Aunt Tracy!

Photo by Elliot from Aunt Tracy's phone, she's a natural!

We love when Tracy's travels bring her our direction.  After some meetings in Boston, she was all ours for the weekend.  It snowed on Saturday, which made it the perfect snow storm lazy day.  We ate yummy Chinese food, went sledding, played apples to apples, took turns battling zombies on her ipad, played lalaloopsies, laughed at the kids, laughed at each other, and enjoyed just being together.  She brought Birthday goodies with her, we all love my new sarong, and I can't wait to wear my gorgeous new pendant she gave me.  Thanks Trac for a great visit.

MLK Day at the beach.

I start getting withdrawal's from the ocean about this time.  I start craving long, lazy summery days sitting in a beach chair watching the kids play in the sand and the surf.  Which is why when Mike suggested we make it a beach day, I was thrilled.  Of course no beach toys were thrown in the car, and we knew it would be bitter cold, but we've always wanted to see our fav. beach in the winter.  

But first a stop at Weathervane for some yummy seafood lunch.  Griff surprised us all by requesting lobster.  It's not like we don't all love lobster, we just don't usually order it because it's so darn expensive, and I usually gravitate towards the fish and chips and Mike loves scallops.  But Griff claimed he wanted to, "try something new." and lobster fit the bill.  If only Grandpa Tom were with us, he LOVES lobster.  Him and Griff could have enjoyed one together.

   We weren't surprised the ocean looked pretty much the same, minus the crowds and crowds of people.  We walked to the water, threw stones in, climbed on the rocks (some were super icy), smelled the fresh air, looked for shells, tasted sea water icicles(the kids not Mike and I).  And then Mike and I climbed in the warm car while the kids played on the playground. It was a good day, and I look forward to summer.

We ended the day with dinner and of course our traditional brownies.  

No picture post (I know, boring, right?)

It finally snowed yesterday.  We were starting to think we would make it through the whole winter without a trip to the sledding hill.  But thanks to the 4 inches of snow and a school snow day we made it.  The kids are all independent this year and I don't even have to get out of the car if I don't want too.  I usually do love going down a few times, but Miles had left his boots at school, so he had to borrow mine.  

Any way... Griff was determined to make it down the hill on his snowboard (not a real snowboard, just one of those fun kid ones at walmart.) time after time he fell on his face, until finally he got into the rhythm of it and he was unstoppable.  I was so impressed with his ability to stay on the board the whole way down, and he even started working on his turns.  Would it be nice if he had a snowboarding mom or dad? But he is not that lucky.  Miles still has some work to do, but he too worked on getting down the hill.  So fun!!!

No babies round here!

It's crazy that Elliot, our baby, is 5.  She had such a great birthday and we all love showering her with attention.  The kids loved picking out her gifts, and enjoyed her Chuck E. Cheese request.  

Elliot is a doll!  She really is a great girl.  When I get frustrated with her she say, "I'm soooo sorry Mom."  She  is all girl, and loves playing with anything girly.  She tries her best to keep up with the older kids and usually does.  I miss her sweet baby face.

Welcome 2012

We are looking forward to some big changes this year, and more memorable events.  But first farewell to 2011. I asked the kids what their favorite thing that happened last year was and their responses were...

Elliot: you snuggling and tickling my back. And I started preschool.
Miles: Summer vacation and all the family that visited us.  And going to Water Country with the Huntings.
Griffin: Getting baptized.
Caleigh couldn't think of one.  I guess, I shouldn't ask hard questions in the morning.

Some of my highlights are all the family visits.  We always have fun when family comes to town, and I loved seeing the Boston fireworks this year.  Especially having the Utah Petersons here with us.  We love hanging out at the beach with family too.  LOVE THE BEACH.  My biggest change this year is finally getting out my sewing machine and using it.  Making my first quilt has opened up a whole new world to me of sewing and fabric stores...
Mike has worked so hard this year on his Doctorate, juggling his always hectic schedule, and serving our ward in the Bishopric.  This next year he has plans to defend his dissertation and graduate from UNH.

What a year.  We are continually amazed at our blessings and grateful for our lives here in New England.