While in Spokane...

(Grandma Suzanne, June, Me and Nora)

This last week, my Husband had to go to California for some meetings so we went to spend a week with my mom, Grandma Suzanne. After surviving on our own during the last Germany and Spain trips, we felt we deserved a break.

Its so nice to be there. The kids have "new" toys to play with. Plus, they get spoiled with lots of T.V. and computer time. Which I allow cause I usually spoil myself with a few books. This time I read Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flag. It was a quick, fun read. And bless my mom's heart! She got me the Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency series for an early B-day gift. I do love to read - its just not too often I find the time. If I do get my hands on a book at home - its bad for everyone. So when I am at my mom's, I indulge with as many books as I can fit in!

Spokane has had crazy snow this winter. My mom went to a second hand children's store and got all the kids proper snow clothes. We've worn them a few time at our house, in our snow...but it's nothing like Spokane snow!

"Thanks Grandma!"

(She may look unhappy in the picture, but don't you worry. It was just cause her boot had fallen off. After that, the only time she cried was when she wasn't on the saucer!)

I had never been sledding before. And neither had the kids. June still hasn't...poor neglected! Oh, we had so much fun. Going up and down - again and again!




Although Kyle spent more time down. He'd go down the hill - make himself fall off the saucer thing and then roll around in the snow. Saunter his way up the hill (he's never been too quick about anything.) Lane would go up and down 2 1/2 times to Kyle's 1.

My Aunt Michele had a toboggan style sled that all 3 kids went in together.

Even Grandma Diane joined in on the fun!

It was a nice week (except maybe the part about taking home wicked colds that produced ear infections which caused sleepless nights and tired arms...) I am so glad that we live close to my parents. It so nice to be able to take off and go there so quickly (only about 6 1/2 hour drive!)

Also while we were there, I got together with a couple of my dear cousins. I went by myself! Without any kids! And even though we didn't do much, it was nice to spend time with them and get to know them a little better. We've always lived so far apart growing up that we never knew each other that well. So it was fun to visit with them and find out how much we have in common.

Thanks Staci and Randi!

Oh, and we went back to the sledding hill a couple of days later when Pat flew back to get us. We had to have him in on the fun too! And of course we were having so much fun, that we didn't take pictures. But he had a good time too. SHOW OFF!

Here's a shout out to Spokane snow, Grandma Suzanne, and to my kids who are amazing car travelers! And also a HUGE thank you to my Aunt Michele for taking the pictures for us, since I of course did not have my camera...weird, I know!