Snow Day

When we realized Jackson didn't have school on Monday (after I returned to the land of the living from my sickness) we wondered where to go.  The usual location is Utah, so we made a run for it.  We decided to go Fri at 9 and the flight left at 2.  That meant lots of packing and cleaning for me (and an hour at the park to pass out Hallie's valentines.  

**Travel advice: Don't put lotion on your hand before security!  I walked through the metal detector with MAriah in my arms and then they swipe my hands and detected "explosives" on my hands.  Then I wasn't allowed to touch any of our bags, my shoes or help my kids.  Luckily Dave was there to put everything together as I sat and watched (still holding Mariah).  They did allow me to buckle her into her seat.  Dave took the kids to the gate as I got an intense pat down, my bags rifled through and my shoes tested.  Turns out mother-of-three was NOT a terrorist, so they let me go (Running as fast as my body could to the gate to be let on moments before they shut the door!)

We stayed with the Harper's on Friday night and Saturday.  They were getting ready to leave for their mission in the DC temple on MONDAY, yet they were gracious enough to host us!  They also watched our kids so we could go out for a minute on Valentine's day.  Somehow we missed getting a photo before they left.  It is definitely easier to say goodbye knowing we will probably visit DC in a few short months.  We are so grateful for their example of service and sacrifice to serve the Lord and the people of the DC area.  

We took our kids WAY up the canyon to get a taste of the snow (the weather in the valley was pretty gorgeous).  The kids loved riding the sleds as we pulled them.  Mariah smiled and waved at everyone.  Jackson and Hallie loves sledding on a small hill and digging in big drifts (accidentally stepping in river water.)

 Mariah got pretty fussy when I laid her in the snow, so we just propped her in the seat and she sat for an hour without moving and fell asleep on our way down the mountain.  She is such a good girl!

Grandma and Grandpa Ahlstrom are so fun with our kids.  I swear they have more energy with the kids than I do!  Amazing!

 My mom helped Jackson make this lion out of clay and then he wanted to make a horse too.  It took over and hour and he did not get bored or distracted all all.  He read all the instructions and did most of the work!  This kid is amazing when he puts his mind to something!

Grandpa is so fun! 

I got to play a game of racquetball against my dad which was fun.  I flew home with all 3 kids alone.  None of them fell asleep as planned so there was no need for the double jogger stroller we toted there and back.  The flight landed at 10 pm and EVERYONE was still awake.  Luckily, the leappad, kindle and ipod were helpful parents since there was only 1 of me.  Dave picked us up and helped me unpack everything.