Family Day

We had a lot of fun sledding down this hill Derek found. So much fun!

Next we headed up to Virginia City to look around. An old mining town not far from us. We've been there before during the summer. There are lots of fun little shops and candy stores!
It was very cold up there so we didn't stay too long.

The girls at Scheel's in Sparks. They have amazing animal statues and this aquarium bridge thing. There is also an indoor Ferris Wheel which I reluctantly went on with Abby and Bryanna. I had a panic attack at the top and thought I was going to pass out! The girls were crying, but by the time we got around once we were okay so we stayed on til the end!

I am the happiest when we are together as a family doing whatever. I am so grateful for my awesome husband and beautiful girls!

Northstar Village

Our little snow bunnies

We took a trip to Northstar Village on the California side of Tahoe, with our friends. We went up with the intention of going ice skating but once we got there they told us it was closed because of so much snow on the rink. Disappointed, we headed up anyway and sat at the fire pit while the kids played on the snow packed rink. It was a fun atmosphere and we had lunch and s'mores so the girls quickly got over the no ice skating thing.
I love living so close to such beauty!

End of winter snowstorm

This last (i hope) winter storm brought a lot of snow and some monster icicles! The kids actually had a snow day today which I was told hasn't happened here in 18 years! We stayed inside and made a mess of the house and the girls went sledding in our front yard for a while.
All the white snow is beautiful!

Science Fair

Abby's project-how many unpopped kernels in microwave popcorn using different brands.

Bryanna's project-to use eggs in baking or not?
I accidentally deleted Gracie's picture :( so as soon as she gets her board back I will get another picture.
Gracie's project-which brand of bubble gum blows the biggest bubble.

Our very first participation in the annual Science Fair. My HYPOTHESIS: that it would be a good experience for them to do something scientific and then organized information by themselves. MATERIALS: a lot of last minute mess and a stressed out mommy. THE RESULTS: never do 3 science projects again unless it is required for a grade!

It was a snowy, blizzard last night when we headed out for the school and so we stayed a short while at the Science Fair and then headed to get some yummy, warm...i mean cold frozen yogurt with our friends!! It was yummy though!

Valentine's Day

(this picture was taken right before bed-typical silly daddy face:))

This year Derek and I celebrated a few days early so we didn't have to fight the crowds. I always love a date night with him!
On Valentine's Day we had dinner at home with the 3 loves of our life
and our neighbor Grandma D. It was nice and simple.
Daddy came home with a rose for each of his girls.. So sweet! He is such a great daddy. I love him and I love my girls!

You can tell we've been together for a while when I got a bicycle seat for my bike and he got a giant salad bowl! No need for romance here...we know we love each other:)

Winter Sunday Drive

The Grinch's House
said by Abby

Anything with "kirk" in it is so cool!

Caples Lake

Our church building in the valley

We wanted to liven up our Sunday this week so we took a little Winter Drive!! We drove up Hwy 88 into the California mountains. It was beautiful!! We saw the frozen Caples Lake and drove into the Kirkwood Ski Resort pretending like we were a rich ski family:) The girls had their own cameras to take pictures which was fun for them. We even spotted some wildlife on our way home. Derek's hunters eye found 2 coyotes in the middle of a field of the highway. One was limping from an injury and the girls and I felt sad for him but Derek was wishing he had his gun!!! Seriously!
It was a beautiful drive. We felt like we were in a winter wonderland. I loved coming down out of the mountains and into the valley. We had a great view of our church building on our way in.

Are you Miserable?

I love this book. It is full of great advice and awesome quotes to get you through life! It is sarcastic and funny and I have really been enjoying reading it. It's a small book, only 81 pages and it can fit in your purse or backpack so you can take it everywhere!
Just sayin'!