Vacation Day Two

Todd took Katie and Billy skiing today. Katie has been skiing pretty well for the last couple of years so this time she just needed to warm up. Billy has never been so this was his first time. He was too nervous to try skiing by himself so he ended up holding Todd most of the day. He loved it though which is nice to know. We figured he would either love it of not like it at all. Johnny got to try it a couple of runs at the end and had fun (cause dad held him all the way down). Ellie, Johnny and I hung out in the car for most of it but we were able to park right by the run so I got to take some pictures. I took the kids into town for lunch so Todd could go do some black runs. We found a nice cafe and enjoyed our lunch. When we were looking for a place to eat I saw some crystals in a store so we picked some up for Todd's mom. I have been looking for some for the longest time. It was a fun day and I am glad that Todd got to take the kids skiing. On the way back to the cabin Ellie threw up all over her blanket so I washed it when we got back. We think she was just car sick.

Christmas Tree

We decorated the Christmas Tree on Saturday after Todd got home. Billy was especially excited to decorate it. He helped Daddy put the lights on and then the kids put on the ornaments. Even Ellie wanted to participate. It was fun because it is something that we haven't done in a few years as we usually travel to Utah or my sister's house and so we don't have a tree at our house. The kids helped put the presents under the tree and are now even more excited for Christmas. It love that Todd is home! I am just trying not to think about him leaving again. It is great to see him with the kids cause he is such a good dad and very helpful. I am a lucky girl!

Todd's Here:)

Todd arrived three hours early. Katie missed her last dance performance but her teacher understood. The kids were so excited that he was coming home for two weeks. They have been counting down the days all week. We went to the airport and had to wait about 20 minuted but it was worth it! Even Ellie wanted him to pick her up. They were all cute and I am sure glad that he is here. I have never looked forward to seeing him more. It had been a rough and emotional 5 months. The one thing I miss most is talking with him. You only get a few minutes at a time to talk on the phone and email just doesn't do it. So I hope to have a good two weeks with my best friend and to catch up on the last 5 months:)

Day One of Vacation

Todd's flight arrived on Saturday and we left Sunday to head to Estes Park for our week vacation. We are staying in a cabin and it is very nice. It was very windy last night and today but we still went up to Rocky Mountain National Park. We drove to Bear Lake and then hiked up to Nymph Lake. The lake was frozen so we went out and played. The kids had fun sliding on ice. Ellie got cold and threw a pretty big fit. She was tired and cold and nothing would calm her so after a bit we headed back down. After Ellie had her nap we all went into the hot tub. It was nice and the kids loved it. We went to a barbecue place for dinner and it was good. The kids were really good at the restaurant (doesn't happen all the time:) Katie Todd and Billy are going skiing tomorrow. Billy has never been so we will see if he likes it or not. Katie loves to ski and she is learning quick. I am proud of her. It is also great to have Todd home for a couple of weeks. We sure miss him when he is away. Ellie remembers him which is cute!

M&M Jars

I bought a couple bags of m&m's and the kids and I sorted them out by color. We each picked a color and then counted out 365 and put them in jars. One m&m to eat everyday until it is time for dad to come back from Afghanistan. The kids had fun sorting them. It was also fun to see how many of each color are in each bag. I thought this was a good thing for the kids to do to help count down Todd's deployment. Plus they like chocholat:)

July-Zoo and New Family Picture

We went to the zoo again as a family. We have a year pass so we have been able to go throughout the year. The kids love it and I like it because we don't have to rush to see everything. We can stay just a couple of hours if we want or longer. We spent a while with the birds and the kids got to help feed them. They liked it. Ellie liked it too. She would hold her stick out for the birds to get. Ellie loves animals and so she is cute at the zoo because she gets so excited seeing the animals. It was fun to watch the kids. After the zoo we went to the Battalion Commanders house for a party. I enjoy getting together with others and like parties! Todd doesn't but he has been a good sport at all the dinners and parties we have gone too this past year:)

We finally got a new family picture. It is the best we will get for a while. Our kids make it hard to get a good picture of everyone. I love my family!

July-Jeep Ride

We got one last jeep ride in before Todd has to leave for Afghanistan. The kids has a blast. We only got stuck once and then after that the jeep kept overheating so it kept stalling. Todd had to climb under the jeep to start it so i had to start it in the jeep and then get it going. I am so not comfortable driving his jeep. I had to make sure it would not die so I had to keep it going. The first time i flew forward and then accidentally put it in reverse and almost went down the rocks we had just came up. The kids wanted out of the jeep after that and I don't blame them. I wanted out too. It took about 5 more times of starting the jeep this way while finishing the trail. It was a short trail but had some good rocks to climb. Billy loves riding in the jeep. Katie likes it too but doesn't get as excited as Billy. Johnny is deathly afraid of the jeep. He cries when he gets in and ends up walking if he can.

I am still having problems downliading pics so will try to add them later:(