Steamboat Springs

We decided to use our Ski passes as a reason to explore Steamboat Springs in the Winter. The McNeil and Crittenden family joined us. We swam, skied, injured ourselves (Bryan hurt his calf snowboarding), played games, hung out, loved on baby Tuckett and made a last minute decision to stop at the Ice Castles in Dillon on the way home (next post).

Putting these kids to work...because it's a lot of work (of the fun sort) going on a ski trip! :) 

I had so much fun skiing with these two. We discovered a green run at the top of the gondola towards the end of the day. I wish we discovered it sooner, but glad we got in at least one run on it. Luke and Emma did so well that we ended up skiing all day. Myles was pretty much there for the photo op and then was over it. The Steamboat Miracle occurred when Bryan handed off the car keys to me and I didn't realize he gave me two sets of keys. I dropped my friend's key fob somewhere in the snow about 2 hours before we realized I didn't have it. By some a miracle, a "lifty" found it and turned it into the lost and found! Phew!

This is THE cinnamon roll one of my friends from church raves about. It was pretty delicious. I think the best part was the frosting with a hint of lemon.

Baptism Preview

I cannot believe that Luke will be turning EIGHT-years-old this year! Crazy. Time really does go quickly. He and I attended his baptism preview at the church. It was helpful for Luke--and me--to go through the baptism tour of seeing the font, bathroom/changing room and discuss who will be there, what will be said and the general expectations of that day (Bryan was home sick with the other kids). He told me later that the talks and other information they discussed was "pretty boring." I think he was mostly in it for the donuts after the meeting. :) One of my favorite thoughts of the night came from our Bishop. He asked the kids, "Why do you get baptized?" One child replied, "To follow the example of Jesus." Our Bishop replied, "That's right! Anytime you try to follow the example of Jesus Christ, you will be doing the right thing." I loved that. So simply stated. He discussed more details of why we are baptized, but I really liked the above thought. I'm happy and excited for our Luke.

Baseball in January

Charlie, Luke and Kaden took advantage of this warm Winter we are enjoying and played baseball in the backyards a few days in a row. Who doesn't love a little backyard baseball with bike helmets for safety? Cute kids.

Kotter Grandparents

My parents came out for a quick visit at the beginning of January. We were thrilled to have them! We packed as much in as we could while they were here. We played games, games and more games, saw Paddington at the movie theater, dined at Crave burgers and so enjoyed our time with them. Thank you for visiting! We love you.

Anticipating the arrival.

At least 1/3 was cooperating for a photo op.

Luke contemplating Grandpa's Park Place and Broadway properties having a hotel and what it meant for him.

Princess Parfaits

Emma checked out a princess cookbook from our library. In it was the recipe for Princess Parfaits. She was happy with her creations and the rest of the family (and friends) were happy that she was sharing!

Momentous Occasion

Myles is transitioning to underwear. It must be documented. I don't know when we will be fully potty trained, hopefully sometime before Preschool in the Fall. What can I say? He is our third kid, lower those expectations. :)