Each year we brave the winter cold and deep snow to go snowmobiling at the cabin. And each year proves to be a unique adventure. This year the adventure started right off the bat when we were so lucky to find our way to the cabin, haul in all of our gear, make a path to the cabin in very deep snow, and try to get warm, all in the dark! This is something we try to avoid but is not always possible. Andy
Eberhardt came with us again this year for the 3rd year in a row and he brought his son
Cade with him. This was the first year we let
Stratton come.
Cade and
Stratton had a great time together and loved sledding and snowmobiling until their toes would get too cold and so I would take them back to the cabin where they would play with the Star Wars guys endlessly. However, the first time
Stratton got pulled on a sled behind a snowmobile, he got so much snow in his face, his glove fell off, and he was so freezing cold that he came right back to the cabin and announced that he was done with the snow! But after some coaxing we got him back out there and he ended up loving it! The boys always love to explore, and with strict instruction from me to be safe, they don't always listen, but all was well even when
Haden got the snowmobile stuck in a creek! Luckily inch by inch they were able to get the snowmobile out and came back to the cabin sopping wet, but safe and sound!
Haden got to drive the snowmobile a lot on this trip for the first time. Andrew absolutely loves to snowmobile, this is always a winter highlight for him - he got thrown off the tube many times and always got right back up for more.
Stratton (overall) really enjoyed his first snowmobiling
experience. Troy and Andy always have a great time! And as for me, well, after the nightmare of packing, shopping, and laundry, and without any running water at the cabin its about as hard core as I get I have to admit, it is a fun trip. I enjoy watching my family have a great time together, I love the talking and laughing and relaxing we do at the cabin, and enjoying the beauties of nature together. But I'm always happy and relieved to come home safe and sound.... until next year, when we do it all over again.
Yes, it's our very own American Idol. Haden was voted "Most likely to be an American Idol" by the 7th grade class at Syracuse Jr. High. I guess he has earned this recognition due to his obsession not only with music but apparently singing his favorite music, as I've been told, all the time, usually a little off key, but with great enthusiasm. Haden proudly wore his lovely sign all day long and even let me take a picture of him when he got home (reluctantly). The American Idol season 8 just began and we always enjoy watching it together as a family. We are so proud of our very own American Idol, who is not afraid to share is passion for music... maybe I can talk him into taking some voice lessons now!
This past Sunday Stratton decided all on his own that he wanted to prepare the FHE lesson. He came up with the idea all by himself and began to draw and decorate the pictures you see in this photo. His lesson was about families. One picture was a happy family and one was a sad family. He led a discussion (with help from mom) about what makes a happy family and what makes a sad family. We determined that we are a very happy family. We have our moments like any other family, but we love each other and have fun together! After the lesson Stratton had his favorite family home evening game ready to play; the hot and cold game. Grandpa and Grandma Harris joined us for the game and dessert, Texas loaf cake (Haden's choice). It was a fun evening. Stratton is such a great little boy, he adds so much to our family!
Haden is a really great kid (now teenager)! I used to be afraid of being a mom of a teenager, but Haden has made the transition super easy and fun for me. Haden is so humble and would never brag about himself but, moms have bragging rights sometimes, so that's what I'm going to do! In this picture Haden had just returned home from his Ballroom dance team performance... he absolutely did not want me to take a picture of him, but he finally let me (trying to hide behind the pillar). This is Haden's 2nd year on the Ballroom team. He has had a lot of fun with it. Although he probably would not admit this, he is a true performer. We enjoy watching him perform so much! He was also voted as the Ballroom team captain. This is his first year in Jr. High and he has moved right into this new experience without a glitch. He makes my life so easy, because he is so responsible and is a great student. He got straight A's his first two quarters and his teachers rave about what a great student he is and how bright he is. He has lots of friends and has texting down to a science! He helps me out so much tending his brothers and sister and helping me out around the house. He will do pretty much whatever I ask of him, he spoils me rotten!
