Back For More Fun...

We headed back to Ouray for some more fun in the snow. Jacob got to ski for the first time ever- and he loved it. He managed to go up the ski lift and ski down several times before it got so cold we had to get home. Lilly spent her afternoon sledding and eating cherry ice cream with sprinkles (a.k.a. snow). Our little snow bunnies have found a favorite new place to play.

Some Days Are The Best....

We had so much fun in Ouray last weekend, that we decided to take the kids back for some sledding in the snow (plus we forgot our coats at the lodge, and had to go back anyway ). It was the most fun the four of us have had together in a long time. We spent all afternoon just laughing and laughing.

Lilly's first snow angel.

My little snow bunny.

Lilly's first trip solo.

Ryan, Jacob and Lilly (all screaming).

Jacob, do as I say, not as I do! When we first got to the sledding park, I told Jacob not to go over the sledding ramp. Then, being the wonderful sledder that I am, ran Lilly and I right over it.

Ouray, Colorado

Ryan and I spent the weekend in Ouray. We visited all of the small shops, ate a wonderful Italian dinner, and took in all of the beautiful scenery. Known for its mountains, Ouray is called the Switzerland of America. Every building we went in to was decorated from the Victorian Era. Lavish colors decorated the walls and ceilings. The small shops were filled with homemade toys, glass objects and candy. And we were totally in awe of the ice climbers. We watched as thrill-seekers picked their way up the mountains.

Outside one of the restaurants stood several ice sculptures. This one is of an ice climber. As you can see, it had started to melt a bit.

Even more amazing than the town's scenery, was the cave at the lodge where we stayed. Downstairs from our room was this amazing vapor cave that has natural hot springs flowing in continually. This is the entrance to the cave. Once inside there is a small soaking area and room to walk around in the water. The side of the cave that you can see in this picture in covered with flowing water.

Here is another ice sculpture- this one of an ice climber's boot.

Brrr.

Lillian the Ballerina...

Our First "Trip" Ice Skating

The look on Jacob's face says it all! He wasn't too sure about this!

By this picture you can tell how steady I am on skates- I managed to totally miss Jacob's head! But these kids cones really came in handy, and he really improved. Before we left he was able to push it around by himself. Now, he's trying to find a way to make homemade skates. He also suggested that we make ice in the living room, so he can practice some more.

While Jacob worked on his fancy footwork, Lilly had it made. She had her own sled and two parents to pull her around and around.

This was Jacob's first attempt on the ice. Double axles are soon to follow.

Thanks for the new Jammies, Nana!

Lilly's new aDORAble jammies are great. They are presently covering up a multitude of colored marker.

Jacob's new jammies really make him look grown-up. Every time he wears them, I picture him in his slippers, reading the paper, and talking about the stock market.

Ballerina....

Looking back through pictures makes me realize that there is no way that all the cute, fun, or funny picutes of things this last year can all make it to the blog---well, maybe they could, but it would take all day to sit and post them. Maybe we will get more posted later.

LOOKING BACK THROUGH 2009 WITH

LILLY

I love the Childrens Museum. They have the best costumes.
I am not really sure why I picked up this frog. What am I supposed to do with it now?

This year, I got to ride a horse,

and I LOVE it.

Don't forget that McDonalds has become a favorite of mine as well.

After lots of growing, learning and seeing new things, I am ready for another year of it.

LOOKING BACK THROUGH 2009 WITH

JACOB

We had fun days at the lake catching fish.

Fun nights camping in the backyard,

Good times in the kitchen making snacks,
And youth appreciation day in the park.

Don't forget moving up to the first grade.

There were plenty of other good times had this last year. Now we will have to see what 2010 will bring. I am sure that it will be just as good or better than 2009.

Christmas

Oh to be a kid again. Christmas brought about all sorts of fun things to do. After looking at nicely wrapped gifts under the tree, the kids couldn't wait any longer to open "just one." On Christmas eve, we let the kids open up one gift, just for our sanity. (We had to do something to get the begging to cease.)

With Grandpa and Grandma visiting, we took turns (sort of) opening gifts. By the time that the wrapping paper was torn to shreads and all the boxes were open, I thing that everyone was feeling a little spoiled. The rest of Christmas day was spent playing with new games, splashing paint on the easle, assembling Legos and Knex.