Ice Castles

January has been long...and cold...and it has been tough to get too excited about most outdoor activities, but once we told the kids that we had plans to go to the Ice Castles in Midway, that was all they could talk about for days.  We headed up to Midway on a perfect day, cold, but clear and sunny. 

As soon as we arrived the kids ran right in and it was tough to get them to slow down at all for a picture.  I finally had to pull the mom card to get everyone to pose for a few. 

Of course the slides are the best part of the whole adventure.  Luke and Ruby tried each slide several times and even convinced Tim and I to go down the biggest slide with them.  It was funny because when we were driving home Luke said that he liked the slides, but didn't like that they were so much smaller this time.  We tried explaining that he was so much bigger than he was when we last went two years ago, but he was convinced the creators just made the slides smaller this time. 

We arrived when it was light which was perfect to see all the details, then stayed till it was dark when the lights came on and the whole thing looked truly magical.  More than anything, I just loved watching Luke and Ruby explore and discover a whole new world made of ice. 

And of course, it was the perfect excuse for hot chocolate.

On our way out they were still finding snow banks to conquer.

Book Report - 2018

When I was young I used to get in trouble for reading - true story.  For most of my life I chose reading over just about any other activity, including chores.  I escaped to my room, and a book, whenever I had the chance and sometimes had to be gently reminded that I had other responsibilities.  Fast forward to adulthood and the struggles have been reversed...I still love to read but always seem to be much too aware of everything else that "should" be done.  Over the past year I didn't read quite as many books as I would have liked, but I did carve out a little time for reading.  After reviewing my list though, I decided that I need to be a little more selective.  I read way too many mediocre books and need to figure out a way to choose a little more wisely.  Anyway, here's the list of books I read during 2018 along with my grade:

The Couple Next Door  B

The Life She Was Given  A-

Right Behind You  B+

The Indifferent Stars Above  B

Augie and Me  A-

Camino Island  B

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo  B-

Plain Truth  B-

Inside the O'Briens  B-

Sharp Objects  B-

Next Year in Havana  B

As much as I love having a tangible book to read, I have grown to love audio books almost as much.  Anytime I'm at the gym, driving, cleaning, or doing projects I usually have my headphones in and I am almost always listening to a book.  This year I found a few of my favorite books this way:

The Lost City of the Monkey God  B+

The Great Alone  A

Every Fifteen Minutes  B-

Say Nothing  B

Beneath a Scarlet Sky  A-

Long Way Gone  B

Lucky Boy  A-

Force of Nature  B

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society  B+

The Handmaids Tale  B

An American Marriage  B

Half Broke Horses  A-

Crazy Rich Asians  B-

One Day in December  B-

The Sun Does Shine  A

December 2018 Miscellaneous

It's tough to believe that there could be any December activities or events left to document, but there were actually a few happenings during the month that were not related to Christmas, Mexico, or cousins.   December was extra good to us and it's fun to reminisce about all that we did.

Luke played the last few games of the basketball season and ended the year with a medal.  This was really a new experience for most of the boys on the team and they all spent a lot of the time trying to remember not to travel, and taking shots at a basket that seemed impossibly high.  Luke was disappointed that he didn't ever make a basket, but I still think he was glad he had the chance to play.

No particular significance, just makes me happy

The first big storm of the year and the kids were obsessed

They spent the next several days playing outside

Sundays at Grandmas are always a great time,
Even when you have to sit in the tub to eat your Fun Dip

Luke absolutely loves school and we love all that he is learning

While we were in Mexico, the grandmas made sure everyone was entertained

We all just love Penelope like she was our own

This is how you know your kids really, really want a new dog....every time we go into Old Navy the run over to greet the mascot dog and beg for me to take pictures of them with their puppy.  They have a solid plan, it does pull at my heart strings, but sorry kids, we're still not ready for a new dog.

We were so lucky to be with Brycen this year to celebrate his birthday.  As soon as he woke up Luke and Ruby were ready to help him open presents, and we all loved having birthday breakfast together.  I had to have gum surgery later that day so our celebrations were cut a little short, but Taylor took Brycen out and they made sure to eat plenty of sushi for the occasion.  

Oh the gum surgery....I had to have grafts with tissue taken from the roof of my mouth, and the entire process has been rough.  Luckily I was out for the actual procedure and spent the next few days sleeping and trying to ice my mouth.  Tim took such good care of me and even woke me up in the middle of the night to make sure I stayed on schedule with my medication.  Luke and Ruby were so concerned about me. The funny thing is that I don't remember these pictures being taken, but I do remember the kids checking on me and making sure to give me plenty of loves.

The love of the Lego table is still going strong

Luke has been looking forward to Drake's birthday party all month and loved that it was at a place to build and play with Legos.  There were some last minute cancellations so Ruby got invited which was so exciting for her.  They both loved the party and had so much fun building with friends.

Ruby got Operation for Christmas
No matter the age, it is still a little tricky to play

After so many busy days, a lazy Sunday was totally necessary