Keystone 2012

During the kids' Christmas break, we headed to Keystone, Colorado for our first family ski trip.  Jerry grew up skiing as a child and into teenager years.  He wanted our kids to learn while they were young too (while they have no fear).  We were asked over a year ago by some precious friends of ours to go on a family vacation to ski with them.....and the rest is history.  

We had an absolutely fabulous time, and they were such a fun family to travel with.  The kids all had somebody to hang out with, and in the future, Brecken will be able to play with their youngest daughter (who didn't make the trip because she was only 1 1/2 years old).

This is the day we arrived in Colorado.  We hung out in Golden, Colorado Friday night, and our check-in was on Saturday.

 All of the kids playing "Headbandz" game

 Day 1.....feeling like the Michelin man?!  We don't dress like this very often ;)

 Breakfast of champions....

 So excited!

 Clint, J, and B all ready to go!

 Walking into ski school....they did great!

 Dadoo's making sure the kids are situated so he can hit the slopes.  He hadn't been skiing since we were seniors in high school (we won't count what that equals!)

 Going up the "magic carpet"

 You can see how hard it was snowing if you look in this picture at the trees.  I'm amazed at how well the kids picked up on skiing.

 New Year's eve....just hanging out on an electrical box so we can watch the fireworks!

 Mommy was 24 weeks pregnant with LB3, so no skiing for me.  I would make the family appearances for evening activities....and I did hit up the spa twice :)

 Happy New Year!

 With their instructor.  The kids did 3 days of ski school, and were skiing blue runs with Jerry the following 2 days!

 Treyson and Dadoo!

All 3 of my loves going up the magic carpet.

 Snowmobiling time!  This was a gift we gave the kids for Christmas.  They were so excited!

 Group picture with the L family!

 Next adventure? TUBING!

 Snow fort/castle on top of the mountain

 Cold Mommy!

 Headed back down the Gondola

 Last day, we hit up the ice skating rink, which is on a real pond.

 Treyson didn't care much for the ice skating

 Anniston, however, was very determined to do well....and she did!

 T just hung out with a hockey stick and puck!

What a fun vacation for all of us.  The kids were total rockstars on the slopes!  Jerry had a blast skiing with Clint, and I enjoyed my massage, facial, pedicure/manicure, and getting to be the paparazzi for the week....captured such precious memories.

We came home worn out, with a window that had to be duct taped up because the motor broke (when it was down--of course), and a couple of broken ribs for Jerry.  That was the not-so-awesome part of the vacation.....but the good ABSOLUTELY outweighed those few things!

Next vacation?  Must be warm, sunny, and serve drinks with umbrellas!

Anniston and Treyson give Brecken a bath :)

Last night, we let Treyson and Anniston take over bath duty.  They are always wanting to hold her, kiss her, help change diapers, etc.  We thought they would really enjoy this....and they did!  Anniston started out with the job of running warm water over her.  Treyson held Brecken's hand.  Then they switched (although I had set my camera down and didn't get pics of Treyson pouring the water).

Brecken, you are so lucky that your brother and sister are SO in love with you.  They just can't get enough of you....and neither can Mommy or Dadoo!

Bedtime Prayers

It seems like Brecken's schedule is slightly different every day depending on when she has her initial feeding.  The big kids go to bed at 7:30, and we go into Treyson's room to say prayers before bed.  Sometimes Brecken has just been fed and is very content and happy....sometimes she's due to eat and is not happy :)

Last night, Brecken was in the BEST mood.  She had just had a bath, so we got her jammies on and all headed in for prayers.  The kids were SO EXCITED!  They love getting to love on Brecken in bed.  We normally all hold hands when we pray together, so the kids wanted Brecken in the middle so they could hold her hands--so sweet!

First "Real" Bath

Brecken's umbilical cord finally fell off yesterday (2.5 weeks).  Her cord was very thick.  We were told that was because she was such a big baby.  Jerry even had a hard time cutting it :)  We were so excited to finally get to give her a real big girl bath!

Our other two kids HATED baths when they were tiny, and we figured out that their hands flying around is what upset them.  So, we immediately put socks on Brecken's hands, and the kids held on to her.  She squealed a little bit at first, but then enjoyed herself....although she had a look to her the entire time that read, "what are you people doing to me?!"

 Proud big helpers!

 Dadoo gives "princess baths".  Mommy does the scrubbing and such, while Dadoo continuously pours water over her belly, chest, arms to keep her nice and warm.  Dadoo has perfected spoiling his little girls :)

Squeaky clean baby girl!

For the Love of Bubby

I am still in awe (and some shock) over how obsessed Treyson is with Brecken.  He loves kissing her and hugging her, and always wants to "play" with her.  It is absolutely precious! He doesn't like that she's sleeping when he leaves for school, because he can't kiss her goodbye.....so he kisses my hand and tells me to give it to Brecken as soon as she wakes up--melt. my. heart!

Brecken you are so loved by so many!  Treyson, I am so proud of the big brother you are to Brecken!