Colorado, Part One

About three weeks prior to Christmas, Ben proposed the idea of going to Colorado for the week after Christmas. We didn't have anything else planned, so it seemed like a good idea. So spontaneous of us. ;) Anyway, we left Christmas Day at 4:21 p.m. and made it to Santa Rosa, New Mexico late that night. The following day, we drove the remaining 5 (or so) hours to Pagosa Springs. 

We had the best time sledding in Colorado. We all took a turn on the sled; it was so much fun. 

It took us a few times to figure it out...

And we all took a spill or two...

Walker had an especially good time...he smiled and laughed and giggled a LOT. His favorite "sledding" memories were 1) almost sliding into a tree and 2) doing a somersault off the sled. 

Ben...forging a new sledding path.

Ben suffered a small injury on the way down...a shrub branch poked him in the eye.

Lainey, heading down...

I also had fun sledding! Except I got a small headache from the bumps. ;) 

Lainey loves to eat snow. It may be one of her favorite wintertime activities.

the sledding hill

I narrowly missed that bush...and I may have run into a tree at one point. 

See? So much fun.

beautiful snow

posing in front of the house

"Lainey was here."

a pretty view of the house

We spotted turkey tracks while on our walk.

one of my favorite views

another one of my favorite views...

It's just so beautiful! 

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas!

Walker's gifts from Santa: two soccer goals, an Instax camera, and a Mega EX Pokemon set.

Santa visited the house at 1:30 a.m. (as evidenced by marshmallows on the cookie tray).

Lainey's been asking for this Rudolph antlers/nose combo for several years...Santa finally delivered. I'm excited for this to be on our car next year!

Lainey's gifts from Santa: a monogrammed Vera Bradley backpack and lunchbox, a "S'well" water bottle, and an Instax camera

checking out the stockings

Lainey's stocking surprises...she got a lot of "blind bags" which made her quite happy.

 Lainey's cute little feet ;)

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We had an absolutely wonderful Christmas...it was perfect in every way. We are thankful for our family and friends who made it so memorable. :)

Events Before Christmas Day

Due to the fact that my computer had a small meltdown, I am very behind on my blog posts! I'm going to try my best to backtrack and get all of these pictures from 2016 uploaded!

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Morgan, Lainey and I went to see The Nutcracker at The Eisemann Center on December 21st. We got to see Lainey's classmate and friend, Ali, and her older sister, Marissa, perform in the ballet. I think we've seen The Nutcracker five or six times (although one year we went to the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea in place of the actual production). I think it's safe to say that it's become a tradition for Lainey and me!

On December 22nd, Lainey, Morgan, and Faith celebrated Morgan's birthday by going ice skating.

Lainey saw Walker's favorite friend Kasen while they were there!

Morgan, Faith, and Lainey...I'm just so thankful for these three. Their friendship is sweet, innocent, and genuine.

Also, just before Christmas, we went on The Buzz Bike to celebrate our friend Ryan's birthday. It was a total blast, and a ton of work (for anyone who might be considering such a thing). Basically, we pedaled ourselves around Deep Ellum in downtown Dallas while drinking adult beverages. ;)

I got super sweaty!

During the month of December, we often drive around to look at "ree-tee-teets" (Christmas lights). One night, Ben took the kids to the Deerfield neighborhood to look at the lights. He snapped these pictures of them out and about with the various displays! :)  

Celebrating Lost Teeth and Christmas

Walker lost his SIXTH tooth last week! 

Lainey and her friend Chloe at the school's "Snow Ball" party

We celebrated Christmas with my parents (Emmy and Tuck) on Sunday evening. Sofi took my place in the family picture. ;)

Sofi thinks she 1) is a human and 2) needs to be included in whatever we're doing at all times. She's so funny. Quite the classy dog. :) 

The kids got a pogo stick from Emmy and Tuck! It's awesome, and both the kids love it.

Thank you Emmy, Tuck, Uncle Matt, and Aunt Whitney! The kids (and adults!) are so happy with their new gifts! And thank you, Emmy and Tuck, for an amazing meal and a great time. Y'all were perfect hosts, as always!