Weekend Warriors

The nice weather down here in the South definitely changes the dynamics of our climbing seasons. Being able to climb all winter is pretty cool but lends to a harder time finding much needed downtime. I guess our true downtime will be in the summer when it's too hot and humid to go outside. After our Fall/Winter season, we did slow down and only make runs up to Alabama and Tennessee here and there like New Years and MLK Day weekends. It breaks up being at home and goes perfect with training.

We've been to Horse Pens 40, Rock Town, Little Rock City (Stone Fort) and experienced some real winter temps! One day the boys stayed huddled together for hours to keep warm and happy. That was a short climbing day! :)

Our climber photog friend, Dan Brayack, took these four photos of Mike and I. He also convinced me to pose for this shot now used here...http://www.elementclimbing.com/Default.asp. Thanks Dan!

I rarely have climbing photos of the two of us. Usually my camera is focuse on two cute little boys. :) This is bouldering!

Playing with my new camera..

Our friend Paul joined us for his usually abuse from those ages 6 and under!

Axel is sure getting big these days...and tall!!

Lucas learning about heal-hooks...

And, showing Daddy that he already knows everything there is to know about climbing.

Keeping warm!

While Daddy, Shawn, Anthony & Mommy climb in the cold temps.

So sweet!

Florida's Winter

After spending my entire life in areas that experience a snowy Winter season, it's really weird to be in Florida. Our weather this week has been in the low to mid 70's, humid, cloudy and rainy. As we enjoy the wonderful weather down here, the NW gets pounded by snow storms, friends report amazing snow conditions in Utah and I watch video of cars sliding of the icy roads in the North.

Winter is passing us by and if it weren't for the missing leaves on the trees and the few cold nights we've had, we would assume that it was a never-ending Spring or Fall.

I'm not complaining. I promise. Just noting that it is weird to send the boys outside in January armed with their rain boots and smiles for some awesome puddle jumping with the neighbors.

They laughed. They splashed. They had good old fashioned fun. And GOT super wet!
Too be a kid again! :)

Axel's Girl

Meet Riley! She's the girl Axel has fallen in love with. She is two years old and lives right across the street. There is not a day that goes by where her name in not mentioned in our house.

Words from Axel...

"Riley is my best friend!"

"I'm saving one for Riley too."

"I want bubbledum and I have a piece for Riley too."

"I want to go to Riley's house."

"Maybe Riley could come to my house and see my track?"

"Riiilllleee!"

He yells out the front door in hopes of her answering back.

I hear these cute little bits and pieces throughout the day. These two are buds and play so well together.

This girl has a sassy streak! :)

Axel is a follower...he picked a cute one to follow this time around.

He's in love! So much that he even shared his favorite outfit!

She finally gave in for the snuggle photo but only for a second.

Axel noticed the zipper was not totally zipped up so he was eager to help.

Perfect!

Yesterday morning Axel built a Lincoln Log house with Daddy in the morning. It was a perfect start to what was going to be a great day...Riley was coming back over after lunch!

This time, he was all ready to share his trains. And look, they even match!

It's so fun to have wonderful neighbors and ones with cute 2 year olds!

Christmas Day 2011

On Christmas morning we usually wait for the boys to wake up and jump in our bed to "wake" us up. When everyone is awake, we all go out to the living room together. Lucas confessed that he always takes a sneak peak just to be sure Santa really came and then heads to our bedroom. I love this. He's done this for as long as I can remember and I remember doing the same thing as a child...oh the magic of Christmas!

He had come! Santa was here and he delievered SCOOTERS!

Stockings are my favorite part of Christmas presents. I've always loved the small treasures you find deep in your stocking...things you've dreamed of and others you've never even thought of.

They boys made out like fat rats in the stocking department!

Axel could not believe Santa left him his very own Coke in the coolest bottle ever!

Daddy got some climbing gear...we always need more climbing gear! :)

Such a happy morning!

Lucas wanted Wuggle Pets for months. It's like a build-a-bear but it's a kit to do at home on a smaller scale. We get this funny kids show at our cabin and this was one of the commercials that he just couldn't shake! Santa came through!!!

Daddy found a very special suprise in his stocking this year. Lucas really wanted to do something special and different. After asking Aunt Kate, Mommy and a few others, he determined that a treasure hunt would be perfect. While in Orlando, Lucas spied on Daddy to see what things he liked in various stores. Daddy showed big interest in the Ghiridelli store...chocolate is always good for Daddy but it was going to require a little work on his part. DADDY'S CHRISTMAS PRESENT TREASURE HUNT! I think we have a new tradition boys!

#1. "You now have your map, let your journy begin. For your next clue, look near the top by a star that shines bright." - Christmas Tree

#2. "A place where Lucas & Axel sleep. Look high & low, don't forget under the pillow!" - Boys Room

#3. "For your first gift, look in a place you find stuff to eat." - Kitchen

#4. "Helmets, bikes and gloves. Head to the garage by the things that you love." - Garage

#5. "When the sun goes down & your eyes get tired...it's a place of rest, go look in the blue chest." - Master bedroom

#6. "PBSkids.org, a place where you're never bored. Look at the seat but stay on your feet." - Computer Desk

#7."Look for a treat. It might be sweet. I'm not a liar, go look in the DRYER!" - Laundry Room

#8."Take all 3 gifts back to the tree. Open them up so you can see. Love, Lucas & Axel"

Daddy was thrilled to receive a Ghiridelli Cookbook, baking chocolate and a carmel chocolate bar so we could bring some of those tasty treats too life while enjoying some now.

Hugs all around and one very happy Daddy!

Cap guns...and let me tell you, these suckers are loud!

Daddy was so HAPPY to get more climbing holds for our treadwall!Axel even took time to play with each gift...super cute!

Socks and bra enhancements! :) Just what I NEED!! HA!

LOVE.IT!

Lucas thought he was top dog when he found out the biggest box was for him.

He quickly learned that size does not matter when it comes to gifts. His big box held a Wii game along with some weights and a big sleeping bag used to make the box heavy! Sneaky Daddy!!

Axel DID.NOT.CARE about the size of his gifts!

New ear phones!

Axel loved tearing into those gifts and squealed with delight each time the present was revealed.

Shrinky-dinks! Do you remember these? I forgot just how cool they are to watch as they curl into a ball, flatten out and get tiny.

Rain coats! We are ready for spring climbing season.

Remote controlled vehicles.

Whoot! New pans for the fam!

We made a wonderful mess in between a delicious breakfast of real yeast Belgian Waffles...another new tradition! :) What a wonderful morning! I love seeing the magic of Christmas through our two amazing boys! We love you Axel & Lucas. Merry Christmas!