Laughter is the best medicine!

Last weekend was a blast!! My sisters and my mom were able to get away for the weekend and travel to Kalispell. (We really missed our sister-in-law who wasn't able to make it!)

We left just after lunch time on Friday and were home late Saturday night. I drove "Big Red" and took out the far back seat to make room for all our purchases. The roads were horrendous, but nothing was stopping us! It was just what I needed and it was great to deepen the bonds of sisterhood and friendship with each other - and there was definitely A LOT of laughter all weekend long!!

We had to laugh at the "Do Not Disturb" sign at the hotel and it's French version of that saying, "No Moleste". I don't know how funny that actually is, but when you put 6 giddy women in one room, a lot of things are really funny!!

We went out for dinner at HuHot's just after we checked in, and it was awesome!! I had never been there before, and we were lucky we were in somewhat of a secluded corner, because we had a BLAST!! Just being without our children, not having to cook or clean-up was enough to make us all a little happy!!

We headed back to the hotel and went swimming for a bit, and then just chilled for a bit and had one of the best bonding talks we have had in a long time. We were able to share our feelings for each other and about our lives --- I feel so blessed to have such compassionate, strong and supportive women for my sisters and mother.

The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel and then we hit the town. We all had a great time finding some great deals on clothing, food, shoes, kitchen items, and toys for our families. We enjoyed these awesome ice cream treats at Costco just before we were heading out.

I have to admit that this was one of my most favorite purchases from the trip. Who would have thought that a little box like this:

.....could turn into something as fun as this!!

My kids have had a blast with this jumbo fun ball, and I have to admit that I even tried it out myself!!

All in all, it was just what the doctor ordered because as always...... laughter is the BEST medicine EVER!!!

Three Years Old!

Well, she made it! Sarah is officially 3 years old today. I wasn't too sure if she was ever going to make it there with her being as crazy as she is. I think she was going for one last 2yr old fling yesterday and she was a menace!! Her crowning glory yesterday was dumping an entire bottle of sprinkles into my toaster and then turning it on. Yup -- burned sugar smells gross!! Yesterday she also scaled the basement walls to look out the windows, pushed the printer off the desk and pulled out the printer cartridges, dumped out the game of Life (do you know how many little plastic people there are in that game!!), drew on the walls, and probably had about 4 accidents too. The last couple of days she has been complaining that one of her boots hurt and wouldn't put it on. Of course the obvious alternate choice for a boot in -20 winter weather of course is a summer sandal -- we had a few "discussions" about that decision. Yesterday I decided to check this boot out and found a crusty dried out old muffin she had stuffed in there last week. Lovely. But really - she is a very amusing and usually very happy child and we really do love her to bits. She LOVES her little brother and "helps" him with anything at any chance she can get. Sarah is actually starting to be able to communicate better and I am so grateful I can almost understand what she is trying to tell me, because she always had LOTS to say! She gives the best hugs and has the cutest little mischievous grin ever. Her giggle is infectious and she adds joy and adventure to our family. Happy Birthday Sarah. Let's see what new and wonderful things you have in store for us this year!

The Many Faces of Gideon

Gideon's personality is starting to come out in some pretty funny ways and we have really been enjoying all the funny things he has been doing lately. I am so glad we have a working camera too -- I have really missed capturing all the crazy stuff my kids do. More to come soon!!

"Frostina"

For Christmas this year, my sister gave my kids the coolest snowman kit ever! There was a black top hat, corncob pipes (corks with dowels drilled in and painted black), buttons, coal (rocks from her front yard painted black), a scarf, mittens, and a lovely plastic carrot (it really was a yellow pepper, but it works!) for the nose. My girls were very excited to make our first snowman of the season yesterday and she was lovingly dubbed "Frostina".