Snow, snow, and more snow!

Since Saturday we have had about 17 inches of snow total. For the first time in 11 years, schools have been closed- we are on Day 3 of no school which is testing for everyone!
The kids enjoyed making a snowman and playing in the snow. They are happy each morning when we hear school is closed yet again.

We had 14 inches in the front yard and about 17 in the back yard. The roads are pretty bad up here (they are much better in the valleys) and we are preparing for another storm tonight that is supposed to bring another 6 inches of snow. As if we need more snow! Over the last 2 days I have gotten my van stuck in our cul-de-sac, and our 4WD stuck near my Mom's house. Tim has luckily been able to rescue me each time. He now answers the phone when I call from my cell, "Where are you stuck now?" This eastern girl doesn't do to well driving with so much snow!
Carson is standing in my footprints- up to his waist! He insisted on trooping through the backyard to sled on our little hill, but it was a struggle for him.

Ski Lessons

Winter in the Northwest means snow, and what better way to enjoy it then learning to ski! Avery has been going to lessons on Sunday's. She seems to really enjoy it and is doing well picking up the sport.
Carson had his first trip up to the mountain this past weekend. Tim has all kinds of devices you attach to children to help them learn to ski. Carson had a great time and after skiing the bunny hill several times, he decided he was ready for more advanced hills. Like his Daddy, Carson has no fear and is sure he can do anything! Give him a few years and he'll be skiing the double black diamonds with Daddy!
Our future ski bum.....

New Year's Eve

We spent New Year's Eve at Matt & Melanie's with several other couples we are good friends with. The kids celebrated a little early with noisemakers and sparkling apple cider. They had a ball and both kids were asleep in the car within minutes of leaving. That's Avery below with her friends Ashley and Elizabeth.
Matt set up a makeshift movie theater for the kids in their basement. The kids thought it was great, and they all sprawled out on their blankets and pillows to watch Toy Story. Carson is sitting just as close as he can get! That's his friend Thomas next to him and Elizabeth sitting above.
Here's about 1/2 the kids watching on their "big screen"