snow

My husband is an outdoorsy kind of guy. Every winter, he wants to take us to the snow. And for whatever reason(ahem, me not wanting to get wet and cold while pregnant or nursing a baby. Golly I used to be so adventurous, what happened to me????) we have not driven up to the snow since Finn was a wee toddler.

That's a long time. Shameful I tell you.

So when John broached the subject a week ago, I decided to be a good sport and go. We went on the morn of New Years Eve.

Ahead of time, I made a conscious decision not to whine or complain when things got tough.

On the drive up, I also had to deliberately not think about all the obstacles that we would face upon maneuvering 4 small boys around in the snow. What if the boys have to go potty and there is no bathroom? What if the baby is fussy? What if it's really windy and cold? What if the dam breaks?(don't ask!) I had to purposefully surrender all of these imagined problems and just enjoy the trip. Sometimes you just gotta do things without over thinking.

The drive through the canyons was one of the most beautiful drives I have ever been on. We drove right along the river.

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

In the past, I will reluctantly admit, that I have neglected to properly admire God's beauty in nature. For whatever reason, I was too preoccupied admiring silly things like quaint little houses or barns. Well, not anymore I tell you! I will look for God in nature and enjoy Him while doing so. After all, the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! I think it glorifies God when we enjoy His beautiful creations--and yes, I realize that this sounds very obvious.

When we got to the snow resort, things started to unravel a bit. It was crowded and there was barely any parking.

The boys had to whiz.

Ollie was having a melt down while I was trying to apply sunscreen to his face. He was trying to wipe his tears and I was afraid he would rub sunscreen into his eyes.

The baby had to nurse.

Why on earth did we come? Were we crazy to attempt this? Oh yah, stop complaining.

It was hard trying to get everyone fed, then bundled in all their snow clothes, with sunscreen.

But it was smooth sailing after that!

The weather was perfect.perfect.perfect. Sunny. No wind. It was a BEAUTIFUL day.

Here is Twain on his first trip to the snow.

It's hard to believe they make teensy-tiny snowboarding jackets for one that cannot stand, let alone snowboard, ha.

He pretty much was the most content little snow trooper I have ever seen. He smiled happily and did not cry once. Amazing.

Baby touches the snow for the first time.

Calvin was the happiest I think I have ever seen him. Grinning from ear to ear.

He looks like a little elf here.

And Ollie. I was really surprised by how much he took to the snow. When Finn was a toddler and first went to the snow, he fussed every time his feet sank too deep into the snow. I was fully expecting Ollie to react in the same way. I was wrong.

He was very adventurous and tried to do everything his big brothers were doing.

Only smiles and happiness from this little snow bunny.

Finny, why are you looking so serious? I assure you, he had a blast.

It pains my eyes to see him wearing a matching blue hat and jacket, but I am trying not to let silly things like that bother me:)

The boys were body boarding down the slopes the whole time.

And here is what Ollie's silhouette looks like in case you were wondering.

Oh yay, Finn, you are finally smiling!

A nice Lithuanian lady offered to take a picture of our family.

Wow, that is quite the scowl you got there Calvin! So sorry to disturb your snow fun with a family photo!

This trip to the snow was so positively perfect, it will be hard to top. I really look forward to going again!