Top Of The World

Sunny Day

Bottom Of The Hill

Ready For Some Skiing

Look At Me!

Mike is the black spot in the background behind Sophia.

Moguls

You have to look hard, but Sebastian is the tiny spot on the left of the chairlift doing the moguls.

We probably won’t get a chance to get out to Mont du Lac again this year before the snow is gone, but look for us back again next year!

Pizza Night

Tonight’s Game of Choice – Mario Brothers
Sophia recently learned how to play Mario Brothers.  Now that we have a third remote for the Wii, the kids along with Mike are able to sharpen their Wii skills to conquer Mario world.  I’ve never actually played the game myself.  I’m a little too intimidated since they have nearly mastered the game.

Mario Brothers

Before pizza and game night, we took Daphne for a walk around the neighborhood.  Even though it’s only early February, the melting snow and warm temperatures make it feel like spring.  Daphne was busy smelling all the new scents that have appeared.  She seems to have the energy of a puppy even though she’s seven years old.  Or maybe she has spring fever like the rest of us.

Daphne - How About We Go For A Walk?

When The Sun Goes Down

We aren’t planning a winter/spring vacation this year, but will instead spend an overnight at a local hotel so that the kids can enjoy the pool, hot tub and an awesome continental breakfast the next morning complete with Belgian waffles.  We won a gift certificate during a silent auction fundraiser last fall and thought it might be a good time to use it.  The hotel we will be staying at also has outdoor fire pits for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.  It’s only a mini “staycation”, but we are all looking forward to it.

We will also spend a night in Minneapolis to check out the Twin Cities Auto Show.  After over 13 blissful years with our SUV, this is the year that we are going to have to say goodbye.  With a leaky sunroof and leaking oil, along with small spots of rust starting to appear, we plan to find something more fuel-efficient (and cool).   With two growing kids, a dog, a small boat to tow and winter driving in Duluth, a new four-wheel drive vehicle is an investment we really need to make later this year.

Preparations for our Super Bowl party are underway.  I was supposed to spend the day cleaning, grocery shopping and prepping for the big day.  The party is pretty low-key with our fellow fantasy football players and friends, along with their kids.  Everyone brings something to share.  Mike suggested earlier in the week that we go skiing on the weekend and I politely reminded him that we will be hosting the party at our house for the first time.  He and the kids made promises to help with everything – cleaning, shopping and cooking – if I would agree to go skiing.  I couldn’t turn down a warm, sunny day and ended up playing hooky from my chores to hit the slopes.  I have no regrets, but am left with a big to-do list for tomorrow.  I hope everyone in our house gets a good night’s rest tonight, because tomorrow is a work day!

January Sunrise

Painted Sky

Here’s a family photo taken with Sophia’s new camera at our traditional New Year’s Eve dinner destination – Famous Dave’s.  We spent some additional time next door at Adventure Zone playing games, winning tickets and exchanging tickets for two stuffed monkeys, two tops and a few other plastic trinkets.  Fun was had by the kids and the parents.

Happy New Year!

Buddy, our Elf on the Shelf, has been bringing holiday cheer to our home since December 1.  Sophia’s mornings aren’t always cheerful, but trying to find Buddy in his new location each morning makes for a much better start to the day.  It’s the first thing she does after she gets out of bed.  Thanks for the holiday cheer Buddy!   We are sad to see you go.

Holiday Cheer

Week 52 Theme ~ What Life Is All About

One word….family.

Family

And just for fun, one of my favorite outtakes.

Silly