Night Hike and Snow Days

 Our family had covid again in January after returning from our visit to meet Amelia.  We took the required time off school and work and had a lovely time at home being together!  After coming out of quarantine we were able to join Jack's forest club for a night hike - such a memorable experience!  We headed into French Park in the dark for a hike with the Forest Club group.  They encouraged us to turn off all our head lamps and flashlights and we hiked in the dark and allowed our eyes to adjust!  We heard some great sounds, experienced a cold crisp night outside and the boys even did some widdling with their pocketknives at the end.

We got a snow day, and the kids had a great day off!  We got to head to Clifton for some sledding. It just brings me so much joy to have all  the kids home! 

Jack and Henry got Big Life Journals for Christmas.  This is a growth mindset journal that I gifted both of them with the intention of spending the next year meeting with just the two of them and working out way through the journal.  My goal is to build up their self-esteem and their resilience in the crazy world!  We go to a coffee shop or the tree house to do the work and so far the boys are loving it! I have really enjoyed the quiet time I get to spend with just the two boys and get to hear what goes on their heads!

Albuquerque to meet Amelia!!

 Jack, Elisabeth and I got to fly to Albuquerque to visit the Zhupikov Family!  It was so fun to have the time with just the older 2 kids.  We got to talk a lot during our trip to and from Albuquerque and we played sooo many games and took a lot of hikes!  I have the fondest memories of our trip together just the three of us!  Joe had a great time with Josefine and Charlotte at home.  The only downfall of the trip is that we ended up with covid BUT sweet baby Amelia didn't catch it from us so I will call that a total win!

They were the best travelers! They read and slept and played games and did sticker books!  The flight home was an unexpected 13 hours and still they were such troopers! 

Meeting their cousin Amelia for the first time!! They are completely smitten with her!  She is just the most adorable baby and we got sooo many snuggles!

The first time Jack held Amelia he leaned over and whispered in my ear "When Amelia lays on me it immediately takes all my worries away." 💓 I totally get that Jack!!

hike after hike, crafts, boards games and delicious food and coffee - Amy, even 3 weeks postpartum, proves to be the best host!! 

Thank you Zhupikovs for an awesome trip!! Thank you, Joe, for holding down the fort at home and giving me the gift of quality time with Jack and Elisabeth - SOO memorable!