Skiing!

February 3, 2013 – A day that Dan has looked forward to for over 4 years……

I am actually not exaggerating.  I remember being pregnant with Connor and having discussions / debates on how old he or she  would have to be when we finally introduced skiing.    Dan thought sometime shortly after walking sounded about right.  I remember saying that they had to be able to “run, fall, get up and not cry” before we would even think about it.  Looking back now we both laugh at how much fun it is to anticipate something and how your ideas of parenting change over time.  There have already been lots of things we’ve changed or done that we said “we’d never do”…. haha!  I’m sure there will be lots more too!!

Connor’s introduction to skiing came on the perfect day.  Super Bowl Sunday was a beautiful “blue-bird” ski day, with temps in the 20’s and a beautiful sun with bright blue skies.  Perfect Montana skiing as I remember it.  My parents took Drew for a little one-on-one time and we took Connor to the mountain for his special Mommy, Daddy & me day.  After the chaos of getting all of his ski clothes on, only to have to decide he then needed to use the potty (oh – yeah – I think I can officially say we are POTTY TRAINED!), and then putting ski clothes all back on, we hit the mountain.  Dan & I had all of our ski clothes, helmet, goggles, etc on just to provide an example, although my grand total on skis was skating over to the magic carpet and Dan put his on for a lovely ride up the magic carpet and  1/2 of a trip down the magic carpet run.  Never have either of us been so happy to be at the mountain and not even get to ski!!!  I would NEVER have guessed that of Extreme Dan!

Connor did absolutely wonderful and kept saying how much fun he had.  His dad beamed from ear to ear as he was watching his future ski / snowboard / mountain buddy being formed.  We tried to teach Connor pizza wedges, but he much preferred to put his hands on his knees and effectively tuck it to the bottom!  The kid hasn’t learned how to stop yet --- but I guess that can be for a different day.  Thumbs up!

           Very proud Mommy & Daddy

Look how miniature these boots and skis are – I LOVED it!!

 

Looking forward to many future years of fun days at the mountain!  Hope we’re lucky enough that the other two love it too!!

Drag Racing

Making the most of a trip to the local Ace Hardware, the competitive nature of brothers is beginning to show…..

Go Speed Racer

It’s a Wonderful Life

Christmas is such a magical time of year and I can honestly say that never before have I had as much fun.  These two guys light up our lives and its such a wonderful life being able to see the world and wonders in it through their eyes.  It all began with a trip to visit Santa.  Connor had a complicated request…. he asked for some “toys”.  It may be the last year that Santa has it so easy before the very specific list begins….. lucky Santa!

We introduced a new member of the family, thanks to Auntie Eggie – Jingles, the Elf on the Shelf for Christmas. He made his first appearance Christmas Eve morning and was a big hit! Connor and Drew love him - and we love you!  Thanks for making our day!

We were lucky enough to be surrounded by family for Christmas.  The entire Kachmarik family made their way out from Seattle and my brothers made it home.  It was so much fun to have so much love surrounding our boys.  They are lucky kids and we are all blessed to have such wonderful family.

We started the evening on Christmas Eve by going to the Children’s Mass, where these two were adorable!  We then headed home to open gifts with the Kachmarik crew.  Connor and Drew were spoiled by gifts as you can see surrounded by the tree. 

 

Connor carefully laid out cookies and carrots for Santa and the reindeer.  Christmas morning was full of more excitement as the kids came downstairs to “toys” as requested from Santa.   Connor checked out that the cookies had been eaten, and then got most excited with the bag of Trader Joe’s pretzels and the box of Monster Kleenex. 

The next day the guys all took a hike above the city to take in the scenery and a little fresh air, while the kids played with all their new toys. 

We got to spend a little Wheeler family time opening presents together too!  We were lucky to get to spend great family time with all of the family together and with each family separately.  It really is a wonderful life!

And – here’s the obligatory belly shot --- but you get three cute guys in the mix as well!