When The Cat is Away, The Mice Will Play

The first week I was gone was a tough one for all left behind. There were many commitments to attend and many unforseable kinks to the plans. Thet did live through it though, and were blessed with a great week at the Firs with lots of powder and in the company of many great people including their uncle and cousin.

Family Time in Brazil

I had not yet met her, but I already loved her so much. I knew her smile and her sweet embrace would captivate me. I had to wait eight months but I finally had her in my arms. My little niece Ana Luiza.

Two years ago there were many dreams and plans of new babies. I jokingly said that when there were at least three new ones added to the family I would come back. A couple of months later I was told to book my ticket, their part was done, the babies were on their way.

Nice little staircase! Spending time with my mom was of course, another reason to go. Countless hours were spent talking, laughing and remembering.

Another blessing was catching up with childhood friends, which actually started at home. I was able to fly to Brazil in the company of my dear friend Karin P., who was returning home after a tour of North America.

Here is a friend whom I had not seen for about a decade, since she moved to Australia. This time around, our visit to our homeland coincided.

What a great trip filled with family and friends. I'm thankful for my time there, and I'm thankful for being back safe in the arms of my husband and sons. I also owe a big thanks for my dear mother in law who helped out in the home front while I was away. You are all so dear to me.

Perfect Conditions

Friday had been reserved as our unofficial ski day. With Shawn being off and the kids not having any classes to attend to, it would be the perfect day to head up. Except for one little detail, the weather. For the last three, maybe four weeks, the weather and conditions had been less than desirable- rain, sleet, wind, you name it! Until today, when the big payoff for the wait finally came.

A fresh layer of powder

Blue skies

And some happy kids

Scouts Transitions

It seems like yesterday that Nolan started his "scout carrier".

He is now less than a week away form becoming a boy scout. Last Friday he received his "Arrow of Light", which the highest award one can receive as a cub scout. Congratulations Nolan, you constantly display many of the scouts core values in your daily life.

Happy Valentines Day

When Boys Do Household Chores

I have been convalescing for several days. I have got the works; fever, body aches, cough and all that nasty stuff. There is hope on the horizon though. After seeing the Dr twice this week, I got a prescription for a Z pack. In my feverish state, the Zpack sounds to me like a super hero name. I can envision his eye mask and horse galloping to rescue me from this misery!

Kidding aside, my real super heroes have been my family and friends. My husband, who is been doing double duty; my sons, who have been cooking and doing laundry, who have been very diligent with school work; and a sweet friend who picked up groceries and drove the boys to where they needed to be. Thank you!

Now here is a little glimpse of how else Nolan and Ethan kept themselves busy while I was down. They rebuilt their bunker. All you could see yesterday evening was the glow of a headlamp as Nolan did not give up until after dark. He even took this picture to show since I wasn't in any condition to wander out there.