Leith turns 6!

Leith's birthday weekend started with an 'Ice Age' movie marathon on Friday night. Coral joined in after work to check out the third, and latest installment, 'Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs'. The kids had a living room sleep over afterwards.

Leith ordered waffles for breakfast Saturday. As I began to prepare them, I was surprised to discover that I no longer owned a waffle iron. Coral seems to have lost it-how is that possible? A quick run to the store got us back on track. The boys played 'recumbent' Wii games while waiting for breakfast. The plan had been to go miniature golfing, but an impressive snow storm turned us to plan B: shopping for me and the girls and a movie for the guys. They saw the Percy Jackson film. Niall was not happy that it didn't follow the book more closely.

Sunday-Leith's birthday, was a long day of waiting to eat cake and open presents. I am still under the weather and couldn't pull off a homemade cake. This "lovely" Costco creation was brought in to fill the void.

Kevin's parents, Coral, Lance(and his brother, Jonathon), and Jack joined us for dinner and the singing of 'Happy Birthday'.

The candle is soon out,

and the presents unwrapped! Here, Leith opens his new Levi's 511 'Skinny' jeans. He has been wanting some badly and changed into them immediately. It wasn't easy to find them in his size- go me and Dillards.com!

Jack assists Leith in directing his new remote-controlled T-Rex to attack his new army soldiers.

The under-30 crowd finished the evening in the basement playing a loud game of ping-pong.

The evening ended on a bit of a downer when Niall injured the ligaments holding his thumb in place and needed a trip to the urgent care office. He was racing Leith to pick up something on the floor and wrenched his thumb backward. Let's hope it isn't completely torn and that it heals quickly. We will know more in a few days.

The birthday celebration continues today-Leith is sporting a new shirt from Grandma & Grandpa in TX while watching a birthday movie and waiting to be taken out to another dinner with Kevin's parents.

I don't exactly know how this turned into a four day party, but it has been fun. I have been distracted from my near constant mourning of my last little one growing up far too quickly.

Today was Leith's turn to be honored at the Principal's Pride ceremony. He was nominated for his spelling work. In spelling, and most other work, Kindergarten students are required to write with a marker. They must be confident as they work, since there is no erasing. He is doing a great job at school and enjoyed his award.

I dragged myself out of my sick bed yesterday to do some birthday shopping for Leith. In the process, I came across some well-priced early strawberries from CA. India was kind enough to prepare them, bake biscuits, and serve us strawberry shortcake last night. It was amazing. The first of a seasonal treat for the year is always amazing, but having India make it made it extra fabulous!

Sundance Mar 11

We had hoped to have another family ski day, but India had a test to take at school and I am sick. Kevin and the boys met Coral and Lance and had a great day-not too many photos without the 'mom' factor making everyone pause for them. And, these from Kevin's phone look like he took them through his goggles. It's a little other-worldly. Rumor has it that everyone was 'going big'-big enough that Niall and Coral each had a major wipe-out while jumping. I am glad the boys wear helmets. I am thinking of introducing them to the girls for next season. Kevin probably wouldn't wear one, and I certainly don't need one. If I headed toward a tree, I would be going slowly enough to just stop myself by hugging it.

Sundance Mar 8

We headed up to Sundance after school to night ski with Coral. She had a serious tardiness issue, however, and didn't make it in time for any daylight photos.

Leith was going to fast for me to get the photo I was looking for.

I caught Niall before he got too close.

India spots the camera while ending her run and strikes a pose.

Coral and Lance finally arrive.

Family shot

Coral and Lance share a moment.

I am taking a break by the fire while the others prepare for their next run.

Leith ran out of steam before the last run of the night and joined me by the fire.

The snow was hard and icy at Sundance, but the amenities-like the fire and nice bathrooms- are fabulous. Night skiing is new to Sundance and they could use a few more lights. There is a stretch of the lift that is pitch black. Frankly, I was a bit nervous riding up in the air through the darkness.

We will be back at Sundance Thurs, and I am hoping for some new snow between now and then.

Brighton Mar 6

The storm Thurs night left us with snow showers Fri morning and nearly two feet of fresh powder. The boys had another day off school-perfect timing. We had to wait until the chain restrictions in the canyon were lifted at noon, but then we headed up to ski all afternoon and evening.

The boys are making amazing progress. Niall is skiing mostly parallel and turning more. Leith is speedy and fearless. They both like to go off small to medium jumps. Sometimes, Leith does not quite make it up the jump because he is just not heavy enough to generate the necessary momentum. He gets stuck right at the top, pauses, and then turns to ski down the side- so cute! They both started to use their poles for the first time. They have gained enough skill that poles are an asset rather than a liability.

I didn't have the camera, but the cell phone shot below shows the fluffy snow. Niall is just emerging from the trees behind Leith and Kevin-the other skier flew into view before I could take the picture. I like photos that make it seem like we have the place to ourselves.

They definitely have my number...

The boys asked me for something the other day, and I replied that, I would "ponder it." As I walked away, I heard Niall tell Leith that I meant "yes." He said that when I say, "I'll think about it," I always mean "no", but when I say, "I will ponder that, " I always mean "yes." I checked with India, and she confirmed his findings. What is next? Perhaps they are all collaborating on a 'User's Manual' for dealing with me.