Girls Weekend with Boose-Boose

 Oh man...such a needed Mom break with my sister! Cade let me go have 24 hours with Boose and it was so much fun. We went to SnowBird and got pedicures, then hot tubbed and swam on the roof of the resort while the snow was lightly falling. It is GORGEOUS up there. Then we ate at Vessel Kitchen and Handles Ice Cream and stayed at a random AirBNB and played games and talked entirely too late (1:30 am is normal for her but 4 hours past my bedtime :)). Then we slept in (I actually got to sleep at night!!) and went to breakfast and some shopping at the mall. 

I love Boose so much. I am so grateful we live close and can spend some time together. I am grateful Cade let me have that time too!

Another "Where's Waldo" in the Books

Cade asked if I wanted to participate in our youth activity called "Where's Waldo?" Members of the ward disguise themselves and the youth have to walk around the mall and find them. My first initial response was "how in the world do I do that with 6 kids?" But then I remembered how much fun it is and I found a babysitter. I showed up to my friends house in south PG (Sarah Robinson) and changed there since Emma would be participating in the activity. It's SO much fun to see the reactions of others. Lots of youth would hesitently walk by but there weren't too many people at the mall that night so it wasn't hard to just go up and ask everyone "where's Waldo?" But then when they figured out that I was Sister Close, they freaked out. It was so fun. THEN...I got home and my girls were still up with the babysitter. Their reactions were so hilarious. Jane kept staring at me so funny and looked scared. I said, "Jane, do you like to play dress-up?" She nodded. "Well, so does Mommy! I was playing dress-up tonight." She finally gave me a very awkward hug and said, "you look different. Why you look so different?" Nora and Reese keep saying "take it off!! I like our other mom!" 

It was a fun night :). 

Magical Family Time at a Sundance Cabin

 

We had a wonderful little weekend family trip at a gorgeous Sundance cabin. The views from the cabin were unreal- gorgeous pine trees and mountain views from every angle. We had a great time hot-tubbing, playing games, and lots of skiing and snow play. The first full-day Cade took Reese skiing while I took the other kids to the Stewart falls parking lot area and found some gems to play in- a handmade little cave and a fun area to sled in the amphitheater. Then in the afternoon, Emma, Nora and I took a ski lesson together and it was SOOOO needed for me! I have been scared to ski this season. Partly because we haven't gotten much snow and so it's been pretty icy but also because I just don't have a lot of experience and my last lesson/time I went skiing was over a year ago and I don't remember much at all. 

The girls LOVED eating at The Foundry Grill (almost as much as me) and ask when we can go again. We were literally the only people with kids there and we had SIX but they did pretty well. We had to give our phone for Jane to play on...she hasn't ever been to a sit down restaurant besides a quick pizza place :). 

The skiing was really fun! It was one of the busiest weekends of the year but we still had a great time and Emma and I were really grateful for the lesson. Hopefully some of what I learned can stick with me for next season?? (Fingers crossed) 

I just can't get enough of the mountains, the trees, the fresh air. If I had several million dollars...hahaha...that's where I would get a cabin. I love Sundance!

Lucy's 6th Birthday!

 Happy Birthday LuLu!!! Our Lucy Ann is now 6 years old. She could hardly wait for her count-down chain to get to the end. Every day was just too long!! She got some fun things for her birthday- a yoto audio player, tea set, big Lego camper van, and more. 

Then Lucy had her birthday party at Kangaroo Zoo. She invited 2 friends from school, 1 cousin (best friend Sophie) and 7 friends from the neighborhood. It was exactly the kind of party I needed this year- no planning or time or energy from me! I was sick the week before and so it was perfect. Lucy had a fabulous time and even got to have Sophie come home with us after to play all day.

We love Lucy! She is full of energy and spunk and loves to run and play all day long! She lives for friends and playdates and can't get enough of Sophie-dophie :). Lucy loves going to school, and also loves spaghetti, pizza, popcorn and ice cream. Her favorite colors are blue, pink and purple. WE love having Lucy in our family!

Cade's New Job Position

 Fishbowl was sold last December. It's been a pretty hard change for a lot of the company. Covid had already changed a lot of the culture of the company but now being sold has really changed it. Cade has chosen to stay and make the most of it at Fishbowl. 

He applied for a new position in January and it was a very long and drawn-out process with lots of interviews. But found out the end of January that he got it! He is now the Director of New Business Sales. He is over the whole salesteam and the stakes are pretty high this next year but we are both very excited for new growth and opportunities this year. He will do such an amazing job for many reasons. One is that he always gives 110% in everything he does. He also loves to learn new things and do his very best.  Cade is a great asset to Fishbowl and they are blessed to have him. 

Things have been absolutely crazy ever since he got this position. He is asked to start working on this new director position as well as continue to sell through the end of March (at least). IN addition to working almost 2 full-time jobs, he is on the Lincoln School Board (and an amazing asset to that) and also 2nd Counselor in the bishopric at church. He is insanely busy but we are getting by just fine. Once Benson is sleeping through the night, life will be great :). Hopefully that happens sooner than later! 

I am proud of Cade and all he does. He is an incredible worker, father, husband and leader. I am so grateful for him as my companion and friend. And I had to add this picture before he got his hair cut. Hope he doesn't mind :). 

Valentines Traditions

     Valentines is always fun in our family! We make it a family tradition and do a "love" dinner. We usually do heart pizzas but this year we did a charcuterie board along with fondue. After dinner we open our envelopes of notes from each other. It's always super fun!

I also got to help in Nora's 2nd grade classroom this year. It was fun to help. Cade and I usually do a massage and dinner date but life has been so crazy we haven't had a chance yet :). Someday!

Nora's Special Baptism Day!

   

    Nora made the choice to be baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are so proud of her decision to follow the Savior. Nora is such a special, special girl with a very tender and kind heart. She is always looking for ways to serve those in her family, neighborhood and at school. She loves writing notes and making others feel loved. 

At her baptism, she played "We'll Bring the World His Truth" on the violin with Sis. Black accompanying. Aunt Sisten and Emma gave talks and Nora's dad performed the baptism and confirmation. It was a wonderful meeting with a strong spirit. 

Afterwards, we went back to our home for brunch. All of my side of the family was able to be there (except Gma and Gpa Bleak who Facetimed from Hawaii) and Gma and Gpa Close was here as well. It was a special day and we are proud of Nora Boo!