If I could only freeze time...

The Maiden Voyage

We finally headed out for our first camping trip of the season in our 'new to us' popup camper. I'd be lying if I said it went smoothly and everyone had a great time. We had a few breakdowns (us & the kids) and quickly packed up and pulled out Sunday morning. But I refuse to qive up and we will be attempting trip no.2 soon! That being said, the boys asked multiple times today when we were camping again. And like most things in life, you quickly forget the pain. I'm sure they'll figure out how to sleep while camping and that we can't have a screaming, obnoxious, tantrum in a park just because your mother pulled out your splinter.

5 going on 15

Conner experienced his first attempt at running away at the ripe old age of FIVE. He made it to the middle of the backyard where he circled around, contemplating whether or not he really wanted to follow through with it. Then he came to the back door, peered in at me and saw my smile. He stomped off with his fists at his side and made it to the edge of our property. He then stopped, stood still for a couple minutes, and came back to the house. He then came inside and told me he needed to take the sidewalk and headed out front where he stood in front of the garage door. Finally, I told him we need to pick up his dad and to get in the house. He grumbled to himself "this better not take long" and reluctantly got into his carseat.

He told me today, while cuddled up together, "I'm sure glad I didn't run away". Me too buddy, me too.

Little scientist

While visiting Colorado my sister was kind enough to get us tickets to the science & nature museum in Denver. She manages the Health Expedition so we took the boys over to see her & to participate in an experiment testing sugar in cereal. It was a great museum with lots to do (we didn't even visit half of it). Thanks again Keel!

He knows the way to my heart....

love

This or that

I can either complain about how much I hate taxes (and myself for waiting until the last minute) or I can post pictures from hiking up at Uncle Wayne's in Colorado. He lives on a beautiful mountain top with spectacular views and plenty of acres to explore. We love it up there and Nathan's Aunt Peggy (she recently passed away) was greatly missed! We love you Peggy. It's not the same without you!

Organization Love

Taxes. I've dreaded doing them this year for some reason. I've procrastinated the past three months and finally it's staring me straight in the face as the deadline soon nears. I have no excuses for January or February. I suppose I can blame March on my trip to Ethiopia, followed by babysitting my sisters 3 youngest kids and then the latest trip to Colorado. Finally time can no longer be wasted. Today I sat down to get them started and realized I did not have one of my more important statements (interest on the house). So one thing led to the next and finally I ended up in hubby's office with a mound of paperwork, bills & files in front of me (and the interest form I thought I was missing). And now I'm obsessing over getting everything organized and clean. It's this sick high that I get from cleaning & organizing me life. And my mood has completely changed; instead of dreading taxes I'm actually looking forward to getting them done. Previously, everything fed off each other and I knew how much work lied ahead of me. But now that I've actually started the process, I don't mind it one bit because I know how clean & organized all my paperwork will be in the end. However, I still need to strategize the best way to get organized in this department. So dear readers of mine, PLEASE share your secrets to keeping organized in the bill filing department. It's one of my biggest disaster zones in my house. I suck at it. Period. I need your help. Thanks in advance :)

Temperamental

Landon was his typical self and lasted about 10 minutes outside before wanting to relax in the back of the car. He had me shut the hatch while he smashed his face up against the glass and Biruk threw snowballs at him. After we descended down the mountain he took his first and only nap of the the trip. It was much needed but unfortunately he woke with a vengeance. How can someone sleeping so peacefully wake up so angry? He finally cheered up while getting some dinner with Uncle Sam.

Shenanigans

While his big brother exhausted himself on the slopes B-man provided endless entertainment by chasing me with snowballs. I'm certain this little guy smiles 90% of the time he is awake!

His first ride...

It had been over four years since we'd been out to Colorado for snowboarding and it was worth the wait. Nathan & I got three days for ourselves and day four he got to teach his oldest how to board. He was as patient with Conner as he was with me over 10 years ago when he taught me how to snowboard. It was windy and cold but Conner didn't give up. Hopefully we'll get back on the mountain next season!

Thankful Thursday!

We just arrived home from Colorado and I have lots of fun stories, great photos and beautiful memories but too tired to write. My memory cards are full and pictures need to be downloaded. Here are a few from my desktop.

I hope you all are doing well & have a wonderful weekend!