It’s cold and rainy today, which makes me completely unmotivated to do anything except watch Olympics and drink hot coffee. Hoping for some snow up in the mountains! Nevertheless, here’s what’s getting me going this week.
I became a Brand Ambassador (just call me a B.A. for short) with BANGS Shoes. The name comes from the Mandarin symbol for help, and they’ve got a great social mission in addition to really comfy shoes! Check it out here: BANGS If you’re looking to shop, message me for a special deal!
I went to a new yoga class today, and I will be sore for daysssss. Let’s get motivated, seriously.
IF:Gathering was this past weekend. I need a nap after drinking from that fire hydrant! IF
We celebrated Ryan’s thirty-seventh birthdayby spending the day out at a local climbing area. I use the term “local” loosely… this canyon is a bit of a trek to get to, but it’s so worth it. It’s a gorgeous spot, great climbing, and odds are good that you’ll have the place to yourself (especially on a weekday in the winter!) because of the added effort required to get there.
Side note…. does anyone else think that “the sevens” are the weirdest birthdays? I remember turning 27 and instantly feeling as if I was basically 30. Lots of reflection, evaluation, introspection on the sevens. It’s like a turning point for me, in anticipation of the next decade, and wondering if I need to change something to get my **** together. Ha!
I made a short video of our day in the canyon. The creek was flowing, and I kept the waterproof case on the GoPro all day (hence the lack of any decent audio). And it was a good thing… because in the afternoon, I definitely took a slippery step into the quagmire and dunked my entire left leg into a pool.
This might have been the highlight of the day for the kids. Cheesy photo proof.
Without further ado, here’s the video. Happy Birthday, RJ!!
A few nights ago, we were sitting around the dinner table talking about birthdays. We had attended several kid-birthdays in the week prior, and Cougan and Brynlee were discussing their favorite party locations. Popular options in our town include craft parties, gymnastics, the YMCA swimming pool, and of course, Peter Piper Pizza.
Finally, after some discussion, Bynlee announces: “Mom, for my birthday, I want to TRAVEL.”
Be still my heart. That’s my girl!!! And she continued, with her little hand outstretched like she does when she’s thinking.. palm forward, fingers up.
“I’ll let you and Daddy decide where to go, like Hawaii, New York, or Wash-in-ton DC.”
Sister is ready for takeoff
So naturally, I was thinking about this “traveling” conversation earlier this week as we waited in the airport for our flight on Christmas Day. I remember being pregnant with Cougan, and being told time and again how I wouldn’t be able to be as adventurous anymore once I had a baby. Of course I set my mind right then to prove “them” wrong 😉
It’s true that traveling and “adventuring” with children is much different, often challenging and at a slower pace. But it is magical and so worth it. And it is getting easier the more we go, and of course, the older the kids get.
We head back to the airport today, this time with lingering sinus pressure and some sleep deprivation joining us. The flight might not be as pleasant this time. But I’m armed with a bag of tricks.. gum, snacks, Earplanes, and decongestants. And I’ll take deep breaths, and squeeze my babies, and feel grateful for this wonderful life, closing this chapter that’s been 2016.
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