Well, it's time for my annual self-induced guilt trip for not keeping up with things on the blog. It happens about once a year, where a lot of time goes by and I don't write anything, and then I look up and I see our printed Hazard Chronicles on the shelf, which makes me want to write again but by now I have started to forget details of certain things, which leads to not having anything to write about, which leads to the thoughts that I am letting all these memories slip by unrecorded, which leads to feelings of failure, regret, and inadequacy, which leads to a renewed resolve to do better, which finally gets me on here to start writing again.

So, here I am.

March seems to be flying by. The weather is finally starting to warm up and we are all excited for the coming of spring. The kids are out on their bikes again, or jumping on the trampoline, or wandering the neighborhood with friends who are also coming out of cold-weather hibernation. I have started running more and doing some climbing-specific routines in hopes of getting in shape for the summer. Rachel also finished a pretty intense workout program, and in doing so beat me in a bet that we had regarding our fitness goals. As much as I dislike losing, I am proud of her.

The biggest event as a family would be the renewal of our annual season ski passes, this time at a new and much larger resort than we have been going to. This one (Silver Mountain) has steeper runs, more variety, a winter village, a bike park in the summer, and the largest indoor water-park in Idaho. It is also only a 40 minute drive from our house instead of an hour- a difference that feels more significant than it actually is, but which is certainly nice considering how often we get out. We have already had some beautiful spring skiing there, and it will definitely give us something to look forward to for next year when the snow starts falling again.

Yesterday I went and watched Evelyn and her challenge team participate in a robotics contest that took place across our school district. Her team won first place for teamwork and it was clear that they were all having a good time. It was also rewarding as a parent to watch her in her element with people she liked being with. She has matured so much lately and is turning into a pretty awesome young woman. Her other big accomplishment this month is finishing her babysitting class with the Red Cross, a situation that is really a win-win deal for our whole family. She now has a source of income that, considering how often Rach and I get out, can start adding up pretty quickly. Meanwhile, Rach and I are probably saving hundreds of dollars each month in being able to pay her a little bit instead of paying someone else a lot.

Alright, well, that was a quick update. I need to get ready for work now, but I'll try to be better about getting on here at least on a weekly basis.

Have a good week!

Houston Family Reunion

The easiest way to recognize a post written by me is that it is written at least a month after the event happened! This is a great place to write a shout out to Logan for how awesome he is with keeping up on the blog and writing about our family adventures. Thank you, my Love!

About a month ago I flew out to Houston for an extended Almond family reunion. I was lucky to go a few days early to have some time with Deanna and Dave and their family. I loved catching up with Deanna and having some quality time talking and getting things ready for when the rest of the group was scheduled to arrive. Fun fact:  I am officially the age that Deanna was when I came to live with her in Texas! We had a lot to catch up on.

Family began arriving on Friday and the fun was nonstop until Sunday! There was a perfect blend of activities, food, and down time to enjoy each other's company. I will let the pictures do the talking on this one!

This trip was a great recharge for me.  I enjoy being out and having the ability to be spontaneous and not have any worries about anyone except for myself. This does not happen very often and I recognize it as a blessing when it does. I am extremely thankful that Logan took on both of our responsibilities at home for me to be able to have a week with my family.

On to the pictures!

Yoga on the back deck in the early light of morning is the perfect way to start the day!

Relay races were a hit!  This is the best picture that includes most of us. Family is awesome!

Relay race madness!

Just the right amount of time to visit

I have wanted to try an SUP for a long time.  I didn't fall, even though the bets were agents me (thanks Robert!)

Deanna and I had some much needed time together!

The weather was perfect for our trip to the zoo

Sushi with Deanna and the crew

After the official reunion ended we headed to Austin for a quick trip to Loralee and Robert's lovely home.  We enjoyed time together, a dip in the pool, and a visit to a cute little bakery.

A bit of rain only enhances the hot tub experience!

I feel like I had the perfect mix of experiences for relaxation and rejuvenation!  A few of the highlights included: sun infused early morning yoga on the deck with my mom and the bluebirds, my first SUP experience, a quick and energizing bike ride with Kendra and Brandon, soaking in the hot tub in the rain, talk time with Shannon and Marissa on the drive to Austin, catching up with some of my favorite aunts, uncles, and cousins, enjoying brunch at a cute French cafe, and just enjoying every second!

Until next time!

Birthday party time!

In Logan's last post he mentioned that birthday's last FOREVER around here.  Well... He was right! Honestly though, the parties with friends are my favorite.  I love planning activities and decorations, and lately it has been fun planning with the kids. Ev had more of a hand in planning the party this year than in previous years and I loved it! Hands down the cake is my favorite part.  I love planning for and creating fun cakes.  I could have been very happy working in a bakery as a cake creator!

Evelyn had her three best friends at the party. This group has been together for years and I loved listening to their fun conversations with the realization that they have a lot of shared history to work from. This was a landmark party for us in that the younger siblings did not attend.

This picture makes me smile because it perfectly catches each person's personality!

These games are always a hit!

Hedwig was the talk of the party!


Have a great week!