We started off the year with a snow shoeing expedition.  


The first 5 minuets weren’t too bad, but then the melt downs ensued.  I don’t think Miles stopped crying the ENTIRE time.  


We had some 2nd thoughts about starting 2016 this way. The crying, whining, falling.

Luckily the scenery was gorgeous and we all survived.  

And this kid was actually a dream boat, a slow, but happy hiker. 


And how Ruby ends every winter adventure.  

To end our 2 week break with Paul home we took the kids to Nickel City.  It was loud, crazy, and busy, but the kids were in heaven.  

and it made me remember how much I love Nickel City too, so we got the Rensinks to go back with us, no kids this time. 


And yes, Paul won me a jackpot.  True Love right there.  

And yes, that guy there at the register, he’s wearing the same toupee as he was when Emily and I used to rock the ticket games back in 2000.  

We decided to give snow shoeing with the kids one last shot before we gave up on taking them anywhere in public again.  

Since their bff’s were there, they stepped up their game and there was very little whining involved.  


Gosh, I love these mountains.  


and people.  


We then did a little sledding while Ruby and Julianne hung out in the protection of the car.  


Perfect winter morning.  

While most of January was spent indoors, we did spend a few more moments outdoors, when it wasn’t completely freezing.  


And there was even a day when the snow melted and the kids actually got to try their christmas presents outside.  

Since we have experienced an actual winter this year, there have been many, many, many crazy hours stuck inside the house. 


there’s lots of star wars, fighting, wrestling, card games, and running around like wild animals.  


And Ruby is still constantly getting into everything, climbing on everything, tackling everyone, and constantly has a nice bruise on her forehead.  



We also all got croup, which sucked.  But, it made for some pretty quiet afternoons, so I couldn’t complain too much.  


Being the good mom I am, I fell asleep while reading with Miles on one of our sick days and he snapped this sweet pic of me.  If you know me, this means I was feeling pretty crappy, because I hate naps. 



Other January happenings:

Crew started Sunbeams.  


Macey made her first Science Fair Project for the (not so simple) 3rd grade Simple Machine Fair.  

 
M&M rocked their parent teacher conferences.  Macey’s teacher said she has a kind heart and is inclusive to everyone she meets.  


and Miles is finally settling into kindergarten like a pro.  


I might of shed a tear when I was expressing to his teacher how much I appreciated her kindness, patience, and gentle pushing she has given this kid.  He is capable and she knows it, and I know my prayers have been answered as she has been able to navigate the difficult waters that are Miles.  

We also got the privilege of attending the Provo City Center Temple open house.  


While we were far from the most reverent group there.  I am grateful for the kind temple workers and the beauty and spirit my kids got to experience. Even if Miles was wearing one of Ruby’s shoe covers as a hat the entire time. :)

And because some days are long, hard, and Paul works through bedtime a few days each week, sometimes a run to Sodalicious right before bedtime gives me the renewed energy I need to get through the last hours of the day without completely loosing it.  


So, yay to surviving another January!