New Year's 2015

We scooped up the kids and headed to Seven Springs on New Year's Eve.  We stopped at a ski rental shop just off the exit and rented Patrick tiny skiis and boots for the season.  Tommy is close in enough in size he can piggy back off of Patrick's rental.  There was no snow to be seen except what the snow makers were blasting onto the slopes. Patrick headed out with Daddy for a few runs on the bunny slope and the beginner hills.  This guy is a pro at riding the lift now!

We had an early midnight around 7:00 and let the kids make all the noise they wanted after we finished dinner (a bucket of KFC!). 

New Year's Day Tommy got the first run with daddy, and Tom said it was like Tommy's legs ceased to work once he got on the skis.  At one point, Tommy skid down the bunny slope nearly sitting on his skiis. 

We read, built Legos, and played a game go pick-up sticks.

Later on New Years Day, we took all three kids to the bunny slope so I could see the boys skiing firsthand. Tommy did better, Patrick practiced some turning, and Kaya ate a lot of snow. She also insisted on having a snack and her milk cup with her at all times on the slope.

Just before leaving, Baba and Grampy stopped by.  We tried hard for a posed picture...

Whole30, Day One

Thought I would post my three meals (no snacking) from my first day of the challenge.  The kale I had with my eggs was a bit strong, but I got most of it down.  Lunch and dinner were keepers!

Breakfast: 3 organic eggs cooked in a bed of kale that was sautéed with coconut oil, green onions, lemon juice, and garlic. Black coffee. I had to get up 30 minutes early to cook this.

Lunch: fresh spinach, and carrots, with canned beets, with a drizzle of macadamia nut oil.  Organic chicken nuggets (breaded with arrowroot powder and fried in coconut oil)

Dinner: sweet potatoe with a  teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter), asparagus sautéed in ghee, and chicken cooked with extra virgin olive oil and fresh rosemary. The next two days are supposed to feel similar to having a hangover. Can't wait.

Christmas - Part 2

Late Christmas afternoon, we headed over to Tom's parent's house for dinner and presents exchange.  Uncle Mike was home from college, Aunt Liz and Uncle Anthony were already there, and Tom's Aunt Ellen and Uncle Tippy came as well.  

All three kids with Grampy (so bummed this is blurry since everyone is looking!)

Patrick and Tommy both got lots of Lego City sets.  Endless building.

Baba with Aunt Ellen

Kaya's gift from Baba, Grampy, and Uncle Mike was this stackable washer and dryer set from PB Kids.  It was even cuter in person.  Patrick and Tommy were so taken with it, they were literally squeezing Kaya out and pushing her into the ottoman (she is crying in the picture). 

The washer and drye both have working timers that ding when the clothes are ready. There is a little lint trap that is removable and each has a wooden sign that you can flip to designate "clean" or "dirty". 

I love this picture of Tommy.  He hates getting his picture taken and is usually screaming when we force him to pose. He wanted me to take this picture though.

Brothers...

Merry Christmas, all!