I really and truly thought that I would be more of an actual *blogger*, not just a seasonal, random, photo-taking and posting kind of hobby-blogger. But sadly, I'm not. I love the process of selecting photos, thinking of clever things to write, and recapping our days, but I just haven't figured out how to carve out time to actually get it done without leaving some child or chore completely neglected. Today, though, I'm home with a child who is sick with bronchitis, and he's watching a movie on TV. Daddy and Peanut are off to Rhode Island for a Taekwondo tournament, and I'm anxiously awaiting updates from the event. So, I find myself with few minutes to spare, and photos to upload, so here goes!
Our winter months were very snowy and cold, but we were able to embrace the winter and enjoy skiing, including a long weekend to Vermont to ski at Okemo. The boys have done great with lessons, and really love skiing. Marc has done really well, too, even though he had not skied in at least 10 years. Now for me, skiing was more of a challenge. First of all, I'm scared -- of falling, of going too fast, of the ski lift, of other skiers and snowboarders -- you get the picture. I'm just not that athletic, but because all my boys love it, I decided to take lessons and do my best. Thank goodness for Hank and Marty and Tom, 3 instructors at Okemo who were so patient and kind, and strong enough to haul me up when I fell down again. After two days on the beginner slope, I was actually doing okay. I could use the "magic carpet" (conveyor belt for people on skis) to get up the hill, then ski ever-so-slowly down, mostly without falling. The one big snafoo was that I had boots that were not *quite* right, and they bruised my shins and big toe to the point that now, 2 months later, my toenail is still black. Next year I'll try again, though, with better boots and a little more confidence that I can do it. Here's just one photo of the boys, getting ready to hit the slopes:
Our next adventure was a long weekend trip to the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. We were there for three nights with my mother, brother, and sister and her family, so a total of 11 of us all together in a very lovely 4-bedroom cottage. It was a wonderful weekend together, given to us as a Christmas gift from my mom. What a great gift to have our family together, especially since we all live so far away from one another. We enjoyed delicious meals, swimming, bowling, exploring, and just enjoying being together to catch up. It is truly a beautiful resort, and we loved every minute of it!
This is the famous Spring House, where people would come to "take the waters" for their healing properties
Do you see Bugaboo? He's pretending to be a mannequin in the Ralph Lauren window -- perhaps the only time ever that he's stood still for more than 5 seconds!
Here's Peanut, all dressed for dinner -- he loved wearing his jacket and tie every night for dinner!
A rare photo of me with the boys -- Cheese!
In March, Peanut competed in his first Taekwondo tournament. What an experience! He competed in board breaking, forms, and sparring. In board breaking, Peanut had 4 boards to break using a variety of techniques, and he did great, earning a SILVER medal! In forms, Peanut had to memorize and perform a whole series of moves, kicks, turns, etc. It requires concentration and confidence, and I could tell he was nervous, but he did his best and earned a BRONZE medal! Then, in sparring, Peanut had to spar against one of his teammates, kicking and striking to earn points. Sparring is very difficult and fast paced, but Peanut did well and earned another BRONZE medal. We were thrilled with his performance, and he was so proud to have earned 3 medals during his first competition.
Peanut getting ready for his board breaking event
Peanut with his master and teammates -- Great job, guys!
Sweaty and tired, but so proud of his medals
Posing at home, trying to look tough
Finally, just a few other photos from recent weeks:
Um, that's me, making my birthday dinner, to enjoy with my good friend Kelly and my boys. I'm really a goof :)
Here's Peanut, sans front tooth -- he really looks like a big boy now!
Well, that's the update for now. I hope to make this more of a regular thing, especially with spring coming, baseball starting, and more events on the calendar to capture on film and share with you!
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