More March

I'm clearly very behind in updating the blog this year. So some pictures to tell more of the story of our March. 

When the kids have after school activity on Wednesdays, Aaron and I go to happy hour together to spend some time together. Sometimes we will read a book, sometimes we play a game, and sometimes we just talk. 

Aaron drew this picture of us together. He sure has such a sweet and kind heart. And have I mentioned he loves Star Wars and loves surfing in Hawaii? This shirt couldn't have been more perfect for him. May the surf be with you. 

Just after Jeff was released from the hospital, friends were in town for some spring skiing. It was great medicine for Jeff to have them here and the kids all had a blast together as well. 

Aaron's birthday

Happy 7th birthday dear Aaron! Time sure is flying by. You still love Star Wars, but especially Yoda. Keep on being the sweet boy that you are. We love you!

March

While Hawaii was great fun, reality kicked in upon our return. After multiple ER trips and incorrect diagnoses, we learned Jeff had a dissected artery. We don't know how he got it, what caused it, etc., but thankfully they were able to help his pain somewhat and figure out a treatment course during his several days in the hospital.


Jeff telling me how he really feels about the excruciating pain. This was probably the 3rd ER visit where they finally admitted him since they realized they did not have a correct diagnosis. 

Aaron snuggling with Kyle for comfort while Jeff was in the hospital

Jeff and I had a game of hospital bedside scrabble going. Some apropos words there. 

Winter

Some pictures of our winter...

Uncle Eric sent the kids Patriots hats to celebrate their Super Bowl win

Aaron celebrated 100 days of school with some fun specs

And made us happy hour drinks with them on

Aaron slept like he does so well

The kids and I went to see Wicked. Jeff was out of town in SF with his brothers and friends having a great time. 

Raleigh

After being away from North Carolina for over 1.5 years, I had the chance to go back for a quick weekend visit to see my best friend. Was awesome catching up where we left off and hitting our hot spots. 

Duke Gardens

Azitra

Some axe throwing

I hit a bulls-eye on my last throw and it's even captured on video

Deer Valley

Some of the great perks with our ski pass include several days at other resorts to try them out. This year, they had 2 free days at Deer Valley so we had a nice weekend stay-cation in Deer Valley for some skiing. Very much a groomed resort but wide open. A lot fancier than our beloved Snowbird.

Aaron took a spill on one of the moguled black runs and needed ski patrol assistance. It was his first ride with ski patrol and it seems he enjoyed it. Fatigue combined with hitting his knee I think exacerbated the injury. He was totally fine walking that evening and skied the next day as well.

 Three little monkeys sleeping on a bed

Aaron and Mommy skiing the next day 

Kyle understands puns

Merry Christmas! Today Kyle finally understood puns. This was after he made a pun joke himself. In a Gallatin Montana BBQ joint after a harrowing late night drive on Christmas Day, the kids were admiring a sign which charged $0.10 for complaining and $0.20 for whining. Jeff reminding the kids (boys) that they have to lift the seat when they pee. Kyle says "yes, it's a standing rule". Jeff and I about spit out our beer. He gets it!
We exclaim our surprise that after 12 years he understands a pun. The best part was his explanation: yes, it's a correlation! Oh Kyle

Montana

For Hanukkah, we decided we would all go to Big Sky, Montana for some family skiing. Another perk of our home ski pass is discounts on other mountains to try them out. Big Sky did not disappoint. It was amazing - huge and wide open and so many runs. We had a great time skiing and dog sledding. 

We celebrated Christmas Day and then hit the road. The drive there was uneventful until we were about 2 hours out when it became whiteout conditions on windy, icy roads with no shoulder and signs to be aware for crossing wildlife and no lighting. I was driving but could not find a safe place to pull over to switch driving. We eventually got just outside of Yellowstone at a gas station where we could change up drivers. When we made it into town, it was late and we were all very hungry. We stopped at a great saloon that was very lively and warm and very welcoming. 

First day skiing was awesome with loads of powder. Nevermind it was 20 below zero. Lots of hot chocolate helped though it was absolutely frigid. But great skiing. Nevermind the locals said it wasn't great skiing because they hadn't had huge dumps of snow yet. Good enough for us. 

We also went dog sledding while in Montana. Those dogs are work horses! The kids all got to drive the sleds for a little bit as well. 

The drive home also had its own white out conditions. Not an easy drive at all.