Let it Snow!

At the end of February we got another refreshing dump of measurable snow. We drove up to higher elevation to meet friends at one of the sled hills. It was overcast, but the kids had sunny attitudes :)

Gretchen had a snowball fight with the kids, who cleverly used their sleds as shields haha!

It was lovely to be outside as the snow flakes fluttered from the sky. This was a real February moment :)

Top-of-the-hill power pose:

We decided to continue the fun and drive up to Upper Lehman:

It's quiet in Great Basin National Park this time of year.
A flock of turkeys flew to the trees behind us....

Matthew had the idea to shovel out a tunnel. He initiated a digging party and soon they were crawling through.....

We managed to find some ice cycles, to Willow's delight!

What a mighty fine day!

Flying Through February

 Our friend, Emma, turned 8 this month. We helped her ring in her birthday.....

We've cheered on the Hawks! We have to drive an hour up a gravel road. You don't just "find yourself at these games" it takes an effort haha.

We've been getting out on our wheels under the sun (bike, roller blade, rip-stick, skate board).

Willow Art (snowflake? Maybe she's dreaming of more snow?)
 I need to document more of her art.

Playful, colorful, sweet child 'o mine! 
 #lifeislikeaboxofcrayons

The cousins came out to visit for the extended weekend. We thought we better take advantage of the warm temperatures and go for an adventure. We decided to meet Gretchen, Matthew, and Emma at petroglyph canyon. It was 60 degrees! Is it really February? Warm enough to see a whip snake and lizard.

You have to look carefully to see the details on the rocks......

The kids loved climbing around the rocks. Maddie isn't quite old for that yet.
 She settled for Audrey's lap :)

Willow decided to attach herself to Sydnie that day   :)

My attempt of a pano shot of the canyon:

What a great day!
While Audrey was here she gave Zig Zag a buzz cut  :)

We usually let the girls have a slumber party at least one night:

Time with family is always too short.

Jovial Jaunts

It's mid-February and we still haven't had a real winter season. I could get used to it because we've been outside more. But, having too dry of a landscape, especially in the high country is scary for many reasons. I hope we have a rainy Spring.
I've been hiking the hills around EskDale (when I take Willow to preschool) at least one day a week.
I try to target new places I haven't been or haven't visited in 20 + years. The dogs has grown fond of these adventures and Jupiter now doesn't hesitate to jump into the truck haha.

February in Snake Valley, peering West to Wheeler:

Looking East towards Egyptian Head peak:

It's been nice to get the kids out. John and I took them up around the hills of Garrison. There are so many cool places to explore over there. I plan on returning again to other spots. It was windy this day. But, the sunshine makes up for it.

We found super cool rock shelters. This one was large! Photograph-worthy!

These little jaunts around the valley help break up the day to day routine. They also steer us away from the distractions, known as digital heroine. Haha.