We aren’t big New Year’s people. I’m guessing it has something to do with being non-fancy-non-drinking-morning-people, but at least one of of us is really into New Year’s resolutions. I love the metaphorical clean slate and writing up a slew of goals for how I could be better. Even if I only meet a fraction of them, I still feel like I accomplished more than I would have if I hadn’t set any goals. (Clearly, blogging more was not one of my New Year’s Resolutions.) Noel isn’t quite as big on New Year’s resolutions and all the dreaming that comes with it. He prefers to make what he refers to as “plans.” Plans, resolutions, goals, dreams, or whatever they may be, I’m really excited for the vision we’ve created for 2016 and January is already off to a great start.
Our biggest joint goal is we’re finally going to try a triathlon. In preparation we’re taking swim lessons. Yes, as adults. It has been a somewhat humbling experience, but I think will save us a lot of embarrassment come race day. (And perhaps an emergency rescue.) We’ve also been trying to spend more quality time with family and actually enjoy winter. Check out the pictures for more details on what we’ve been up to.
Cooper gave his first Primary talk. (Ellen also read her first scripture later in the month, but three words in she burst into tears and dropped to the ground, hence the lack of photographic evidence.)
The cat peeing on the guest bedroom futon spurred us to buy an actual mattress for the guest room. Shopping for one on Craigslist was an interesting adventure . . . When we found one we tied it to the roof of our car for transport, naturally.
Our kids are a little late to the Frozen scene, but now they’re obsessed. This is Olaf.
They made “Reindeer food” at Cooper’s school Christmas party. When a herd of regular deer showed up in our yard the kids got very excited about sprinkling it on the snow for them.
My new swim gear. Serious swimming is not necessarily sexy. (Just the cap and goggles. I generally don’t wear the apron swimming.)
Cooper got light up legos for Christmas from Aunt Danielle and was really proud of himself when he recreated the robot on the package.
My sweet new ride. I waited to look at bikes until my dad was in town as shopping for bikes is one of his favorite things.
My parents visited over the MLK weekend. We took them to Rocky Mountain for a tailgating party.
Cooper and I waiting for the hotdogs to cook.
Ellen finding refuge from the cold and wind in the car.
Kids eating hotdogs in the car.
The real reason we went to Rocky Mountain was to snowshoe though.
The crew, minus my mom: the master behind the camera.
At the beginning of our snowshoeing adventures people are always overcome by how cute little people are in snowshoes. (Later when the kids are crying and laying in the snow we don’t get these comments.)
Pulling, I mean, urging Ellen up the hill.
Ellen hitching a ride on Noel.
She seemed pretty pleased about the arrangement.
Cooper our snowshoeing trooper.
The kids were fascinated by these icicles.
A picturesque view of the lake we hiked around. (Bear Lake)
Trekking around the lake.
Even though the hike was only .5 miles and she didn’t complete the whole thing on her own two feet, Ellen needed to rest.
Cooper and grandpa Wayne taking a break.
As predicted, Ellen fell asleep on the ride home.
Cooper’s class and their 6th grade buddies got to go on a field trip to the Stock show.
Some of the animals freaked Cooper out (like a huge steer and the Clydesdales), but he liked pretending to be a cowboy.
Cowboy Cooper riding his horse.
The kids watching the cow herding competition.
This weekend was alarmingly warm. It hit 60 degrees and I had to take my bike out for a ride.
The kids didn’t mind riding along. (Although Noel who was pulling them may have minded.)
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One thought on “New Year”
Oh swimming lessons. I hear those are good. Brandon got his fill of them this summer, and as soon as his schedule is more predictable its my turn. I’m glad to know we aren’t the only adults who need them.
One thought on “New Year”
Oh swimming lessons. I hear those are good. Brandon got his fill of them this summer, and as soon as his schedule is more predictable its my turn. I’m glad to know we aren’t the only adults who need them.