{ Skiing at Hidden Valley }

We had a fabulous time skiing this weekend at Hidden Valley Ski Resort just outside St. Louis.  We went with our friends, Bo & Heidi (and Lyla and Josie) and Brady and Brittany.  Bo, Heidi and Brady all like to snowboard and have been many times, but it was the first time skiing for the rest of the group (Except me of course, we all know about my excellent skiing abilities!  I was the official photographer this trip.)

Here we are picking up our skis and getting used to the ski boots.

Time to hit the slopes!

The only picture of all the grown up girls!

Everyone's up on their skis and ready to go!  Bo is giving Lee some tips before he takes off.  He was a big help to us since he's done this before.  

They're about to hop on the carpet to take them up the slope. 

 Some of us had problems getting on...

and getting off!  :)

They finally made it to the top of the slope and Harrison took off before we even realized it!

Emma Taylor's turn.

Sarah loved it too!

She came down and immediately headed back up!

Anna Grace was the most hesitant to start down the slope but liked it once she got started!

Here's Lee in action.

Brittany and Brady

Bo and Lyla.  Her face cracks me up!

Bo snowboarding.

It was time for our lunch break at the lodge.  (Not sure what happened to my makeup, yikes!)

Once we fueled up, we hit the slopes again!  This time the girls tried the rope lift.  It was a little trickier. We never got on the chair lift.  That was for the big slopes!

Poor Sarah landed in the splits.  Ouch!

Anna Grace finally had enough!

We were all finally worn out, so we headed back to the hotel to swim and hang out in the hot tub.  Oh so nice!  The kids thought it was great since they could swim and play air hockey and other games by the pool.  We thought it was great because we could relax!  

It was a really quick trip, but we had a great time trying something new.  I'm really proud of how well the kids did on their skis.  It definitely isn't easy (for me anyway!).  

{ SNOW DAY! }

We didn't get much snow, but the kids were happy about a day out of school.  I was pretty happy about it too!

This is it....our dusting of snow!

Sarah and Emma Taylor were the only ones interested in getting out and playing in it.  The other two weren't impressed since it didn't even cover all of the ground.

The girls made a couple mini snowmen and just had fun being silly.  I had to swipe some pictures from their Instagram accounts.

They came inside and had some hot chocolate.  I guess it tastes better while you're taking "selfies!"

These girls made the most of the snow day.  We're predicted to get more snow tonight, so we may have another day off.  Stay warm, everybody!

{ Sarah and the XLA Aviators }

Sarah's cheer squad participated in their first competition of the season.  She did awesome and they placed 1st in their division.  She was pumped!

They're super excited.

 I think this picture is my favorite!

 She's finally learned to do her round off back handspring!  So exciting!

 I love this one too!

Here's the whole squad.  

Great job, girls!  :)  They compete again in Jackson in two weeks.  Can't wait!

{ The Lego Movie Party }

The Lego Movie started yesterday, which meant Harrison was ready to party!  He'd been waiting for weeks for the movie to come out so he could celebrate his 8th birthday with his friends.

Here are the crazy boys at the theater.  They absolutely loved the movie!  I can't say I shared their love of the movie, but if you're an 8 year old boy it's not one to be missed!  :)

Luke, Connor, Harrison and Cameron

 Playing some games.

 Granna snapped this one without Quinn knowing!  Sneaky!

 Silly girl getting in on the birthday fun.  Harrison is nice and lets her come too.  :)

After the movie, we headed back to our house for pizza, cupcakes and ice cream. It was wild, but the boys had lots of fun.  Harrison thought it was the perfect party!

 Time to open presents!

He thought it was a perfect party.  He loves a low key get together with his best buds and that's exactly what he got.  Fun times for this sweet boy!  

{ No snow, just ice }

Seems like we were surrounded by snow, but didn't get any at our house.  Birmingham and Atlanta were hit severely, so I know we're fortunate.  The kids are dying for some snow though.   For now, a little ice will have to do!

Emma Taylor and Sarah discovered this ice patch last week, but headed out when it was too dark for me to get pictures.  Emma Taylor couldn't wait to get home from school the next day so she could "skate!"

Harrison figured out something fun was going on outside, so he headed out too.

Glad they all enjoyed it while it lasted because now it's gone!