January/february 2020

 In the quiet months before life was turned upside down by coronavirus, we spent January playing in the snow, finishing up our service projects for school, and enjoying scouting activities





January in Utah can be a bit rough.  As the magic of Christmas comes to an end we find ourselves in the middle of winter.  For the snow-sport lover, this time of year is not only preferred, but often seen as the best time of the year.  While I LOVE the snow and find it to be a cozy and comforting sight, I also love green trees and being able to go outside in shorts and flip flops.  I miss camping, greenery, and the ease of warmer days.  My soul MUST regularly have nature time in order for my mental health to remain in good condition.  We have been trying to get out more no matter the weather, because all seasons really are amazing and should be celebrated!  We invested in some snow shoes and took the boys hiking.  Unfortunately, we found ourselves high on the mountain during a snow storm.  While I wanted to continue onward towards our destination, Jason thought it best to not get lost in the woods in possible white out conditions.  We decided to head back as the snow started falling more heavily. Being in the mountains during a snow storm was so magical.  It was heavenly.  We let the boys sled for a while on a hill close to the parking lot until I lost all feeling in my toes and fingers.  Even though we didn't make it very far and had to deal with a year's worth of complaining within an hours time, I love moments like these.

Random Chase creation with packing peanuts 

Handsome Chase has been growing out his hair.  His two opposing cowlicks makes any hair style stick straight up in the back of his head and requires the stronger gel on the market.  We are hoping the longer the hair on top, the more manageable.

Cub scouts pinewood derby and Blue and Gold dinner.

 

The boy's Charter school requires them to do a service project every year.  This year Wesley helped to buy and pack shoe boxes to be shipped to children in other countries.  Blake asked Grandma to make some hats and blankets and got to deliver them to the labor and delivery unit at the local hospital (right before things got crazy). Chase helped his old Kindergarten teacher for a day.  He helped take down and hang up art work, assess the students, and do other tasks around the classroom.

 Also,

Also, both Chase and Wesley had big projects that they were able to complete before the schools shut down.  Wesley had a big 5th grade exhibition project that he and two classmates had been working on for moths.  The topic was climate change, and they had to research, do service regarding the topic, interview an expert in the field, and do a presentation in front of the school.  Chase got to participate in a living museum.  He had to pick a hero, write a report on him/her, and present facts dressed up as that hero.  He chose Martin Luther King.  He is so shy and quiet, so this really pushed his comfort zone.  However, he did a great job and I'm so proud of my boys!

I'm so happy the boys got to have their school Valentine party!  Who knows when that will get to happen again!

Chase wanted a "soccer field" Valentine box 

Look at all those cute mask-less faces! 

Chase and his good friend Dean participated in a ski program that busses them up to the mountain.  I LOVE this program - I hope it is offered again this year!!