Like most holidays this past year, we were at the Cove for Easter. The weather was unexpectedly warm and absolutely beautiful. We didn't pack for a sunny 70-degree day, so Owen and Wes borrowed pink short shorts from Olivia and Lily, which none of the kids called any attention to. Wes colored his nipples with marker and Uncle Chris overpaid the kids to do yard work. Egg hunting, dying and matching jammies ensued.
Much to my delight, Rachel and Josh planned a long weekend at the coast and invited us to come along. Ty and I haven't really explored the Washington beaches and were excited to discover what a gem of a town Long Beach is.
The kids ran around outside and flew kites while the adults had cocktails and caught up. The weather was beyond perfect—nearly eighty degrees, which is a rare treat at the Washington coast. I took family photos for the Hights, Hazel and Brady hid under the bed long enough to give us a panic attack, we drove cars on the beach, raced go-karts, ate ice cream, and soaked up the sun.
It was a lovely weekend that felt good for the soul.
This year we finally made it up to the mountain as a family of five. We spent mid-winter break in Sunriver and got the whole gang up on skis. This has long been one of Ty's dreams, and the kids are finally at an age where it feels doable.
I hadn't skied since high school, so ensuring I was still capable myself was a necessary step before I was comfortable being on top of a mountain with my children. Ty and I went to Crystal at the beginning of February, and it came back to me with more ease than I anticipated. We were ready to get Hazel started when we arrived in Sunriver. There were lots of logistics and it certainly wasn't easy, but we had so much fun at Bachelor. Hazel was a beast, Wes made lots of progress, and Owen was independent. Owen got separated from us at one point and had to seek out the Ski Patrol to help him. Wes sustained a minor leg injury. We all learned a few lessons. With the inaugural run behind us, the process doesn't feel nearly as overwhelming, and I'm on board to make skiing a part of our winters.
We spent a total of five nights in Sunriver and enjoyed playing in the snow, walking to the village, watching Nick Jr. in bed, celebrating Valentine's Day with fondue, drinking coffee and hot cocoa, and putting together our first 150-piece puzzle as a family.
My mom, sisters, sweet nephew, Ari, and I spent a long weekend on Vashon Island this February. After too much COVID-induced separation, it was so lovely having time together. We played games, read books, shopped, cooked and laughed a lot. My love and gratitude for these people are fierce.
