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Yesterday we woke to snow much snow! After getting Ollie off to school and putting Cooper down for his morning nap, I bundled up to shovel the walks. 

Cooper has been so content and chill the last few days and it's been nice to be able to set him down for moments throughout the day to tend to the house. 

Gramma brought a brand new chicky over to show us! They have been pipping and zipping for the last few days and Lily and Sawyer have had their eyes on the hatcher window for a good chunk of the day. 

Sawyer managed to stick his tongue to the pole this afternoon and all I could do was chuckle to myself when he came in with teary eyes to show me. You'd think he would have learned from Ollie's mishap not that long ago, but no, he had to experience it for himself.

The children have spent most of the afternoon watching and snuggling the baby chicks. I've hardly seen them all day!

Even though it looks like Winter outside, it is Spring in my heart! 

 

Haiti

The first cruise stop on the Island of Haiti in Camilla's words...

Today we woke up extra early so we would have lots of time to explore the island of Haiti. After we had all got dressed and ate breakfast we headed onto the balcony and felt the heat of the Caribbean sun! Then off we headed down to floor one where we grabbed towels and headed off the cruise ship and onto the bridge that connected us with the island. 

       

As soon as we got on the island we raced for the beach and found a nice sunny spot with lots of umbrellas. The boys and I ditched our bags and ran to the water and it was sooo warm! After a little time in the sun Hyrum, Dad, and I went to our island excursion which was ziplining over the ocean! We walked along a sandy path that led us to where we would grab our gear. We walked inside the wooden building and were assisted by the staff who helped us size up for our gear. After we had put our equipment on we had a short safety video then we headed off the the first zipline which was called Little Dragon where we would practice. 

 

When our turn came to go down we practiced our flying position which was leaning back with our legs straight out in front of us and our landing position, which was a sitting position with our legs spread apart. After we were done practicing we hopped on a small bus that drove us up a mountain to the Dragon flightline where we would zipline over the ocean! When we got up to the place where we could get clipped in I convinced Hyrum and Dad that we would go first this time because Dad made us go last on the smaller zipline. 

 

 

Once it was our turn Dad, Hyrum, and I got all clipped up, then the staff member working the zipline radioed his buddy at the bottom to make sure all was clear and he sent us down. We ziplined over two different beaches and looked out at the ocean and at the beach where we were previously sitting. Dad made it to the end first, then I came flying in and then Hyrum. 

 

 

After we took off all our gear we headed back to the beach and found Joe, Fin, and Grandpa who were playing in the water with the frisbee. Dad and Grandpa went to go grab a pina colada (which was becoming a regular thing) and the boys and I stayed at the beach in the water. We were throwing the frisbee to one another in a circle and trying not to drop it. Joe threw the frisbee to me and I had to run a little to catch it and then I stepped on something that felt like a ball of needles! I threw the frisbee back to the boys and hopped over to my chair to see if my foot was okay. It seemed to be fine with the exemption of a couple pokes but when I looked closer I could see there was a spike in my foot. Grandpa was walking back to the beach when I told him what happened and he insisted that we head over to the medical station. We told the Doc what happed and he said he would get the spike out of my foot. He cleaned it out with like 10 different cleansers then dug around with a needle a little bit. He was unsuccessful and that's when I asked him if I could try and dig it out but he said "No! This is the most exiting part of my day!" After a couple minutes (and a lot of poking around) he finally got it out. Grandpa gave me the rest of his pina colada and we headed to the outdoor lodge building and grabbed some burgers and lemonade. After we ate we went back to the beach and sat in the sun for the rest of the day.     

Sunday Snapshots

This morning we were all ready for church nice and early with only half of the children at home. I sent Mr. Stannix a picture of everyone all dressed in their Sunday best.

Ollie was really excited to wear his new outfit to church today. He has been the "man of the house" this week with Daddy and the big boys being away. He's done such a good job taking care of his mamma and his siblings and even made sure the walks were cleared of snow before we left for church this morning!

I turned on the fire mid-afternoon to warm the house. Sawyer accidently left the basement sliding door open after he let Sonny in this morning and we didn't discover it until after we got home from church. Ooops!

I listened to another snowstorm blow in as I nursed Cooper to sleep, wind howling and whipping around the house. 

The Many Faces

This little boy gets sweet and sweeter every day. Over the last couple of days he seems to have grown up and hit a new milestone. He has started greeting people with smiles and grinning when he hears his siblings laughing around him. I wish I knew what he was thinking, but I imagine he can't wait to join in on their shenanigans. I love watching his personality come to light. He is quite an expressive little guy and my heart literally melts every time he flashes me that dimpled grin of his.

Neck Giggles

This morning I enjoyed some morning smiles from Cooper. He then giggled into my neck as we snuggled on the couch in the morning light. My very favorite thing!

In the afternoon we experienced gusting winds and dark skies. Snow is on its way after these gorgeous days. It's probably for the best as the mud around here could use a pretty blanket.

I made two double batches of bagels. Some to eat, some to freeze, and some to share. The oven warmed my kitchen and they smelled amazing!

When I went to feed and water the chickens, I forgot to bring the egg basket, so my shirt was the next best thing! I sure love all of the pretty eggs we get each day!

 

The Trestle

Today we enjoyed visiting with friends and exploring some trails! The littles have been begging to go on the stairs by the river every time we drive by, so today, we made a spontaneous stop and hiked the icy trail to the trestle bridge. Ollie held Lily's hand and helped both Sawyer and Lily up any steep, icy parts. It was a quick walk, but they sure enjoyed it! 

Cooper Newborn Photos

When my sister was out visiting last, she snapped these sweet photos of Cooper for us! 

We are so grateful to have these memories of his tiny face, hands, and feet. 

Thanks Em!

 

 

 

Cruisin'

Mike, my Dad, Camilla, Hyrum, Joe, and Fin all headed off to Calgary this afternoon! Their flight leaves early in the morning, so they thought it best to go down the day before and run a few last minute errands. The kids are so excited about this trip! They had no idea it was happening. We told Camilla she would miss the next week of school so that she could let her teachers know and get her homework, but the rest of them had no idea until yesterday. They are starting their adventure with two days at Universal Studios and then a Caribbean Cruise where they will hit up some islands and enjoy a few excursions. 

I am looking forward to a quiet few weeks filled with baby snuggles and time with the littles. There will be no errands to run, no sports to get to, and no evenings filled with things. The children who are home go to bed relatively early which gives me evenings to myself to watch a few chick flicks or knit or do whatever I please. It's a win-win really.

Hyrum made sure to get one last snuggle in with Cooper before they left. 

We are sure going to miss them all!

Shopping With My Girl

With the big kids being home from school all week, my big girl and I took the day to go shopping! Mike booked a surprise trip this week for the four oldest, him, and my dad, and I knew Camilla needed a few things before they left. We enjoyed walking around the mall together and some yummy greek food for lunch! I love hanging out with my bigs!

 

Sunny Saturday

Today we enjoyed a yummy breakfast and lunch with our friends and a whole lotta sunshine! It was such a beautiful day spent visiting and watching the kids play together.