2015, Hello. Happy. New. Year!

We rang in 2015 last night. Family style. Perfection. The Holidays have been great, but with the new year. I'm yearning for some more organization and discipline. Maybe I'll wait until January 7? But why wait. Today is the day. Which seems to ring true in most of what I'm seeing, online. Live in the moment. For god sake, put the phone down. LIVE! NOW! Enjoy, today. #truth

Well, Hello!

Talk about catching up to do.
I think I will skip the catch up.
We're Back!

Friends.

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. - Marcel Proust

12 kids + 2 years = 22 kids

Remember this, Family Camping Fun 210? Two years took us right up to 23 kids! Of course we added a few families, there were nine to be exact. The kids rode bikes. Played a late game of fugitive. Rode bikes. Played in the lake, river and creek. Rode bikes. Hiked the trails behind camp. Mini-golfted and rode go-carts. And of course roasted s'mores and rode bikes.

Dancing down the path! Sometime, I should share this entire sequence of pictures. It's adorable.

And these two little three year olds--literally rode bikes. The.Entire.Time. And Morgann has officially ditched the Skuut for MaKenna's bike with a basket. A great place to store toys, according to Jerrick.

I could be found at friends' camps. Therefore, our camp became the kid camp. And since there were no fires here, there was never anything to worry about.

The Saturday night feast was mexican themed and delicous! E really missed out. Hopefully he's around next year for our, now, annual camp out!

8th Year

I cannot believe we've been going to Mt. Hood and staying in the same cozy cabin for eight years in a row now. Wearesopredictable. That, is what I love most about my family. And you know, the fact that they are oh so fun. Someone, get this man to the free run. Like, now.

Anyone else up for a late stroll through Govy Camp? 8 kids, snow, friends, all while sugared on homemade brownie sundaes! To those heading to Charlies or the Rat, watch out!

Here's to peace.

Love. Family. Special Memories. Friends.

New nephews. Who are totally sweet, cute and lovable!

And big girl days. Because, I am not going to lie. My fave day was Sunday afternoon. Happily talking and sipping some good brew.

What girl doesn't love a good talk?

And last but not least. Here's to new fur hats. Because the hubby is searching for just the right one. As I type.

Conklin Contenders!

I moved up with Mason. Coaching U9 soccer has its perks. But it also has its downfalls. 1. Noaction shots 2. More competitive teams 3. More soccer knowledge needed

Like I said. There are perks, too. I love the kids! Our team is super diverse. Most of the kids haven't played before, but they smile and have fun. And that is what it is all about! I like getting to watch Mason grow. As a soccer player, a young boy and friend. It's pretty funny to watch him flirt, too. I may be bias but he pretty much rocks every position! One of our stronger and younger players! Big bonus, Aunt Cassidee and our old neighbor Rick are coaching right along my side. Or I'm along their side.

Our New Home! Finally.

Life is so good great. We are officially back to great. Most of our boxes are unpacked. The trampoline is set up. The kids and parents are settling right in. The only issue- we might be taking our quiet little cul de sac by surprise. Who knew a family of five could be so LOUD? First things first each morning at 6:30, kids on the swing set. Followed by bike rides to the end of the sac and a crash of some sort. The kids just found a little fort in the front yard that I can't keep them out of.

In news beyond the move. I turned 30 yesterday! My husband spoiled me. But my friend Bene pretty much gave me the best weekend a mom turning 30 could ask for! Pedicures. Waterpark. Date night. Family BBQ, complete with cupcakes, great food and amazing company. I'm glad to be here, 30 that is.

 

Ready for a little more updating? I went to DC July 15-22. The kids went to the farm. But didn't really hang out on the farm. They went and went and went and went to the-- beach, children's museum, movie, Northwest Trek, and shopping. We've decided JJ gets Grandma of the YEAR award for all of those outings and keeping the kids entertained! Good thing we had a new house to come home to. Otherwise they probably wouldn't have wanted to come home at all. We're sure glad they did.

Our summer is slowly slowing down. Two more weeks of soccer (that is going to be my next post--all about our soccer team)!! And August 13, it's time for Uncle Alex to say I do. We'll be heading to the Western side of Oregon for that. Other than that, it's all about enjoying the easy life until school starts. 

Here Comes the TrekSter(s)!

I posted a status a few days ago on Facebook, something to the tune of riding bikes never gets boring. It really doesn't especially after my wreck. Maybe I should just get honest, it was a "fall over" not a wipe out of any sort. It was my First time EVER clipping in my mountain bike. The 82 miles rode the previous day might be part of the excuse, too. The location of the fall was almost to the top of where you would start your descent down what has been dubbed "suicide hill." I guess going up is just as suicidal!

But, as stated before, riding bikes for this PARTY OF 5 never, ever gets boring. And now that we have Morgann riding our evening route by herself completely on her trikester, there really isn't any complaining! It's summer, time to ride.

The truth is, with views like this and friends like these girls, Mountain Biking is for everyone!

Even after bruises, bumps, and separated somethings-- I can't wait to get back out there!

Blissful Sleep

Please let sleeping three year olds, sleep. At least today, 4/3/11. MaKenna went to her first-ever slumber party last night. And she made it ALL NIGHT long! What a big girl. I thought for sure we'd be picking up this princess before the morning came. But we didn't. Apparently, the kids were not fast asleep until some time after 11:45.

She can't stop talking about how fun the birthday party was. And how excited she is for her birthday party. Which she now would like a slumber party attached to her Arial party, too.

*Marathon Monday to resume next week. I'm too busy running right now!

**My comment moderating is now disabled! What happened there, I thought NOBODY left any comments on my last post! But you did. Smiling.

Snow Blast 2011= Happy Kids!

One would think that a skiing post would include pictures with kids on ski's. Not this one. Yes the family did get some turns in, including MaKenna who fell once. That fell meant screaming and crying. She then quickly MASTERED the carpet! We left the carpet with her smiling from ear to ear and headed straight for the snow fort. She found a hiding spot and kindly asked Aiden to come sit with her for the picture below. Giggle.

The Anthony Lakes Snow Blast was more about the other stuff. Like downhill dummy races, a HUGE snow fort, friends, fireworks, dinner and live music (read: dancing in snow gear).  Check out the rocking Lodge! I'm thinking next year we need to par-tay no kid style! Maybe not.

The Snow Blast was the first opportunity to purchase next years Season Passes, too. Thanks to my parents, we received a VERY early Christmas Present by joining the Anthony Lakes Season Pass Family. The pass works for the rest of this year and yesterday, too. These little girls couldn't be happier, they know more lodge time is coming!

We ditched Mason with the neighbor family for the majority of the day. Him and his buddy jumped, skied, jumped and did more jumps! Shhhh, before leaving town we stopped at Blue Mountain Sports and I snuck a pair of twin tip ski's on hold for Mason. Even with a June birthday, he'd love a longer and trickster set of ski's. This kid is off the hook on the slopes. E suggested I use a description word like nuts, crazy, etc. Mason is a lover of the snow. I'm a lover of helmets! Picture below, Mason dancing right before the fireworks!

We added Aunt Cassidee to our family for the season pass, she's in the process of mastering Broadway right now! And excited to become a snowboard bum! E and I are excited because when we bring her, we are thinking we can sneak in a run or two minus children! Win-Win! And fireworks!

SEVEN

I mis-typed or miscalculated. We have really been to Mt. Hood for seven years. It will be eight in 2012. Because, we are already planning our return trip. In honor of seven AWESOME years. Here are my top seven pictures from this year, 2011.

My little MaKenna took her first ride up the chairlift. She went right back up again. Something tells me she liked it. She just looks so small, sitting there with Grandpa Dan. She told me tonight, "I wasn't scared at all mommy!"

We added another family of five to our group this year. Which meant kids tugging at our clothes less often out of their need for entertainment. It was great that all six of them could entertain themselves and play together well for four straight days. And Cassidee came with us, too. Ya! The kids are always happy when she gets to come!

The weather was absolutely beautiful. I am not going to complain about blue bird days and powder. Great company, about 26 total. And food that was great. I am already trying to figure out when I can replicate my cousins four cheese lasagne.

This year the little kids were good enough to hit up the "free run." Timberline Lodge to Government Camp. These boys rocked it! Not only did they free run they also spent the majority of Sunday in the Terrain Park. Clearing bone pits like crazy. So were the adults, we liked it just as much as them. Maybe more.

JJ, You Rock! Keeping children entertained and happy isn't an easy job. My very, very selfish side is glad you don't ski. But in a few years, I hope that changes. Maybe you and Morgann can learn together next year?

Since we are, for the most part, a predictable family. Thursday night we met up at the Timberline Lodge for dinner at the Rams Head, drinks and games in the game room. Shuffle board and ping pong. And I might add, I almost beat Grandpa Dan. Almost.

One of the best years, yet. So good, I found myself on said "free run."  Right there with my fantastic hubby!

Grandpa Dan and JJ, Thank you for arranging our annual ski getaway. For taking such good care of us while we are there- from food and drinks to being our mountain guide. These are memories that we will forever treasure. In fact, Mason told me tonight that when he is "my age" he hopes we are still going to Mt. Hood.

Hello 2011

For New Years Eve this year we celebrated with lots of food. Friends. Fun. And Cake Pops!

We didn't make it at the par-tay until midnight, we left around 10:45. The fourth out of five times that MaKenna came down the stairs crying. We were up until midnight. To ring it in. Fireworks. Ball Dropping. Then the kids watching a movie. Except for Morgann. And me.

Mason decided he found his calling, drums. I did not find mine. I should never sing again, I'm sure of it. Or for that matter, play the guitar. But I had fun. So did E. His toe nails, and every other dad that was there, were painted very nicely with bright red polish. Having polish on meant they also received a foot massage.

Thanks to our beautiful hostess and friend, Bene!

For the second year in a row, I started the year off with the New Years Resolution Run in Union. This year it was a Chilly 12 degrees. Glad we opted for the 2.5 mile run, I wasn't prepared for anything longer.

2011 includes many plans. Races. Family Adventures. Resolutions. Cheers!

Aren't They Lovely?

Morgann and the tree. Although not my tree. It is my co-worker and friend's. Whom happened to invite us out to her place Saturday for sledding and lunch. My jaw dropped when I saw her 12 foot tree and all its captivating beauty. My kids, and the others, loved the sparkles, too! However, getting a good picture of a tree is pretty much impossible!
Speaking of the Holidays, it's crazy how quickly we've stumbled upon them. I contemplated with sending out cards this year. At the last minute, last night at 10:30, I finished the cards and placed the order. Only to see, after I hit confirm, that they would arrive between 12/20 and 12/24. 12/24 does not work for me! Late is still better than never. It will be what it will be.
Coming next, a look at all of our past Christmas Cards. After you see them, you'll know why I had continue my tradition, how could I not?