January Whomping

January is the busiest month of the dang yearzzle. We've had almost as much snow as we've had birthdays. But first, here is Aani eating a turkey drumstick on Christmas at Nana and Grandpar's house.

We went to Comedy Sportz on NYE. It was the perfect family activity. We all loved it.

Anders got to bust his behind with scouts before the new year started. The scouting requirements changed Jan. 1 for rank advancements that he was quite close on, so we stuffed in all that he had left into about 2 weeks. HE LOVED IT. (Sarcasm font). Knots, rescue swimming, 5 mile hikes with dad in the snow using a compass, first aid...so much fun. Tomorrow is the court of honor where he'll receive his tenderfoot, second class, and first class rank advancements, and 4 more merit badges. Scouting is a pain. He will get his Eagle. Oh yes, he will.

Hikin' with Daddio

The boy turned 14! What the?? He had a party with a bunch of well-behaved boys who gave him things, like a Donald Trump Chia Pet.

The next day he got an after-party migraine.

Then Addie turned 12! What the??

She had a party with a bunch of unruly children. Less kids next time.

Then I turned 39! What the?? So old. Nils and I went skiing the day before my b-day, and it was amazing and heavenly. We loved it so much! We hadn't been skiing since before we had kids, so we weren't sure what to expect. It came back right away, and we decided we have to do it more. It's so esspensive, though.

The next day on my actual birthday, I was pretty beat from all the skiing. Basically, all I did all day was lounge around, and then I ate this hamburger. Well, half of it. Thanks for taking me skiing, Nils, and buying me this big hamburger. It was fun.

Ava decided to make her own fortunes. She cut open candies and wrote fortunes for all of them, and gave them to each of us. This kid is a crack up. We would be so bored without her.