as always. Backyard play. Climbing trees. Playing baseball. ZooLights. Hiking South Mountain. Gingerbread 5k. Going to church. Not pictured: me getting another year older.

December 12th - December 18th

365.2: WEEK 49

December is just flying by. We've spent as much time as possible outdoors, enjoying the 70 degree weather (December is why I live in Arizona). We've terrorized the neighborhood in power wheels cars, we've played made-up pokemon card games too many times to count, we've hiked up in the Superstition Mountains with some dear friends, we've jumped on the neighbor's trampoline, we've spent some time in the car running errands, we've built gingerbread houses while eating ridiculous amounts of candy, and we've dealt with the littlest little being sick and deciding that she no longer needs to sleep. Another week in the books.

December 5th - December 11th

365.2: WEEK 48

The week following Thanksgiving was spent recovering from the four day holiday weekend. And preparing for our ward Christmas party. Just rolling from one event to another at this point in the year. SO MUCH PLAYING this week. On the jungle gym out back. With the ornaments on the tree. On gliders at the park. With our toys at home. On bounce houses at the school carnival. With giraffes at the zoo. With crayons and coloring books at the back table. Not pictured: ward Christmas party that I've been planning and organizing for months. Double date with the mr. and my parents to a Brazilian steakhouse and the Jim Gaffigan show. Probably a billion other things that I can't remember at the moment. Giraffes were, hands down, my favorite.

November 28th - December 4th