The Finale

 Today was our last day at the Acreage! I always seem to leave more tired than when I arrived, but my heart and soul feel so much better. We stay up ridiculously late pretty much every night playing games and then get up early with the kiddos. I can never bring myself to go to bed early because I love being with everyone! Last night the boys stayed up until the wee hours of the morning playing Rook! I heard it was pretty epic, but I went to bed shortly after midnight and missed most of the action. 

The weather has been amazing! We had planned on leaving in the morning but the sun and sparkly snow were begging us to come out and play. While Finley napped we all went out to the hill in the front yard for some sledding. The suns rays kissed our cheeks and the snow glimmered as we waded through the snow to the hill. It was so beautiful and peaceful and perfect.

 The kids flew down the hill on their sleds over and over again, never tiring!

 Camilla was an awesome big sister and shared her slider with Joseph.

 They had SO much fun!

 Hyrum just had to squeeze on for a ride or two!

 The hill froze over night with a few jumps and the kids loved it!

 My Dad joined us for a little while. I sure love that guy!

 He gave some pretty awesome pushes!

 Near the end Camilla wanted to try snowboarding. She did pretty good! My Dad rigged up this rope on the front and she made it the whole way down without falling. It was pretty awesome! She was thrilled to show Daddy her new tricks!

 After some cider and a nice lunch it was time to pack up the van and head home. Daddy joked that our van was so full we'd have to leave someone here for the week. They all volunteered immediately, of course! I went over to hug Gramma and Grampa Purdon good-bye while the big kids climbed over bags and gifts and got their belts on. She always gets a little teary eyed, and told me that having the kids around was the best Christmas present ever. Gramma purdon peeked through the window on the back door waiting for us to leave so that she could wave us off. My parents stood on the back patio in the glow of the sunlight and waved as we backed out. As we drove down the lane tears stung my eyes. Mike grabbed my hand and looked over at me, knowing how hard it is for me to leave.

 The drive home was breathtaking! The trees had a fresh frost and the branches glimmered in the sunlight as it sank in the sky. 

 As it dipped further and further behind the mountain range it cast a golden glow over the fields, bringing warmth to the chill of Winter.

 I watched the sky change colors as long as I could. We drove silently admiring the beauty all around.

 As the mountain range became closer I knew we were getting close to home. 

Soon the golden glow was gone, like a candle that had been blown out. The lights of the city appeared and then disappeared as we turned to make our way to our new little town. We had such a wonderful time, but it felt good to be home again.