Skinless

Hey this is Bryson, as you can see I skinned my toe earlier today. It hurt really bad. Because it looks so gross I wanted to take a picture and share it on the blog.

A COLD Day skiing

One ski pass = $56
Ski Rentals=$15
Hot Chocolate for 5=$15
Instant Hand Warmers=$10
Skiing with my boys=PRICELESS

Look at the blizzard we were in at the top of the mountain! It was a -10 degrees when we started out, and it finally warmed up to about 8 degrees when we left. We had a great time despite the chilly weather and I was so impressed with the boys skiing abilities. Especially Paul, who skiied backwards half the time watching us and taking pictures and video clips.
Here we are taking a break and trying to warm up! Hot Chocolate never tastes so good, it was well worth the $3 a cup!
Here I am trying to find some way to keep my toes warm. I finally put instant hand warmers under my toes, and it worked wonders. Now, trying to put those stupid ski boots back on...
I couldn't keep up with the boys at all, and I know I slowed them down. Bryson kept saying, "Mom, you keep doing the pizza (snow plow), you need to do the french fry(skis together)." They were very patient with me and had a lot of fun showing me all of their tricks! This morning, however, I woke very sore.

Klondike Camp Out

I had the chance to participate again this year in our annual Boy Scout Winter Camp. We were a balmy -5 degrees F overnight ... a bit chilly. But notwithstanding the temperature, the boys had a great time. Our troop was one of approximately 30 troops from the 4-stake District to participate in the District's Klondike Derby held at the Soldier Hollow venue. In addition to freezing our tales off, we were able to participate in an "Olympic" ceremony, tubing, cross-country skiing, and finally a Klondike Derby race between troops.

It was a lot of fun. Because we had such a great turn out of both fathers and the boys, I was able to bring Garrett along. In addition to having a great time with all of the activities, Garrett learned a timeless lesson ... immortalized in the movie "A Christmas Story."
Most of us have all seen and love "A Christmas Story". One of the all-time classic scenes in that show is when the boys get their tongue stuck to the flag pole. Most little boys have tried this at least once (and if multiple times ... there is likely an IQ problem). Garrett had his first experience with, in this case, his lip getting stuck to a metal hand-rail at Soldier Hollow. He was sliding down a handrail and ended up putting his mouth to the rail and found that he was stuck ... he pulled and pulled and finally was released only to find that he left part of his lip on the hand rail. He came to me all bloodied up asking if I could see anything wrong with his lip ... I assured him I could and did ... and was then able to teach him the scientific principal of moisture (ie water, spit, etc.) and its tendency to freeze, especially on very cold metal objects.

I am proud to report that Garrett did not need to have a second practical lesson on the matter!

Life is full of discoveries when you are almost two!

McKay has learned the art of throwing a temper tantrum. However, it is pretty cute. So I caught him last night in action. He was mad at me because I had tied the drawers together with my scarf(see pictures above). Now he can't pull them out anymore and use them as a step to get on top of the countertop.
Crashing after watching Baby Einstein- they look so sweet and innocent when they are sleeping! McKay already for action!

A Day with the Dads

The day before Mom and Dad's "homecoming" the Dads took all the cousins tubing at Soldier Hollow to celebrate Spencer's b-day. While the Moms stayed behind and threw a baby shower for Eliza. Here are some of our favorite pics of the day:

This is how you go up the hill at Soldier Hollow, using a tow rope, this is my kind of tubing! There is little effort involved. This is Kylie Parker going up. We loved having the Parker girls stay at our home, they (and Allie) are great babysitters!

Boys, remember she is your cousin, no matter how cute she is! Don't you like Garrett's macho-like smile?
A trip to Heber wouldn't be complete without a stop at the famous Dairy Keen!

Home from Ghana!

After a full day and night of flying (and missing one of their flights) Mom and Dad Ritchie finally made it home! Paul and Ryan picked them up at the airport and drove them home were they were greeted by the crew.
The older cousins sat in awe hearing Grandma and Grandpa's stories. Grandma and Grandpa had a new mission call waiting for them at the house (thanks to Adrienne), they were called to serve in the Utah/Las Vegas mission for 24 to 36 months and serve as full time Grandparents. They were urged to visit, play, and attend all sporting events, recitals, and FHEs as desired. They will precide over 26 (plus one on the way) grandchildren.
McKay with Grandpa Jim (one of the new grandkids since they left).
Notice the popsicle stick flags Grandpa and Grandma have, these were compliments of Tanner who made these"projects" while anticipating their arrival. We are so happy they are home and will love having them around again.

More Skiing Pictures

A day at the slopes, we've got some natural skiers in the family! Thanks to the Heywoods, our kids have ski partners at every level. I'm afraid they are all too good for me now, but I am excited to go sometime. I just finished my last of 4 skiing lessons and I finally feel like I get it! I didn't fall down at all last week and actually felt like I had a little control, I really like this sport!