January '16

January trip to Oklahoma to visit with people we love. Like Grandma Clyde. 

Naomi loves this rug.

...ever since she was a baby. She doesn't look concerned at all.

Saturday morning we went to Owen's birthday party, with a real fire truck!

Later that afternoon we went back to the Farmer's where Bob let the girls drive his tractor.

Sarah felt that she needed the least assistance. Of course.

Thankfully with that much wide open space, no damage was done.

The kids colored and played with play-doh that Nancy made for them.

Naomi brought her books to show Mr. Farmer what she's been learning in her lessons.

These friends. This is family...

...which makes these guys all cousins.

These two--only two months apart and so fun to watch them grow together. Owen's still in a vest, Sarah's still in pink and turquoise.

We had a great Sunday back with Grandma Clyde, who patiently watched The Nutcracker performance with the girls.

And more celebrating Clifton's birthday. The kids picked candles that said "18" which is better than "81" I suppose. And Claudean's been family since Clifton was 18, so it all makes sense of course.

Weary parents getting ready to get back in the car for the 11.5 hour drive home. Hard to say who is least enthusiastic about that drive. My most embarrassing parent moment (in almost eight years!) happened on that trip that involved Sarah screaming bloody murder while laying on the floor of the family bathroom in Target, as people undoubtedly assumed I was beating her. So there's that. Making  memories. (Actually by the look on her face here, she probably hatched the plan hours earlier.)

January is science fair time in our lives. And this is what three girls working on a science fair looks like. Kindof like not working at all, right?

We spent a night with Dave and Val in the mountains so the kids could do ski lessons. Here's Annika in her beginner's class learning how to stop.

Caught Naomi at the bottom of a run.

While they hit the slopes we hit the hills to go sledding.

If you want to feel like you might die but laugh doing it, cram onto a sled with someone you love.

After sledding we walked around Breckenridge with the littles (Sarah and Timothy).

Tuckered them right out.

Annika's science fair asked the compelling question, "What is the most desireable role in The Nutcracker?"

Mac and Naomi (Clare wasn't there for the Open House) standing in front of their display "The Nose Knows"

They got first place in the second grade. (They got first place in first grade last year, which makes me think it must be the pom poms glued to the backboard. That's the clincher.)

Annika got "Most Creative" for kindergarten. By the way, the answer is Clara. There, now you can sleep tonight.

My folks came out for a visit and Sarah Mae was pretty obsessed with hanging out with Opa. I like to assume here that she is checking her investment portfolios and he's on facebook, equally likely scenarios.

Meanwhile Oma gave Naomi her first lessons on the sewing machine.

And for the first time in six weeks the sidewalk was ice-free, so Annika finally got to use her new skateboard. Don't worry, February came in with more than a foot of snow, so we're back to cooped up inside.