Smiles and Rosy Cheeks

We took a little trip to the Great Frozen North, otherwise known as Island Park. We went to stay with friends at their cabin for a couple days. We borrowed a 4-wheeler from my dad and headed North. The trip there was uneventful. (Other than Ryan crying the whole way.) We got to the cabin and it had been snowing a little. To get to the cabin you go uphill, then around a curve and straight downhill. To get in the driveway, you take a quick left up a hill and you are there. We came around the curve, down the hill and just kept going. There was no stopping us with the trailer behind. We slid the whole way down. Ok, we'll try again. Slower. This time, we were sliding a little but much more controlled. Turning into the driveway was another matter. No turning. Just crashing. We screeched to a stop just before hitting some trees and falling off the hill. (I am probably making it more dramatic than it was but it was a little nerve wracking!) We screeched to a stop and all the kids yelled, "Get me out of this car!" We got out and let the guys deal with getting the car in the driveway and what to do with the trailer.

I took this picture from the window of the cabin. I didn't want to watch. Here the guys have the car backed up and on the road, 4-wheeler unloaded and are ready to park the trailer at the bottom of the hill. Look closely (or click on the picture) and you can see our skid marks where we originally stopped. It doesn't look like we were close to the trees but it sure felt like it.

So, while the guys were taking care of the car, the rest of us went in and started warming up the cabin. What an awesome cabin it was!! It takes a long time for wood to warm up, though. So, we just stayed in coats and snuggled on the couch!

It wasn't long before Garrett and the other kids wanted to go out and go sledding. I was content to stay in for a while longer so Blaine and Tyler went out with Garrett, Christopher and Creedence. Good snow clothes are a must here!

The boys slid down the hill and then hooked up to be pulled behind the 4-wheeler the rest of the way. They loved it and were crazy on the sleds! It was snowing lightly as you can tell.

The next day was cold. Not too cold to go sledding, though. Here is Hannah and Creedence sledding down the hill...heading for the trees and a wreck. Hannah was freaked out.

See how happy she looked after that? So, I took her down the hill on a sled. I think she hated it even more. She just rode on the 4-wheeler after that.

It really was a nice day-as long as you were bundled up. We took a ride on the 4-wheelers with the kids pulling along behind. It was sunny with no wind. Awesome!

We took some pictures along the way. And so did Tyler and Jessica.

Ryan loved it too! What little kid doesn't love playing in the snow?

The boys played out there a lot. Lots of rosy cheeks this weekend.

We headed home on Saturday night for an uneventful drive (except the part where we came down Ashton hill sideways.) It was foggy and we were driving slow. We could see brake lights up ahead and so we started stopping. It was slick, though and although we weren't going fast, we were skidding all over the place. (Again, the trailer does not help anything). There was a truck creeping down the hill, almost stopped. There were 2 cars in front of us trying not to hit the truck and then us trying not to hit the cars. Thank goodness for Blaine's great driving and 4-wheel drive. We were able to get control and make it down the rest of the hill safely. We had an awesome weekend and it was great to get away. Now, back to business...

TODAY I AM THANKFUL FOR:

1. The power of prayer. I know that we were kept safe a number of times this weekend because of the power of prayer. It is comforting to me to know that I can take any problem or worry to the Lord and he will help and comfort me. I know that I have been blessed in my life at other times as well because of the power of prayer.

2. I am thankful that today is sunny. Although it started out foggy, the sun is shining and the weather is mild. I do realize that the snow is important but I love it when it is sunny. It improves my mood immensely. Plus there is no wind today (a rare occurrence in Idaho).

3. I am thankful for being able to visit with my family this week. My aunt Darlou and her family are here visiting from New Hampshire. My aunt Natillie will be flying in today from California. How exciting to have everyone around to see. Although I get to see Natillie more often, I haven't seen Darlou for 4 years! I am thankful to see them whenever I can.

4. I am thankful that I was able to go to church yesterday. Sundays are not always the most restful day but I appreciate being able to go when I can. I am thankful for the things I learn there, the Spirit that I feel there, and the great people I get to associate with there.

5. I am thankful for warm snow clothes. In Island Park, although it was cold we were warm while playing in the snow. I am thankful that I have been able to provide my children with the snow clothes they need to make playing in the snow enjoyable. I am also thankful for my hubby who helped me pick out appropriate snow clothes for myself a few years ago. Each time I go out fully dressed in the boots, hat, gloves, snow pants and coat, I mentally thank him. I don't like to be cold and with my stuff on, I don't. Not even fingers or toes!